EHP FYI
Newsletter from Employee Health Promotions
January 2020
‘No more humble beginnings.’ LeBron James, I Promise School featured in new Nike commercial
CLEVELAND — Former Cleveland Cavaliers star forward LeBron James never forgot where he came from and the journey he took to go from someone growing up in inner-city Akron to one of the most recognizable public figures anywhere in the world.
James has used his basketball prowess not just to score points, make passes and block shots, but also, to help those in his hometown, especially with the opening of the I Promise School, and that journey was documented in the latest Nike commercial, which was released Thursday.
“We always hear about an athlete’s humble beginnings, how they emerged from poverty or tragedy to beat the odds,” James narrated. “They’re supposed to be stories of determination that capture the dream. They’re supposed to be stories that let you know that people are special. “But you know what would be really special? If there were no more humble beginnings.”
Following the release of the commercial, James shared the video on his Facebook page with a poignant message. “17 years ago, Nike took a chance on a kid from Akron,” James wrote. “And 17 years later, this has given me the ability to provide opportunities for my 1,400 kids in Akron so that one day, NOTHING is left to chance.
Earlier this year, James was named to Time Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People. The Los Angeles Lakers small forward was recognized for his community activism, specifically the founding and creation of the I Promise School.
“Early heroes will mold a person’s future,” billionaire magnate Warren Buffett wrote of James. “LeBron has justified the adulation of millions and millions of young people, thanks to his ability to live up to enormous expectations on the basketball court, his business successes in Hollywood and media, and his new I Promise School for disadvantaged kids in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. “That adulation will make a positive difference in their lives. And you know what else is exciting? As great as he has been so far -- on and off the court -- you’re just seeing the start of LeBron.”
Funded by the LeBron James Family Foundation and Akron City Schools, the I Promise School is more than just a place for elementary-age students to get an education. There is a food pantry to help families in need and transportation services are available to make sure students get to school.
And the commitment to education has proven fruitful for the students. According to the New York Times, 90 percent of the school’s 240 third and fourth-grade students “met or exceeded” expectations in mathematics and reading, which is a rate higher than in the Akron City Schools District.
Author: Matthew Florjancic, WKYC Cleveland
Published: 11:22 AM EST December 19, 2019
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Other Resources For Your Wellness
- MAPS Community Education and Recreation classes and events are advertised in the seasonal brochure each Fall, Winter and Summer. Employees are eligible for a $10 fee reduction for a class in each brochure. Each individual must register and provide their employee email address and work site. Contact the CER office at 507-387-5501 for more information.
- READY! for Kindergarten. At the time of a requested paternity/maternity leave, an employee is entitled to two (2) years of READY! for Kindergarten Classes advertised in the seasonal Early Childhood Brochure. Registration is conducted through the Early Learning Office by calling 507-625-4620 or stopping by the Family Learning Center, 820 Hubbell in Mankato and completing the paperwork process.
- 2020 MAPS Employee and Dependent Flu Shot Clinic - August 2020