| "Big" Bob Lanier Comes to Abbott House |
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| Thursday, 25 June 2009 19:38 |
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at the Abbott School Academics & Athletics Award Ceremony held Wednesday, June 24, as part of the “NBA Cares” community outreach initiative. “My daddy and mamma always used to tell me, ‘Son, don’t become a victim of your circumstances,’” the six-foot-eleven Mr. Lanier told the foster youth filling the Abbott House auditorium in Irvington. “Don’t ever let anybody tell you that you can’t do anything in life.” “Bob Lanier is a true ‘pro’ on so many levels: an accomplished athlete, an inspiring speaker and an enthusiastic spirit,” said Abbott House President & CEO Claude B. Meyers. “It was a pleasure to welcome him to our campus and into the lives of the youth in our care. He really gave them someone to look up to—literally!” Mr. Lanier explained how to take “P-R-I-D-E” in yourself: Assuming a “Positive Mental Attitude,” showing “Respect” for others, making “Intelligent Choices,” following your “Dreams” and making a dedicated “Effort in Education.” It was a message that struck a chord with the nearly-100 children and adolescents in attendance who were being recognized for outstanding achievement in academics, student government, citizenship, leadership and sports achievement. “The only way you don’t stop yourself is if you believe in yourself,” Mr. Lanier concluded. His message was echoed by Abbott House youth Omari, who stood up and declared, “If you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything.”� |



















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