The Lenape Regional High School District Foundation donated $29,000 to help pay for former Boston Celtics’ player Chris Herren to speak to every student about drug abuse and his personal story.
The money was donated at the board of education meeting last week, and was collected through various fundraisers.
The speaking engagement supports the district’s Defy the Issue program, which teaches students the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
“We support everything from the theatre to a number of different projects for the district,” said Ed O’Malley, chairman of the LRHSD Foundation.
According to superintendent of schools Carol Birnbohm, a staffer attended Herren’s speaking engagement while he was in New Jersey. The staff member reported that it was imperative each student hear about Herren’s story.
According to Herren’s website, theherrenproject.org, Herren is a basketball legend from Fall River, Mass. He realized his dreams by playing for the Celtics in the NBA, only to lose it all to addiction. Herren has been drug-free and alcohol-free since Aug. 1, 2008. He has refocused his life to put sobriety and family first. Off the court, Herren continues to share his story with audiences in the hopes of reaching just one person and making a difference in their life.
With the release of his memoir, “Basketball Junkie,” in May 2011, Herren was approached by hundreds of people and their families looking for assistance in their road to recovery.
Inspired by their stories, he formed The Herren Project to educate at-risk populations on addiction and help others in taking the first steps toward recovery and a life of sobriety, the website said.
“His story to recovery is amazing. He would go as far as purchasing cocaine in his Celtics jersey,” O’Malley said. “It’s sad kids are taking prescription pills out of their parents’ cabinet. That’s all it takes. We’re really excited about the difference he can make.”
Two programs will be running at Cherokee, Lenape, Shawnee and Seneca high schools throughout the first semester, ensuring each student hears what Herren has to say.
Additionally, a ninth speaking engagement will be held at the district’s performing arts center at Cherokee on Nov. 18.
LDTV created a commercial, which can be viewed on the district website.
According to O’Malley, a schedule and tickets will be available online.
In other news:
• Birnbohm reported a successful first day of school, thanking the department of transportation for a smooth start. She noted how “energized and enthused” staff members were after summer break. On opening day, teachers were provided with a district presentation, which addressed digital footprint and professional development. The staff was also given an overview of the new evaluation tools.
• Former LRHSD board of education president Joe Fisicaro Sr. was honored for his appointment as vice president for the state Board of Education. He spent 18 years at the LRHSD and he spent 33 years as an educator in the Philadelphia School District. He is currently serving at the Burlington County Institute of Technology as a special education staff member.
• The Shawnee boys’ soccer tean donated its time “on the hottest day of the summer” to help clean up Bob Bende Park, according to Birnbolm.
Shawnee students worked with the Medford Historical Society to help convert the Bunning Farm House into the educational center.
The next board of education meeting is scheduled for Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the District Building at 93 Willow Grove Road in Shamong.
