Former NFL players speak to Adrian students

By MICHELE BURRIS

Adrian FCCLA Advisor Julie Carr and the FCCLA members invited a former New York Giants Superbowl linebacker, a USC Rose Bowl champion and an academic scholar to speak at Adrian R-III last Wednesday to students grades K-12. Keith Davis delivers motivational programs in 47 states and 40 countries to children and young adults.   He is a man who loves to see people succeed.

Traveling with Keith Davis to Adrian was former NFL player Devon Wyman. He was drafted by the New England Patriots, played for the Minnesota Vikings, and played one year for the Kansas City Chiefs. Their motivational presentation encouraged the students to make good choices now and in the future. Audience participation kept the students tuned in closely to what the NFL stars had to say.

Julie Carr’s seventh graders had plenty to say about the assembly. Conrad Walley talked about the audience participation aspect of the assembly. “I thought that the speakers were cool and very able to relate to kids who had bad things happen to them. I thought when they bent the bar and rolled up the skillet, that was neat! It was amazing when he lifted the girls and did a push-up with Mr. Shanks on his back!”

One student, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “The speakers helped me a lot. I have low self-esteem and what they said helped me lots. When they talked about vision I can see what they mean. I absolutely want all my dreams and visions to come true. The part about suicide was very helpful. Even I have thought about suicide but now I see it is pointless. Also I don’t want to hurt my family. Plus the things they said that women are queens helped me to feel better about myself and not see myself as ugly or not smart.”

The assemblies (one for grades K-5, one for 6-12) came to a close when two lucky students were chosen to wear the superbowl rings belonging to both men and Mr. Davis’ Rose Bowl jersey.

Bringing two former professional athletes is a feat that was possible because the cooperative effort of FCCLA members, Adrian PTO, Adrian Student Council and the Adrian Optimist Club.

Mr. Davis left a special souvenir for Adrian R-III. The iron bar he bent (in his mouth and with his bare hands) will be hanging in the Commons along with pictures and their quotes to constantly remind students of their message.