Peekskill, NY Salutes Its Main Man
By Henry Naccari
North County News (Peekskill, NY)
While sportswriters of today are busy writing and preaching a common refrain
that all pro athletes are overpaid, selfish bores who only care about
themselves, they miss stories about those who give back and don't forget
about their home towns.
This story shines the media spotlight on a National Basketball Association
(NBA) burgeoning superstar who never forgets about his hometown and accommodates every person seeking a handshake, autograph, or just a moment
of his time to chat with him.
Peekskill native and Los Angeles Clippers star forward Elton Brand - the
former NBA Rookie of the Year for the Chicago Bulls - was mobbed by
well-wishers, former teachers, children and the press at the Peekskill High
School gymnasium last Thursday during his one-day stay to aid in teaching a
free basketball clinic and announce the creation of a web site designed to
improve children's math skills.
Brand, who along with his older brother was raised in Dunbar Heights by his
mom, said he gives back to Peekskill because the city is a part of him.
"Peekskill is me," said the 22-year old Brand. "This community helped raise
me and make me who I am today."
Brand returned to town as part of Elton Brand Youth Day where he helped
launch mathmastery.com and gave basketball clinics to children ranging in
ages 7-14. Mathmastery.com provides rigorous math content, support materials, and fun family activities to increase student achievement in math. The web site's official launch is Aug. 1.
The Elton Brand Foundation has partnered with the site to create the
MathNSports Club, which presents basic math skills, as well as more advanced
skills, within the context of sports. During his press conference, Brand said he struggled with math while growing up, but said he overcame his troubles through rigorous studying and hard work.
He added that he got involved in the web site because math is a skill used
in everyday life, especially sports. "You see math every day in sports and sports statistics," said Brand, the former NCAA Player of the Year at Duke. "The key to being successful in life is understanding math and making it fun for kids to learn."
Those who've taught and coached Brand all said his actions are typical of
the way he carried himself throughout high school and he provides a positive
role model for kids. "The kids need a realistic role model," said Brand's former high school study hall teacher Mel Bolden. "Most of the kids around here remember him from high school. He is part of the family unlike a Michael Jordan who is from Carolina."
High School teacher John Testa said Brand was a student in his publishing
class and called him a model student who worked hard. "He gave me the most respect I have ever gotten from a student," said Testa. "He was interested in learning and honing his computer skills and worked hard at it."
Both men said they think "it is great" that Brand, who was traded to the
Clippers just two weeks ago after two years in Chicago, gives back to the
community on a regular basis. "He was a role model all through high school and once he got accepted to Duke his status went through the roof," said Testa. "Everyone looks up to him and he knows what it takes to be a success."
His former high school basketball coach Lou Panzanaro recalled Brand being
an A student with tremendous basketball skills. "His work ethic exceeded his skill," said Panzanaro. "He is mentally tough and respectful."
Even though he is showered with praise wherever and whenever he sets foot in
Peekskill one thing remains constant: Brand remains humble, approachable,
and friendly.
Too bad the same thing can't be said about more of today's athletes.
