January 10, 2013
Draymond Green Visits Dianne Feinstein Elementary School
Rookie Partners With ScholarShare to Discuss Importance of Education, College Planning With Students and Families
On Thursday, January 10, Warriors first-year Forward Draymond Green made a surprise visit to San Francisco's Dianne Feinstein Elementary School and West Portal Elementary School's Growth Learning Opportunities (GLO) after-school programs to promote the importance of education and saving for college. Green shared his journey from East Lansing's Longfellow Elementary School to receiving a scholarship to Michigan State University, which led to being drafted 35th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2012 NBA Draft.
"The top two moments of my life were hearing my name called on draft night and walking across the stage during my college graduation," Green explained to the students. "I'm blessed to play basketball for a living but you never know when your NBA career will come to an end; my degree will last a lifetime and it represents all the work I put in to get it."
Green was accompanied on stage by Jennifer Benson, a representative with TIAA-CREF's ScholarShare, California's 529 College Savings Plan. Benson asked the young students in attendance what they would like to be when they grow up and explained how a college education will help them reach their goals as well as prepare them for their future career.
"Whether you want to be a designer, an artist, a basketball player, or a football player, college will help you learn the things that will make you successful and make your dream job come true." Benson said.
Benson then explained that each student will receive a blue Golden State Warriors backpack and that if his or her parent filled out the information sheet included inside, he or she would be eligible to win one of two $500 ScholarShare College Savings Accounts.
Warriors Hype Man Franco Finn emceed the event, asking Draymond about his Business Communications degree and what drove him to attend the college of his dreams.
"The thing that pushed me and made me want to go to college initially was watching Jason Richardson and Mateen Cleaves play for Michigan State. It pushed me and made me want to go to school in elementary and continue on to middle school and high school. You have to find what pushes you and makes you want to do better in school." Green explained to the students.
Along with Warriors backpacks, students were treated to a raffle for autographed Warriors memorabilia, including a signed Draymond Green basketball. Draymond then invited questions from students and parents regarding his first year in the NBA, his height, and the people that helped him achieve his dreams.
"There were times in my life when I didn't take school very seriously, and it took my mom taking basketball away from me to show how important school is. She taught me that school is the step that you have to take to get to your dreams." Green said.
One student who benefitted from the first event between the Warriors and ScholarShare was 5th grader Sascha, who was able to meet Draymond and sit on stage with him during his visit.
"I learned that college is really important and that I should ask to start saving today. I will try to work harder in school and listen to my parents and teachers in order to have a better education." Sascha said after the event.