To conclude the Warriors Back to School in the Bay community initiative, Warriors Forward Marreese Speights dropped by San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley Middle School to meet with 30 of the school’s at-risk youth to encourage them to stay focused and overcome obstacles that come before them this school year. Speights discussed his path to the NBA, hosted a chalk talk with WiLD 94.9 morning show Host JV, as well as provided a special incentive for the students to improve their schoolwork this year.
“It’s important to stick to your schoolwork and listen to your teachers, because it may not seem important to you now, but when you get to a higher level it will all make a difference in the future,” said Speights.
Speights shared his journey from St. Petersburg, Florida and being raised without a father present in his life to joining Florida’s 2007 National Championship team as a freshman and being drafted in the first round of the 2008 NBA draft. Speights discussed the positive impact that basketball played on his personal life, as well as the pitfalls that he was able to avoid on his path to the NBA.
“Listening to Marreese sharing his personal story with the students, I know for a fact that some of them are going through the same trials and tribulations that he experienced as a child, so the message really hit home for many of them,” said Visitacion Valley Middle School Principal Gloria Minjares.
Speights also surprised the students by announcing that if the students continue to attend classes, stay in uniform and improve their classroom behavior and performance this marking period, he will host them at Oracle Arena for a Warriors game this season.
“The opportunity Marreese has provided the students is incredible and will truly motivate them to take his advice, avoiding all distractions and roadblocks on the path to success,” said Commissioner on the Board of Education and the Mayor’s Senior Advisor on Education and Family Services Hydra Mendoza.
After a Q&A with the students, Speights took photos with the youth, handed out Warriors drawstring backpacks and merchandise, as well as signed autographs and shared encouraging words with each of them.
“Anything is possible if you keep your mind on your dreams, avoid hanging out with the wrong people and be blessed every day,” said Speights.
This is the final event of the Warriors' “Back to School in the Bay: 5 Schools in 5 Days” initiative to help raise awareness about the importance of education in the Bay Area. Before the students returned to class, Speights wished each of them the best of luck and said he hopes to see them at Oracle Arena this season.
“I do this for the kids to show them there is a different way to do things and to stay on the path they need to,” said Speights.