On January 26, the Golden State Warriors and ScholarShare held a Scholars of Tomorrow PTA night for students, parents and teachers at Oakland’s Redwood Heights Elementary School, with the discussion focused on the importance of college planning for the youth. Joining the discussion and providing their insights and experiences were Warriors big man Jason Thompson and Assistant Coach Chris DeMarco.
“Thank you for having me tonight; I am excited to talk with you all today about the importance of thinking ahead to the most exciting and valuable possession you will each have – a college education,” said Thompson.
Thompson, who owns a degree in communications along with 2,040 career points during his career at Rider University, shared with the 500 parents and students in attendance what his college experience meant to him, and how his future financial security and success began with that degree.
“I knew the moment t I received my degree I would be financially secure, even if I didn’t play basketball” said Thompson. “After my NBA career I plan to use my degree towards a career in sports broadcasting. I have a plan for what comes next in my career and I want to make the most of my degree.”
Welcoming Thompson and DeMarco were Warriors Public Address Announcer Matt Hurwitz and Redwood Heights Principal Cynthia Bagby-Ellison, who explained to students why thinking and planning for their college educations early on will pay off later.
“When a student knows that there is a plan in place and resources behind him or her to achieve something great, that becomes his or her destiny and something to work harder in the classroom for,” said Principal Bagby-Ellison.
DeMarco spoke to the students about his journey to earn a scholarship to play basketball at Edgewood College in Wisconsin, later losing it due to an injury and transferring to Dominican University in San Rafael with the help of his family. DeMarco, who received his MBA in Global Management from Dominican University, is in his fourth season with the Warriors and has risen from video intern to player development coach for the defending NBA Champions.
“My years in college were a great experience that prepared me for where I am today, and I couldn’t have done that without the financial support of my parents,” said DeMarco. “They were able to save and sacrifice for my college education, which really saved me from student loans and gave me a great start.”
ScholarShare Representative Jennifer Benson spoke to the parents in attendance about supporting their children and giving them an advantage over the competition when it is time to make their college decisions.
Hurwitz, with the help of Thompson and DeMarco, then held a raffle for Redwood Height Elementary students to win special Warriors prizes, with one lucky family earning a $1,000 college savings account, courtesy of ScholarShare.
“I’m hoping that winning this ScholarShare college savings plan will excite them to go to college and be successful in their lives,” said Redwood Heights parent and raffle winner Eva Ramirez.
Before the event concluded, families had the opportunity to visit the PTA and ScholarShare tables for more resources to aid their child’s educations.
Earlier this season, Warriors forward James Michael McAdoo and Community Ambassador Adonal Foyle visited Sunset Elementary School in San Francisco on September 3 to discuss the importance of planning ahead for a college education.