-By ONYEKACHI OSONDU
LeBron James is a prime example of what an athlete should be. However, LeBron James has proven once again that he’s more than an athlete. Off the court Lebron James has described the opening of his new public school “I Promise” in Akron, Ohio as the most meaningful moment of his career.
The school is a partnership between Akron and the LeBron James Family Foundation, and the idea originated a few years ago when James and his foundation’s leaders planned the next step in their effort to help students. The name of the school stems from the foundations road map for students who promise to go to school, do their homework, listen to teachers, ask questions and find answers, be respectful of others and live a healthy life.
It meets the basic definition, of course, but not only will James’ I Promise School help some of Akron’s most challenged students with education and support, it will provide educational, career and emotional support for parents.
The I Promise School, which is part of the Akron Public Schools, will open with 240 third- and fourth-graders. The school will expand year by year, going to second and fifth grades next year until it is grades 1-8 by 2022.
Nutrition is also central to the school’s mission. Every day students will receive free breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks. They will have access to a fitness trainer. James says that, as a kid, he used his bicycle to explore the different neighborhoods of Akron so he gave a bicycle to every incoming student.
Students get one other notable benefit: If they successfully complete the school program and graduate from high school, James will cover their full tuition at the local public college, University of Akron.
LeBron James is a pillar for hometown and continues to show year after year how great a sportsman he is and how amazing he is as a human being.