Men’s Basketball Coach Jamahl Jackson and Armani Gill ’13 Participate in Boston Scholar Athlete Program
September 25, 2009
Emmanuel's Head Men's Basketball Coach Jamahl Jackson and team newcomer, Armani Gill '13, participated in the Boston Scholar Athlete program held at Wheelock College, on September 19th. The new initiative, made possible by a private partnership between the city of Boston and Roxbury-based Suffolk Construction Co.'s Red & Blue Foundation, calls on a consortium of professional sports teams, colleges and universities, and corporations to enhance opportunities for Boston student-athletes and to promote academic achievement through athletic success.
The event brought together all of the coaches, athletes and parents who are current members of the girls and boys soccer programs in the Boston Public Schools to learn about topics such as academic success strategies, getting on a college-bound track, the resources available in the city for academic support, the college recruitment process, parenting the student-athlete and nutrition.
The event included three separate presentations; one for the student-athletes, one for high school coaches, and one for parents. The presentation to student-athletes included a college student-athlete panel, of which Gill, a former Boston Public Schools student, was a member, sharing tips with high school students about managing academics and athletics in college and being recruited for college.
Jackson was invited to sit on the panel of college coaches, answering questions from the audience regarding academics, athletics or college life in general and to serve as an inspirational role model for the student-athletes.
"The parents and coaches absolutely raved about the professionalism and strong values of Coach Jackson," said Diana Cutaia, Director of Athletics and Sports-Based Initiatives at Wheelock. "As the moderator for the student-athlete panel, Armani also represented Emmanuel in a positive and articulate manner. We were grateful for Emmanuel's participation and truly valued the strong collaborative relationship among our athletic departments."
The Boston Scholar Athlete Program aims to add one men's/women's varsity sport per season for three years, as well as provide academic and athletic support to inner-city athletes. The program also plans to raise funds, form partnerships with academic institutions, athletic organizations, and local businesses and improve coaching resources.
"I felt the cause was fantastic, encouraging our inner-city Boston youth to look at college as a real option for themselves," said Jackson. "I believe we opened the eyes of many students who never thought college could happen for them. Continuing to educate these students and give examples of people who have stood against odds and succeeded is so important because they can identify and relate."
