On February 16, 100 student athletes at Chalmette High School filed into the Technical Theater at the Chalmette High School Cultural Arts Center to hear a very important message – education is the avenue to a successful athletic career.
Arnie Fielkow, former New Orleans City Council member and current President and CEO of the National Basketball Retired Players Association, and Kenny Gattison and Barbara Farris, former professional basketball players, shared their wisdom and perspective on “making it” as an athlete.
A central and key message rang true throughout all three addresses – who you are off the court matters a lot more than who you are on it.
Barbara Farris, Tulane University alumna, WNBA player, and current coach at John Curtis, shared, “Education has always been the avenue to my career success. Use your education to bring you opportunities that enhance and advance your life.”
Joining the students were community and school leaders who play an important role in helping set a strong foundation for students in St. Bernard Parish: School Board Members, Sean Warner, Diana Dysart, and Carl Gaines, Jr.; Meraux Foundation Board Members, Chris and Bill Haines; District Attorney Perry Nicosia, and Gulf Coast Bank Market President Gus Riess.
