H.S. Thompson Learning Center is the third school in the nation and the only school in Texas that is receiving a visit from Men’s Health Magazine’s Fit Schools Program.
“What we’ve done for this school is we’re actually bringing in punching bags and speed bags,” said Men’s Health Magazine spokesperson David Jack. “We’re letting them utilize some of the money we’re donating to the school. They will probably utilize it to do something with their basketball hoops, PE equipment and basic stuff like balls for the day to day PE.
The guests brought out all the stops to ensure students stay active.
“They have students that have a lot of struggles in the community here but they produce extremely well,” said DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa. “They’re our highest performing elementary school in the whole city of Dallas. This is just an inspiration for this community.”
DISD Student Dalton Sherman
DISD student Dalton Sherman was one of the guests. Best known for his appearance on Oprah he gave the students plenty to cheer for.
“What got me into motivational speaking was my fourth grade teacher Ms. Redman,” said speaker Dalton Sherman. “She actually saw my talkativeness and used it as her advantage. She put me in an oratorical contest.”
Dalton came to H.S. Thompson Learning Center to offer encouragement and to connect with his peers.
“Me and my dad pray everytime before I speak,” said Dalton. “When I get up there the crowd really responds back. That’s when I don’t get nervous anymore.”
Dallas Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin was the main guest. He says Dalton inspired him.
“I think Dalton did more to inspire the kids than me,” said Dallas Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin. “I’m just trying to give them pointers here and there. I think if they take one thing from what I said I think it will better them from what they’ve already accomplished.”
Dr. Hinojosa believes that visits from inspirational figures will make a lasting impression.
“When they see this kind of motivation and this kind of inspiration they’ll remember this for a very long time,” said Hinojosa.
“Them knowing that getting out and having fun is important,” said Hamlin. “Them running around and playing is a great thing for them to be doing instead of just sitting in the house.”
Jack says that learning of the poverty near H.S. Thompson Learning Center makes a big impact.
“The housing projects that they have taken down recently removed the only structured play that a lot of these kids have,” said Jack.
He says the teachers in this school are going beyond the call of duty to ensure each child has all they need to perform.
“Every week they drive up to North Texas Food Bank on their own time to fill up a truck with healthy snacks,” said Jack.
Stories of this kind of dedication shows why H.S. Thompson Learning Center deserves these special visits to ensure they receive much needed funds.
“It was nice of Kenny Hamlin of the Cowboys,” said Jack. “What he’s done with us is based on a certain number of sacks he has in a season including interceptions and tackles he’ll donate money to this school.”
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December 16th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
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