NBA player, Evan Turner and a newly autographed basketball posed with Glenholme Executive Director and Diana Nichols, the Glenholme parent who coordinated the visit
"This really is an incredible place and the work that you are doing with students is remarkable. I hope to visit again."
Washington, Connecticut (PRWEB) July 28, 2017
On the afternoon of July 20, 2017, The Glenholme School welcomed Evan Turner, a professional NBA player with the Portland Trailblazers, to campus. Upon his arrival, Evan toured the property briefly with three, sport struck, students. At the Center for the Arts, among the entire school community, Evan candidly spoke of his early life, overcoming challenges through persistence and commitment. Sharing his early life experiences with his middle school pals in tow, touting the importance of having friends in life and for life. He shared how he overcame many of his issues opened up students to some of their own questions and continuously stressing the importance of being resilient, giving back, and maintaining one’s health, both physically and mentally. Afterwards, he took to the court for some fun 3-on-3 basketball games with students.
Evan, who is 28 years old, overcame adversity as a young child and went on to earn a long list of basketball accomplishments spanning his high school, college and professional careers. 2010 was a big year for Evan. He was named National Player of the Year and a first-team 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball All-American player and the 2010 Big Ten Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year. He was drafted second overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2010 NBA draft. He continues to play professional basketball and is currently with the Portland Trailblazers.
What encouraged students most was that Even could talk easily about his need for speech therapy to overcome a speech impediment and that he, too, rode the little bus to school every day. From that moment, his message about working hard in school and striving to reach your goals truly resonated with students.
Evan also spoke about being healthy, reaching the ultimate mindset for success, not only in sports and school, but for life, and making certain you show appreciation for those who helped you by giving back.
During the fun basketball competitions, Evan and his friends celebrated every basket as if it were their own and ensured everyone walked off the court feeling successful and special. Afterwards, he posed for a few group photos, signed autographs, and shared more inspirational thoughts and encouragement with individual students.
Aaron, one of the student tour guides, said “Meeting Evan was really great. He gave me some practice and game preparation tips that helped him when he was my age. I’m really interested in playing basketball. It’s hard to believe he had any difficulties when he was little.”
As the first guest to visit The Glenholme School as part of the newly-launched Wellness for Life program, Evan Turner and his inspirational message blended beautifully with the mission of empowering students and staff in leading healthy lives and improving overall wellness.
About The Glenholme School:
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health—The Glenholme School is an independent, coeducational, special needs boarding and day school for young people with high functioning autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, OCD, Tourette, depression, anxiety, and various learning differences. The program provides a treatment milieu designed to build competence socially and academically. Our learning environment supports and enhances the ability for young people with special needs to succeed. Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is a leading nonprofit behavioral health organization that supports many of the most underserved and vulnerable members of our communities. For more information about The Glenholme School and its program, visit http://www.theglenholmeschool.org/.
