Hundreds of students at River City High School in West Sacramento had the opportunity to hear from professional athletes Wednesday afternoon as part of the “Strong Youth, Strong Communities” event hosted by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Hall of Famers Warren Moon and Darrell Green, along with basketball star Iman McFarland, shared messages of encouragement and support with the students, urging them to pursue their dreams and work hard.”What brings me here is really the passion and concern that I have for the next generation,” said Green, a longtime cornerback and 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.He emphasized the importance of putting in the work, showing up prepared, and staying true to oneself, knowing the many challenges today’s youth face.”I hope that they really understand the message of not giving up, but also embracing the fact that we’re all in this together,” said River City High School Principal Jacob Geivett. “We’re not putting people down. We’re helping everyone be the best person that they can be.”Students also had the chance to ask questions of the panel. The question-and-answer portion of the presentation allowed the athletes to weigh in on balancing school and extracurricular activities, the importance of strong friendships and how to overcome bullying.Green said he hoped his message would resonate far beyond the event. “Our stories are much bigger than these jackets, much bigger,” Green said.The event was held on campus with the help of Big Brothers Big Sisters and Health Net.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Hundreds of students at River City High School in West Sacramento had the opportunity to hear from professional athletes Wednesday afternoon as part of the “Strong Youth, Strong Communities” event hosted by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Hall of Famers Warren Moon and Darrell Green, along with basketball star Iman McFarland, shared messages of encouragement and support with the students, urging them to pursue their dreams and work hard.
“What brings me here is really the passion and concern that I have for the next generation,” said Green, a longtime cornerback and 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.
He emphasized the importance of putting in the work, showing up prepared, and staying true to oneself, knowing the many challenges today’s youth face.
“I hope that they really understand the message of not giving up, but also embracing the fact that we’re all in this together,” said River City High School Principal Jacob Geivett. “We’re not putting people down. We’re helping everyone be the best person that they can be.”
Students also had the chance to ask questions of the panel. The question-and-answer portion of the presentation allowed the athletes to weigh in on balancing school and extracurricular activities, the importance of strong friendships and how to overcome bullying.
Green said he hoped his message would resonate far beyond the event.
“Our stories are much bigger than these jackets, much bigger,” Green said.
The event was held on campus with the help of Big Brothers Big Sisters and Health Net.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel