Guest speaker — former NBA player Wesley Fluellen (right) is welcomed by Jefferson County Educational Service Center Alternative Schools Director Vance Miller. Mr. Fluellen shared his story of how he turned his life around and became successful, and challenged his students to be their best selves. – Contributed
STEUBENVILLE — Students at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center Alternative School heard an inspiring history from a champion who overcame obstacles in life and on the basketball court.
On Tuesday, former National Basketball Association player Wesley Fleuren, who was named MVP in Europe and won a championship title, shared the powerful true story of his life and the message that students can shape their future through their choices. said. He made the visit through the Sports World program, which connects students with speakers and high-level athlete role models.
Schools offer alternative placements to students for a variety of reasons including suspension, behavior, and other needs. This alternative school is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade from all JCESC member districts.
Fluellen began with a fable about a donkey who was trapped in a hole and the dirt was scraped up, but the donkey was able to shake off the dirt it was buried in and use the pile to climb out.
“They may be abused, bullied or made fun of.” he said. “Take the dirt off, shake it off, and step on it.”
He layered this story on his own life growing up in East Cleveland and the hardships caused by his mother’s struggles with substance abuse and subsequent abuse at the hands of foster parents. Although he was eventually placed with a caring foster family who fought for him, Fleuren said he became internalized. “Negative programming” Or you may think or act incorrectly. He was still angry and unwilling to cooperate with people who were trying to help him. Fluellen said he became involved in gangs and crime. But the efforts of his adoptive parents and biological father to connect with him helped him change.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, the choice is yours. Every last one of you has a choice.”
He found a career in basketball and excelled through talent and hard work. Staying in the game also motivated him to work on his schoolwork and achieve.
“Like you, I’ve always had talent within me.” he said. “Your gift is waiting for you to choose it, because there is someone who needs your gift.”
He urged students not to underestimate themselves.
“I witnessed violence” he said. “Due to confusion and trauma, I am on the Dean’s List at Robert Morris University by choice. A decision to follow the right people and start making the right choices consistently.”
He gave words of encouragement to the teachers, saying their hard work and compassion leave an impression on students, even if the students don’t show it at first.
Fluellen also spoke about suffering a heart attack in a Greek courtroom in 2013.
“I was dead for about 22, 23 minutes. I’m in this ambulance.” He added that his survival gave him the opportunity to reach out to students at the alternative school.
“Make the right choices. Just take a look at my life. If I can do it, of course you can too.”
The students listened intently to Mr. Fluellen’s presentation. Many people asked questions and expressed their opinions “Comment card” or pledge not to consume drugs or alcohol.
Fluellen enjoyed talking with the students.
“I think it definitely got through to the kids. There were a few kids in particular who were really focused and engaged.” he said later.
He said candor and transparency in testimony is the best way to connect with students.
“That’s the way it should be, because I want people listening, people who are struggling with the same thing, to know that they’re not alone.” he said. “They see success stories in front of them that have come from the same place they were born in, and that motivates them and inspires them to be the best version of themselves and help them understand where they are.” “Knowing that there is a way out of the situation.” Coping. ”
This was his first visit to an alternative school. He was impressed by their professionalism.
“I definitely want to come back here. I really like the fact that this is a safe haven for the kids. We need extra staff and resources to help them move in the right direction. It is necessary.” he said. “I’m really grateful to them for allowing me and Sportsworld to be here.”
Alternative School Director Vance Miller thanked Fleuren for coming and for engaging and challenging the students.
“His speech was very informative. It resonated with a lot of kids for a variety of reasons. He touched on things that all kids can relate to.” he said. “He talked about taking that pain, using it for good, and choosing success. Everyone was given a different hand, and how you play that hand determines the final outcome. determines success in life.”
Mr. Miller praised the Sports World program for reaching out to alternative schools. He said he would welcome restarting the program if the opportunity arises.
Several staff members from the nearby Jefferson County Educational Service Center Virtual Learning Academy also pitched in to help.
The alternative school is located at the School of Bright Promise, located at 256 John Scott Highway.
JCESC works with school districts including Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities Board, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Steubenville City Schools, Southern Local, Toronto, and Utica Shale Academy.
For more information about alternative schools, please visit https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/AlternativeSchool.aspx.
Get today’s latest news and more delivered to your inbox
