Dream Academy News | Dwight Howard Donates to Dream Academy through new D12 Foundation
Monday March 7, 2011
On Monday, February 14,
2011, children at the U.S. Dream Academy Learning Center in Orlando, Florida
were astounded by a surprise visit from NBA All Star, Dwight Howard, as part of
the official launch of the D12 Foundation.
It was truly a memorable moment as students who had gathered for a motivational
assembly, received an inspirational message from gospel recording artist
Wintley Phipps, founder and CEO of the U.S. Dream Academy. Shortly thereafter, students burst into
spontaneous cheer as Dwight Howard walked through the classroom door. As one student put it, “It was like seeing an angel,” - Charlie (7th grade). “He
told us to never give up and to dream and achieve.” For Charlie, who has heard many stories about
how the Dream Academy is supported by the generosity
of others, this was the first time seeing someone actually give a check to help
his learning center.
The $10,000 donation from the D12 Foundation will enable the Dream Academy
Learning Center
in Orlando to
intensify the efforts with the leadership development for middle school students
through the Dream Troopers initiative. Dream
Troopers is a program designed to teach the disciplines of self-control, teamwork
and determination while building social skills and courtesy towards others. It will also strengthen the Summer Enrichment
program enabling children to remain in an environment that involves them in
building skills, character, as well as discovering and nurturing their dreams.
While seeing the check was revitalizing, having that up close, personal
interaction with Dwight Howard was a big morale booster for the children who
were elated to have the NBA All Star all to themselves. Dwight was speaking their language. Lisena (8th grade) stated, “Something that I learned from Dwight Howard
is that hard work really does pay off and you have to work hard for what you
want.” Dwight’s magic seemed to have a similar effect on everyone. “I am just motivated by the fact that he was
able to do something that other people told him he was not able to do. That makes me want to go with my own dreams.” – Mariana (7th grade)
As Dwight prepared to leave
he signed autographs for a few students, inquiring of each student’s GPA and
challenged them to keep it up.
