NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown signs
an autograph for a young fan.

(BRADENTON, FL - February 1, 2008) Pro football Hall of Famer Jim Brown looked out at the students in the auditorium at Braden River High School and smiled. The sports legend was in town to congratulate the first class of graduates in the Manatee District's Amer-I-Can program.

Founded by Mr. Brown two decades ago, the Amer-I-Can program strives to help students overcome some of society's most pressing problems by teaching teenagers positive self esteem and life management skills. Thanks to funding from the state of Florida, the Amer-I-Can program was initiated this fall in four Manatee District Middle Schools - Harllee, Johnson, Lincoln and Sugg.

On Tuesday, January 15, 2008, approximately 180 students from those schools were treated to a special graduation ceremony at Braden River High, attended by Mr. Brown and Florida Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp.

“How wonderful it is to see the young people that are here, to see the happiness on your faces; this is what I had in mind when I developed the program 20 years ago,” Jim Brown said. “It's real simple, when we fill our children with love and caring, they respond. And when you give them the opportunity for education, they respond. It's not complicated.”

Other dignitaries that attended the ceremony included Superintendent Dr. Roger Dearing, State Senator Arthenia Joyner (D-Dist. 13), State Representative Mitch Needelman (R-Dist. 31), and State Representative Bill Galvano (R-Dist. 68) of Bradenton. Dean Renfrow, the President of Amer-I-Can, was also on hand.

Fran Padgett, Executive Director of Support and Intervention Services for the District, said students who participated in the program during the first semester of this school year registered a 17 percent average increase in their grade point averages, and reduced their number of absences by 49 percent.

“We're excited about the Amer-I-Can program in Manatee County, not just because of the effect it's having on our students, but also for the effect it's having on our staff, and the difference it's making in our community,” Dr. Dearing said.

One student from each of the schools involved in the program spoke at the ceremony. The respective speakers were Tina Houston from Harllee Middle, Shakara Freeman from Lincoln Middle, Talisa Lee from Sugg Middle and Anthony Zanders from Johnson Middle.

“I've learned a lot about goal setting and the right steps to achieve my goals,” Anthony Zanders said. “What I liked best was I got to help others less fortunate than me during the holiday season.”