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LeBron James is leaving, but his Akron school and dedication to kids still remains
LeBron James’ dedication to the Cleveland Cavaliers may have wavered, but his dedication to educating kids in his hometown is as strong as ever.
Michele Campbell, the executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation, said James’ decision to play for the Los Angeles Lakers won’t impact the July 30 opening of the I Promise School or any other educational program he has in place throughout the city.
“It’s back to work today as usual when it comes to the foundation,” Campbell said Monday. “[James] will be working in L.A., but the work that he’s doing at home doesn’t stop.”
It was announced Sunday that he agreed to a four-year, $154 million contract with the Lakers.
It’s the basketball star’s second time leaving the Cavaliers. In 2010, James left to play for the Miami Heat, but Campbell said his dedication to his I Promise programs only grew stronger while he was gone. She anticipates the same when he’s in Los Angeles.
“With the opening of the school on July 30, I just see it getting deeper and deeper. This is his life’s work,” Campbell said. “His commitment to the city of Akron is never changing, regardless of where he works.”
Campbell said the foundation will remain in Akron, especially as its members scramble to get the I Promise School ready for opening day.
And LeBron will continue to be involved with planning and periodically checking in with kids, Campbell said — he even sent out a letter to assure them that nothing would change with his move.
At the end of the month, the I Promise School will open at 400 W. Market St. to 240 third- and fourth-graders who are at risk of falling behind their peers academically. That day is expected to be James’ first public appearance in the area since his decision to leave Cleveland.
Courtesy of The Beacon Journal
