BBFS Whitney Life Skills Program Graduation
The HSBC BBFS Whitney Institute Middle School Life Skills Program graduation ceremony was held this morning [Apr.14]. The 17 students who completed the program were presented with certificates, a skills card and were able to demonstrate their skills in front of their fellow peers.
The assembly saw BBFS CEO Cal Blankendal give an overview on the program to the parents/players and read one of the essays written by one of the players titled “Where will I be when I am 25″. The essay focused on his football ambitions and how he could combine both football and academics, to ensure that he would be a productive citizen in society.
Mr Blankendal expressed his utmost pleasure in having HSBC sponsor the program, which was the catalyst for the HSBC College Showcase. The programs sponsored by HSBC have encouraged both students and parents to use football as a gateway to success. HSBC has brought together the Middle, High School and post High School graduates, students from East to West and male and female athletes.
The essay assignment was part of the program curriculum during the 7 weeks, which saw 17 out of 20 students, complete it successfully. The program saw PRIDE, HSBC, BCFDS and Lt. Col. David Burch give weekly presentations to the students.
Mr. Khiarri Sharieff addressed the student body on behalf of HSBC. He advised them to continue to excel in life and to maximize the opportunities and new skills set they learned during the past 7 weeks.
Dennis Brown BBFS President, relayed his experience as a employee of the West Gate Inmate Facility. Mr Brown told each student that they have a choice, and it is up to them to make the right decisions.
With the BFA struggling for cash to run their programs what is their 2nd VP, Blankedal doing running a competing, for profit. football group competing with the BFA for the same sponsorship dollars? Odd to say the least and for sure a real conflict of interest.
Did the BFA cease their program of sponsoring top student/athletes to participate at US based College Showcases where they would be exposed to hundreds of College coaches not a small few? Didn’t DandyTown, under Scott Morton, Maurice Lowe and DeVaar Boyles send a team to a College Showcase several years ago. I get doing anything that combines education with football but if we are going to support these efforts in a shrinking economy with less charitable dollars, shouldn’t be looking at the most cost effective opportunities.