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Health & Fitness

Former NBA Player Chris Herren Shares Inspiring Message at Northwest Catholic

Former NBA player Chris Herren shared his powerful message of hope and inspiration at Northwest Catholic High School on December 11, 2013. Herren was a high school basketball legend in Fall River, Massachusetts, who realized his lifelong dream of playing for the Boston Celtics only to lose it all to alcohol and drug addiction. He shared his story of abuse and recovery with Northwest Catholic students during a daytime presentation, challenging students to embrace who they are, and not to resort to substance use in order to become someone different. Herren said that if his presentation had an impact on just one person in attendance, it would make what he did worthwhile.

During an evening presentation that was open to the public, Herren shared more of his story and also addressed how parents can help their teens make good decisions. He told parents that 90% of adult drug addicts started as teens, usually through alcohol and smoking marijuana, and often with the teens’ parents aware of their use. Herren encouraged those in attendance to remember that addiction can begin with as little as one drink or one pill and is not a path easily reversed.

Students who attended the presentations called Herren “one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met” and “amazing,” saying that Herren “had a really strong message and a great presentation.”

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Vice Principal Brendan Canny ’86 agreed with the students’ reactions. “I am so glad we were able to organize this type of event and so grateful to Chris Herren and his organization,” he said. “This was by far the most impactful presentation I have seen in all of my years in education. It truly has had a major positive impact on our entire Northwest Catholic Community.”

Herren’s story has been chronicled in Sports Illustrated and Rolling Stone, on 60 Minutes, and in the ESPN documentary Unguarded. He currently mentors young basketball players and has launched a national anti-substance abuse campaign, Project Purple, to encourage people of all ages to stand up to substance abuse. Herren’s presentation at Northwest Catholic was co-sponsored by the school and the Tomahawk Athletic Booster Club.

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Since 1961, Northwest Catholic’s mission has been to educate the whole person: mind, body, spirit, and soul. Enrollment for the Class of ’18 is now under way, and prospective students are invited to the take the Entrance Exam at Northwest Catholic on January 25, 2013. For more information, contact Andrew Selig (860-236-4221, x140 or aselig@nwcath.org).

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