Soares: Your words matter; Globetrotter: Be world changers

February 12, 2015
General

On Thursday, January 12th, Albany District Attorney David Soares asked a packed gymnasium of youth, staff, and board members at Albany’s LaSalle School to talk positively and put those words into action, to improve their lives by being better people to themselves and to one another.

Soares’ request gave the audience something to think about when former Harlem Globetrotter Seth Franco stepped up to the microphone dressed in a Globetrotter jersey to drive home the Albany DA’s message with an inspirational presentation that was as much serious as it was fun.

In between some fancy footwork and ball handling, he raised his audience, lifted their spirits, and encouraged them to do better for themselves and others. “Every person in this room is a legend, a hero,” Franco said. “Every person in this room has a struggle but decides to change anyway – to look at the world differently.”

Franco backed up his message with some personal experiences and problems he had to face and overcome to be a success. Afterwards, the kids swarmed around him to take photos, get autographs, and thank Franco for coming to LaSalle and adding to their Spirit Week, and the Sports theme of that day. Media coverage from News 10 ABC was provided for the entire event, and aired on Channel 10’s News broadcasts.

Franco’s appearance was part of’ a motivational, anti-bullying program – Fighting Crime Building Hope – targeted for schools, particularly in the City of Albany, that is being sponsored by the Albany District Attorney’s Office. For more details, please contact LaSalle’s Office of Communications and Development (518) 242-4731, ext. 271. Learn more about the Fighting Crime Building Hope program.

LaSalle School is a leader in programs and services for youth and families in crisis offering a variety of programs designed to meet their needs including specialized residential placement, day service education, and alternative to detention services. The offices of The Counseling Center at LaSalle – an outpatient mental health clinic – are located at LaSalle School.