During the Final Four, CBS Sports arranged full access for Elevate to sit in on practice time of both the University of Kentucky and University of Kansas. It was an experience that the Elevate student-athletes would not have been able to take part in if it were not for Jennifer Sabatelle (VP of communications for CBS sports), and the CBS Sports family. During our time at the practice we were also lucky enough to be visited by some of the top anchors and sports figures of the weekend, such as Clark Kellogg, Ronald Nored of Butler University and pictured above Greg Anthony.
At Elevate we continue to give our student-athetes opportunities and experiences to enlighten their minds as well as open up their eyes to a world outside of New Orleans. As we continue to share these experiences it can only lend itself to us “Developing winners for Life”.
During this past Final Four week; CBS,Turner Sports, and NCAA came to educate the Elevate student-athletes and their families on many career options within sports, outside of just being an athlete. The group was led by Jennifer Sabatelle Vice President of communications for CBS sports. Jennifer organized this event along with her colleagues to give back to the city of New Orleans, which is also the host city for this years NCAA Men’s Final Four. The student-athletes of Elevate not only listened to the executives as they described their jobs and how it relates to sports, but had the opportunity to ask questions and exchange contact information to continue their relationships moving forward. The student-athletes learned that there are a plethora of career paths to choose from, giving them options if their playing careers end in college, or in the pros. We thank the Final Four, CBS, Turner Sports, and NCAA for taking the time out to come speak to Elevate during their most demanding time of year.
On Sunday, January 1, 2012 during the New Orleans Saints vs. the Carolina Panthers pre-game, Elevate was nominated for the 2011 Saints Community Quarterback Award. Latoya Torregano Haynes an Elevate board member is to thank for this acknowledgment and award as she went out of her way to get Elevate the recognition. It was a pleasure being nominated amongst the Boys & Girls Club, Second Harvest Food Bank and other notable organizations. The biggest surprise of the day was when the highest award was given to Elevate as a $10,000 grant. Elevate is excited to have received this recognition for their commitment to the youth within the New Orleans Community. This is truly a great way to start off the New Year.
Elevate student-athlete and attending freshman at Wesley College in Delaware is having a stellar start to his college career. Nick Guidry was a standout shooting guard at Holy Cross High School in New Orleans, and has been a member of Elevate since its inception. Nick embodies what it means to be an Elevate student-athlete, as he graduated high school with honors and currently continues to excel in his college classes. Elevate continues to marvel at the success and maturity of this young man not only as a basketball player, but as a leader in the community. Nick showed his leadership skills by sealing the win for his team as he made crucial shots in the game versus York College.
To read more on this game please click the link below:
http://www.gowesleyathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2011-12/releases/20120215xtn0d1
