South Fulton Community Welcomes Cam Newton Home

Former coaches, teachers, and community leaders who helped mold Cameron Newton, the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner, attended a Saturday morning brunch reception in his honor at the Southwest Arts Center Performance Theater.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners, represented by President John Eaves and fellow commissioner Bill Edwards, sponsored the event. Newton received the Heisman in December, becoming the first person from the Atlanta area to receive the award in 30 years.

Eaves praised Newton's parents, who raised him in College Park and guided him after he withdrew from the University of Florida amid allegations of theft. “Mr. and Mrs. Newton did a great job in instilling character in this young man,” he said.

Newton, a 2006 Westlake High alum, thanked the crowd for attending and spoke of the mentoring he received in elementary and middle school. He acknowledged that all the people who helped him along the way share in his achievement.

“It started at Seaborn Lee [Elementary]. [It] started at Camp Creek Middle School.” As such, “I wouldn't call it my award. I'm officially calling it our award.”

Twayne Eddie, Newton's 7^th grade basketball coach at Camp Creek Middle School, remembered him as a student “full of energy, always smiling, and [someone who] just liked to have fun.”

Eddie wanted to support his former protegee and introduce his children to the South Fulton native with an infectious smile. In an effort to surprise his son, Javan, Eddie didn't share the specifics of their morning plans with the 6^th grader . “I just told him to put on some clothes and let's go and that it was going to be an exciting day for him,” he explained.

Javan was surprised and excited to see the 6'5 Auburn University quarterback who led his team to a national championship in 2011.

“I know he's going to continue to be successful,” said Darron Rogers, Varsity Basketball Coach at Westlake. “ He's a role model for our young people and his family is a role model.”