Former NBA Star Chris Herren Inspires in Port Washington

Submitted by Port Washington Schools

In what made for candid, educational and poignant appearances, former NBA player Chris Herren visited Paul D. Schreiber High School on Dec. 10 to discuss his personal story of playing in the NBA and his battle with substance abuse.

Herren spoke during the afternoon to the entire student body at Schreiber High School, and later again in the evening at the school to students as well as community residents. The presentations were made possible through the Port Washington Safety and Substance Abuse Task Force. Sen. Jack Martins assisted in garnering bullet aid for the Port Washington School District so it could host the educational presentations.

During the afternoon session with students, a 30-minute video was shown chronicling the ups and downs of Herren’s personal and professional life. Herren later spoke with students about being drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1999 and eventually playing for the Boston Celtics, being featured in Sports Illustrated and his harrowing descent into addiction and substance abuse.

Alcohol and drug-free since 2008, Herren has put his sobriety and family above all else, and has made his new life mission to share his story with audiences in the hope of making a difference in the lives of others.

Herren later participated in a question and answer session with students, where he fielded a range of questions, all while emphasizing the importance of avoiding peer pressure and taking a stand against abusing drugs. In addition, he called on students who believe they may have any personal issues to seek immediate help to ensure that they stay on track to a healthy, balanced and drug-free life.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Herren for visiting our district to share his personal story,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Mooney. “His invaluable presentations were incredibly well-received by our students as well as community members, and I thank him for sharing his candid story to educate our students on the importance of remaining drug-free. I also commend the Port Washington Safety and Substance Abuse Task Force for its continued efforts to help establish a safe and drug free learning environment that supports student academic achievement, as well as Sen. Jack Martins for his strong support of this effort.”

Photos

Photo A: Former NBA player Chris Herren spoke with students at Paul D. Schreiber High School on Dec. 10 about his personal battle with substance abuse.

Photo B: Port Washington Safety and Substance Abuse Task Force Co-Chairpersons Stephanie Joannon and Karen Sloan, former NBA player Chris Herren, and Schreiber High School Principal Ira Pernick, are pictured with members of the Schreiber High School Natural Helpers Club.

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