C.J. Watson Jr., point guard for the Indiana Pacers, has gathered together with the Quiet Storm Foundation, and will honor six very deserving students for their writing skills in the foundation’s fifth-annual Black History Month essay contest.
Watson, along with representatives from the Quiet Storm Foundation, Indiana Pacers and other community organizations will hold a reception for this student achievement March 17 at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana at 12 p.m.
In addition to Watson, others expected to be in attendance include Pacers head coach Frank Vogel, Las Vegas Clark County commissioner Lawrence Weekly, Indianapolis City – County Council Leroy Robinson, and keynote speaker Indiana congressman Andre Carson.
The achievement luncheon comes in celebration of students who have exhibited extraordinary talent in writing, communications and public speaking. The essay contest was offered in C.J.’s hometown, Las Vegas, Nevada in the Clark County School District to determine who would travel to Indianapolis. It was held during the month of February in honor of Black History Month.
The contest was also extended to two schools in the Indianapolis area. Over 250 students participated.
The topic chosen for this year’s essay contest was, “An event in Black history that students believed most changed or influenced America’s way of life.” The topic was chosen by Watson himself.
Between the two cities, a total of six students from five inner-city schools were selected as winners by a panel of judges.
In addition to the luncheon, students will see city landmarks, tour the Pacers arena, receive autographed memorabilia then finish the day experiencing a game first-hand when the Pacers take on the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:00pm at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Watson intends to congratulate the winners once more in front of those in attendance during the game.
The Quiet Storm Foundation has flown the winning students and one parent to the event in Indianapolis at no cost to the families for four consecutive years.
Students wrote about a of historic figures like Ruby Bridges, Madame C.J. Walker, Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Charles Drew, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Students also wrote about iconic moments in history such as The Harlem Renaissance and the creation of the United Negro College Fund.
This essay contest has been held in schools in Nevada, Indiana, California, Chicago, and New York.
The Quiet Storm Foundation is a non-profit organization started by Watson and his family in 2009 which promotes education, health and leadership skills to inner-city youth.