Michael Vick will be taking on a different role this offseason as commencement speaker for five Philadelphia-area Camelot Schools, as he seeks to inspire troubled youth. The Camelot schools are a transitional education program reserved for students who have violated Philadelphia School District conduct standards and special needs students including those with social and emotional disabilities.
After winning a poll among students for their choice of commencement speaker, beating out Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter and Philadelphia schools Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman, Vick happily accepted and will speak at the ceremony next month at Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.
Vick said in a released statement, “These students may have made a mistake along the way, but they turned it around. They did the right thing and finished school. I am honored to be speaking at their commencement.”
Vick’s unique story shows the repercussions of making a serious mistake, but also that you can pay your debts and still work hard to achieve whatever you focus your mind on. Vick’s fall was suitable for a Greek tragedy, going from the highest paid player in the NFL while he was with the Atlanta Falcons to serving an 18 month sentence in prison for his role in a dog fighting operation. After being released, he was given a second chance by the Philadelphia Eagles and ultimately earned a starting role and was rewarded with the 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
“Based on Vick’s recent story of making a mistake, hitting rock bottom and having the courage to pick himself back up and work through a difficult period of life, that was something we felt was very relevant to the student population and their story,” said Milton Alexander, Vice President of Operations at Camelot. “It will be something they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
