Michael Vick is the archetype of a guy who capitalized on his second chance making him the ideal person to deliver the commencement address to alternative Camelot High Schools in Philadelphia. Camelot schools specialize in challenging, high need, and complex cases across multiple states. There were approximately 450 students graduating, at the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall, of the 1800 in the Philly area who have fallen behind by at least two years, dropped out completely, or been expelled from mainstream high schools.
Vick’s history as a star quarterback through high school, college, and six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons didn’t prepare him for the serious impact of being convicted on racketeering charges in connection with a dog fighting ring. His direct involvement in the torture and killing of numerous dogs made Vick a pariah to many in addition to landing him in prison for 18 months. Since being released he has toured speaking against animal violence.
Michael’s turn around resonated with the students at Camelot and is the reason that they chose him by vote to deliver the commencement address edging out Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, and School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman. Milton Alexander, Vice President of Operations at Camelot told Philly Sports Daily that “One thing that we are constantly addressing with our students is if you make a mistake, if you make a bad decision, there is accountability involved, and just because this is your reality now it doesn’t have to be your reality forever.”
Vick admonished the graduates that “I lost my freedom, I lost my money, I lost my family.” Later he explained “I was blessed that God gave me a second chance, the world gave me a second chance, the city of Philadelphia gave me a second chance and all the people who played an integral part in helping me come back believed in me and that’s what this is all about.”
Before the ceremony Vick had a chance to meet with a select group of students to listen to their stories and provide encouragement for the future. He advised students to “enjoy this day but at the same time start setting goals on what you want to do in your life going forward. What’s the next step, what’s the next chapter and how are you going to plan to get there.”
In a surprise move of his own Michael handed out two $5000 scholarships to deserving students. Monique Joseph and Rickey Savage were the first recipients of the Michael Vick “Come Back Student of the Year” Scholarship which he committed to support annually. “As you have chosen me, I have chosen you,” Vick said “I have chosen you to succeed, and I believe in you.”
