Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts to the cheers of the fans as he leaves the field after a win over the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on September 16, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers won 35-27. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Cam Newton has launched a new initiative to benefit three Charlotte area schools. Through his charitable foundation which bears his name, Newton made a $150,000 donation to the schools in attempt to help boost school spirit and achievement.
Bradley Middle School in Huntersville, Thomasboro Academy and Randolph Middle School in Charlotte each received $50,000.
The donations were made with the purpose of developing customized programs to enhance cultural environment, as well as increase student achievement, boost student engagement, and advance health and wellness, the Christian Post reports.
The initiative is all a part of the foundation’s “School Pride Program,” which also has famous sports game developer EA Sports as a partner.
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Cam didn’t just donate funds. Tuesday, he appeared at Randolph Middle School, speaking for 30 minutes in front of a packed gym of 450 students, according to the Charlotte Observer. (Students from the other schools were present, too)
“It’s not something I was forced to do,” Newton told the Charlotte Observer. “I wanted to do that.”
Newton says he wants to develop a relationship with the schools and see how the kids are doing.
He spoke with football teams at Bradley and Randolph, inviting the quarterback of each squad to join him on the gym floor. He also called academic, science and Special Olympic award winners down from the bleachers, asked students questions and shared jokes.
The scene was a far cry from what followed a tough Panthers loss earlier in the season. According to reports, Newton was smiling and ‘in his element’.
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