By Oliver Sheehan
Corsicana Daily Sun
Corsicana —
NBA star Wesley Johnson pulled in the crowds at Fullerton/Garitty Park as Corsicana Independent School District held its annual Back to School Rally Saturday.
At least 1,500 people turned up to the event which included Johnson signing autographs and giving a speech, while also being presented with a key to the city by Corsicana Mayor Buster Brown.
More than 55 booths were set up, free back packs were given out, and prizes were awarded at the rally.
CISD Superintendent Dr. Diane Frost introducing principals from Corsicana’s schools. Brown awarded a key to the city to Johnson and declared Aug. 14, 2010, as Wesley Johnson Day.
“While most people would want to remember him for the statistics, Wesley would smile and say ‘I want them to remember my smile,’” said Terry Seth of the Corsicana YMCA.
Event co-organizer Elmeree Burrell then rallied the crowd for the introduction of Johnson to the public.
“I just want to say I am very honored and very thankful,” said Johnson. “I have come a long way from Fannin. I have got to say just don’t give up. I am honored to receive this award, thank you again.”
Awards for the best school turnouts were given to students from Carroll Elementary and Corsicana High School. Erica Heel from Carroll received an HP Laptop while Del Vante Johnson from Corsicana High School received a Wilson football signed by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Demarcus Ware.
Clothing certificates, iTunes cards, YMCA membership, basketballs and volleyballs were also given out as prizes to kids and adults.
The event involved more than 55 booths, representing organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America, IMPACT, STAR and St. Tim’s Lodge, which gave out 500 free hot-dogs.
Emergency services were also present with Corsicana Fire Department, Navarro County Sheriff’s department, DPS, Corsicana Police Department, Navarro Regional Hospital and the Office of Emergency Management all represented.
IMPACT Navarro, the YMCA and VOICE all gave out free school bags, two bounce houses were operated and a four cart mini-wagon was also giving park tours to kids.
“Its been fabulous, fantastic,” said Elmeree Burrell. “We have a larger group out here compared to last year. It is much more than last year.
“I definitely think Wesley’s speaking will have an impact, I wish we could have him here every year. This has been a big success.”
Mayor Pro Tem Ruby Williams was also at the event. Her son graduated with Johnson from Corsicana High School and the families have known each other for years.
“It is going great,” said Williams. “We have a great turn out. I am just so elated, so proud of Wesley Johnson.”
Johnson graduated from Corsicana High School in 2005 and was drafted by the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves. His career to date has taken in Iowa State University and Syracuse University, where he was voted MVP in November 2009.
He is the first and only player to ever reach the NBA having graduated from Corsicana High School.
“It feels really good being back,” said Johnson. “Coming back to this kind of event is breath-taking. You know you are here when you see all the familiar faces.
“When I get a chance to come back, I come back as much as possible, though not as much as I would like to.”
Johnson also had a message for aspiring young students in Corsicana.
“Any time you don’t feel like doing something just do it,” he said. “It is easy to do something when you enjoy it and want to do it. When times are hard, that is when you have to make yourself do it.”
The success of the event was shown as new visitors were still arriving at the park at 11 a.m. even though the event only ran from 9 a.m. till midday.
“It is bigger than it was last year,” said Sheriffs Department deputy Brett Latta. “We have never been this busy, its a great turn out.”
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Oliver Sheehan may be reached by e-mail at oliver@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “Soundoff” on this story? E-mail: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com
