Click the photo above to see photos from the event

Houston Texans football player Kareem Jackson visited students this week at Billy Reagan K-8 Educational Center to motivate them to stay in school and to work hard to get good grades. Jackson spoke to the sixth- through eighth-grade students at a pep rally.                 

During his talk, he stressed the importance of being good students and encouraged them to always listen to their parents and teachers. He reminded them that the choices they make now will affect them later in life.

“It’s important to be a good student and to work hard in school,” Jackson said. “Although sometimes you might not want to spend that extra hour studying, in the long run it will be worth it especially as you prepare for college.”

Billy Reagan Football Coach Gerald Bartholomew said Jackson is a great example of someone who has proven that hard work is its best reward. “It’s important the students are given an opportunity to see someone who has put in the hard work to become successful,” Bartholomew said.

After his talk, the Houston Texan cornerback let students join him as he showed off some of his football skills. Then he gave two autographed footballs to students Valeria Amador and Pedro Flores who were both recognized for having outstanding student conduct and grades.

The event was the first in a series of talks that will feature professional athletes who will share their life lessons with the students.