LIHU’E — Donovan McNabb was 40 minutes late for a date with 500 students at Wilcox Elementary School Tuesday. And so the fleeting memory of 8-10 year olds was on display. As soon as McNabb, a second-year quarterback for the
LIHU’E — Donovan McNabb was 40 minutes late for a date with 500 students at Wilcox Elementary School Tuesday. And so the fleeting memory of 8-10 year olds was on display.
As soon as McNabb, a second-year quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, pulled up in a white van outside the cafeteria, little heads whipped on a swivel and the youngsters glowed.
In strode 226 pounds of quarterbacking proficiency, tailed by his parents, Samuel and Wilma, adorned in a wide grin.
He spoke briefly, 10 minutes perhaps, about the importance of education and the opportunities the children at Wilcox would one day have to change the world.
“Doctors, lawyers, you all will have chances to become these things,” McNabb said to the attentive youngsters. “Just listen to your teachers. They’ll tell you right from wrong.”
McNabb also then spoke about the value of his own education.
In an era when talent such as his often leaves school before graduation to enter the NFL draft, McNabb completed four years at Syracuse University, earning a degree in speech communication.
“I hope you all continue you education,” he said. “Stay in school and enjoy this.”
McNabb also made reference to the importance of family.
“I happen to have two old individuals here with me,” the quarterback said with a smile, pointing to his father and mother. “They are very important to me and have been supportive.”
After he spoke, McNabb was given gifts by Wilcox student-council members Danielle Lam, Makan Rivera and Kelcie Nakamura.
