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| Black History Celebration, Feb. 8, 2009
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Hoop Academy International Invites You To
Share The Vision,
"First in Studies, Then Sports"
BRIEF PROFILE
Welcome to Hoop Academy International. Hoop Academy International is a non-profit organization established to help participants maximize their skills academically and athletically. Hoop Academy International is in its 10th year of teaching academics and athletics to youth in a structured environment. We offer program activities in education development, computer technology, basketball skill development, game management, health and life skills, drug awareness and teen pregnancy prevention.
Hoop Academy International targets youth between the ages of 4 and 18, from the community. Our program has attracted more than 5,500 participants from the Washington Metropolitan Area.
MISSION STATEMENT
We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the academic and athletic development of our youth.
GOALS
Our goals are to:
· prevent participants from academic failure.
· expose participants to new and positive environments,
· develop students leadership skills, both on and off the court,
· provide school-to-work opportunities in sports management;
· raise students level of self-esteem by pairing them with positive role models/mentors;
· help students qualify for academic scholarships.
Community support is imperative to the success of our program.
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STUDENTS EARN COLLEGE CREDIT
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Tuesday, August 19
HOOP ACADEMY STUDENTS VISIT NEWSEUM IN WASHINGTON DC
On July 22, 2008 six Hoop Academy students had the unique opportunity to visit the recently opened Newseum in Washington, D.C. The students, Ryan Yates, Damante Cason, Mylik Cason, Kyreem Walton, Alex Ruffin and Bryan Ruffin throughly enjoyed the 250,000-square-foot museum of news. The visit offered the students an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. It offered a unique environment that took the students behind the scenes to experience how and why news is made. The students were introduced to some of the 14 main exhibition galleries that explore news history, electronic news, photojournalism, world news and how the media have covered major historical events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. They were also able to view the Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery. This gallery contains the largest and most comprehensive collection of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalism ever assembled. The students were able to experience the power and nature of the media in its fullest sense.
Thursday, October 11
HOOP ACADEMY INTERVIEWS TWO ALEXANDRIA LEGENDS
The Hoop Academy International traveled to Knoxville, Tn. on August 7th -9th 2007 to conduct interviews with two Alexandria legends. Earl Lloyd and Skeeter Swift took the time to sit down with the Hoop Academy documentary team to talk about what it was like growing up in Alexandria "across the tracks". This documentary will serve to ensure that the culture and history of these two legends will not be exterminated, but remain etched into the fabric of life in the city.
Thursday, October 11
TELEVISION PROGRAM SHEDS LIGHT ON LIFE IN ALEXANDRIA DURING THE 40'S
The Hoop Academy hosted three longtime residents of Alexandria on their award winning television program "Hoop Academy Project" this past week. Horace Burton, Albert Burts and Melvin Miller were guest on this program. They went on to share information about a variety of subjects regarding Alexandria in the 40's and 50's. The main focus of the program segment was to talk about the "Earl Lloyd Dedication" that will take place on Dec. 1, 2007. The dedication is to name the new T.C. Williams high school basketball floor after Earl Lloyd, who wasthe first African-American to play in the NBA.
Monday, January 15
STUDENTS TAKE A BYTE OF COMPUTERS
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| Jordan Taylor, Ryan Yates, Tamika Jones & Darryl Biddle Focus on Instructor
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What is random access memory? What is a motherboard? How many books equal a gigabyte? What is the function of a computer chip? These are questions that would make one think they are in a college classroom setting. However, this is exactly what took place in September at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1401 Duke Street, Alexandria, Va. and no, it wasnt a college classroom. It was the 2006 Hoop Academy International, Inc. computer construction classroom training that included several youngsters from the community.
The computer construction class, which was held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, ran from September 7 thru September 26. Hoop Academy students, Ryan Yates, Jordan Taylor, Tamika Jones and Darryl Biddle each had their own workstation that included a computer, and computer toolkit. The students learned the interior of the computer as well as identifying all of its parts. Yates said, Ive been on the computer, but have never seen the inside of it before. The students also tore down and rebuilt the computers, which were generously donated by Comcast Communications and Centech Group, until it was functioning to specification. The students were tested and had to show a working knowledge before being certified and then they were able to take home the computer that they personally built.
The students were very excited to have an opportunity to explore the inner workings of computer technology and Reverend Lee Earl, Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church stated, I think that in order to be a productive society, you have to know how to use the tools of that society and with the computer construction class young people are being taught to use the tools of the society we live in. Earl added, It makes me feel that I am being effective as a pastor, teacher and leader that I am able to influence the lives of our youth and I am just glad we at Shiloh Baptist Church were able to help the community.
Tuesday, August 29
PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE
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| Sade Barber, Chelsea Hopson, Tamika Jones in front of MLK, Jr. Center
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The Atlanta, Georgia/Georgia Tech trip was a complete success. It started with some culturally enriching events and ended with social development for our three students, Sade Barber, Chelsea Hopson, and Tamika Jones. On the first day of the trip we discovered that one of the students had never been to a basketball camp before, which made this an opportunity she may have never been afforded without the Hoop Academy and sponsorship. Once we arrived in Atlanta the students were very eager to experience some of the culture and history that the city had to offer.
After a brief lunch break, we headed to the Sweet Auburn district to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Center. We began our tour at the National Park Service visitors center where the students were able to see some civil rights artifacts and hear a few of MLKs speeches. Next, we visited the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where MLK was co-pastor along with his father, preached his last sermon and where his funeral was held. The girls began to reflect on how things must have been during that time and with each stop along the tour the girls learned something new. Then, we toured Freedom Hall were Dr. Kings and Coretta Scott-Kings Tombs are located. Also, there were exhibits about Gandhi and Rosa Parks that were enlightening for the girls.
The last stop on the tour was Dr. Kings Birth Home, which we were all very excited about. Even though one of our students had visited the MLK center years before, this turned out to be a new experience for her as well. Upon completion of our tour we headed to Georgia Tech to check the girls in to the 2006 MaChelle Joseph Girls Specialty Basketball Camp. The theme this year was appropriately titled Passion for Excellence and by the end of the camp our students displayed exactly that.
The students began each day of the camp with breakfast and group assignments. At the gym each day the girls would go through a series of stretches, agilities, demos and drills. The girls would also work with the Coaches and counselors, who were Georgia Tech Womens Basketball Players, on skills and techniques. The students ended each day by returning to their dorms for social activities, such as Karaoke, movies, and games. On the last day of camp awards and recognitions were passed out and our students received a number of them. Sade Barber won defensive player of the camp and Tamika Jones the hustle award. The camp director Tandy Bradford even said that Chelsea Hopson was reserved and quiet at the beginning of the four-day camp, but by the end was very open and playful. The students were able to have a meeting with Georgia Tech Director of Womens Basketball Operations, LaChina Robinson, who is a T.C. Williams Graduate. They took photos with her and were very excited to be around an influential person who is from the same city as they are. This trip was a life-changing event that the students will remember for a lifetime.
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| Hoop Academy Students at Ga Tech
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Tuesday, August 29
Tuesday, August 29
HOOP ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL SUMMER LEAGUE 2006 CHAMPIONSHIP
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| Paul VI, Champions 2006 Hoop Academy JV Summer League
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Summer League
Championship Game
Thursday July 6, 2006
T.C Williams High School
Paul VI (7-2) - 63
Vs
TC Williams (7-2) - 58
This game proved to be a great match up since TC single-handedly beat Paul VI in the regular season outing by the score of 58-38.
TC maintained a lead throughout the game leading at one point in the third quarter by 13 points. A turnover here and there put Paul VI back in the game and they gained momentum to hang on in the end.
Scoring Leaders:
Paul VI Duke - 17pts
JoJO 11pts
They also led the comeback attack.
TCW Earl Via 19 pts
Marcus Via 13 pts
The brother duo led the Titan attack all game.
Wednesday, June 7
HOOP ACADEMY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CAMP 2006
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| Councilman Ludwig Gaines with campers and family
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The Hoop Academy International held a Skills Development Camp on the weekends of April 1-April 29, 2006 at Thomas Edison High School. The camp was facilitated by Ed Myers of Game Plan Sports. The camp attendees,TIMOTHY ELLISON- EDISON, ERIK ETHERLY-ANNANDALE, EDWARD GYRELL JENKINS-T.C.WILLIAMS, KEVIN COLLIER- T.C.WILLIAMS, JULIAN DAWKINS-MINNIE HOWARD, RYAN YATES- FRANCIS C. HAMMOND MIDDLE SCHOOL, received instruction in a variety of exercises that will help them improve their basketball skill, knowledge and overall basketball acumen. Councilman Ludwig Gaines was on hand during the final weekend and spoke to the attendees.The camp banquet was held at the Departmental Progressive Club and Erik Etherly was awarded the camp MVP. Other awards were, Kevin Collier, Most improved and Gyrell Jenkins, Leadership award. The camp was sponsored by:Dan Wilkerson Group, William D. Euille & Associates, Donnie Simpson Development Group, Councilman Ludwig Gaines and Dr. Roy Herron.
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| Hoop Academy 2004 Skills And Development Camp
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HOOP ACADEMY YEAR END 2004 WRAP-UP
Hello, welcome to Hoop Academy On The Spot. Did you know there are nearly one million high school football players and about five hundred thousand basketball players? Of that number, about 150 make it to the NFL and about 50 make a NBA team. Less than three percent of college seniors will play one year in professional basketball. The odds of a high school football player making it to the pros at all let alone having a career are about 6,000 to 1; the odds for a high school basketball player 10,000 to 1. Now after looking at these numbers, think about what will matter in the long run what happens outside the lines.
This article is the Hoop Academy International, 2004, year ending wrap up article. Hoop Academy International is a non-profit organization established to provide uncompromising commitment and heartfelt support to the youth in our community. We at the Hoop Academy have been very proud and honored to serve the youth in the Alexandria community as well as the Washington metropolitan area as a whole this year The Hoop academy has a Reading program, Computer Construction Program, Mentoring and Television Production training. We have also facilitated several basketball tournaments, both for boys and girls this year and we just finished holding a ten -week basketball and life skills training camp for students in the 8th to 10th grade that was a huge success.
This year we have been able to feature on our show student athletes such as Rita Willis who was the league MVP at Hood College in Frederick Maryland and also a T.C. Williams graduate and one of the reasons the Hoop Academy was founded. As a thirteen year old she participated with the 16 year-old Nike select team who traveled to Russia in a cultural exchange program. We talked to Former T.C. Williams Basketball player Maurice Sumter who is currently at Longwood College. Mark Mazucci of West Springfield was a featured Guest and we also had the pleasure to do an hour long special with two-time super bowl winner Keith Burns who is a former T.C. Williams Student-Athlete and now playing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For our last and final Hoop Academy On The Spot we had the unique opportunity to talk to a young lady by the name of Bri Ned. Bri is currently a freshman at Stanford University in California. Bri attended Severn High School in Severn Maryland last year and excelled both academically and athletically. It was very interesting to hear some of the things Bri had to say. We all know todays teens are under tremendous pressure to excel academically as well as socially. When this pressure becomes overwhelming, teens often try to cope through self-defeating behaviors. As they search to find their own indent amidst a crowd of negative influences such as drugs, alcohol, staying out late and exercising poor time management, frequently their attitude and behavior will spiral out of control. All we hear about in the media is how bad our black teenage females are doing. With pregnancies at an alarming rate, girls being disrespected at every turn and not really excelling at the rate of their white counterparts we had the opportunity to sit down and interview five other students before they went off to college, they are Kaylyn Branch, Ashlee Battle, Serena Andrews, Ashley Dawkins and Serita Daniels. These dynamic, smart, motivated young ladies who have a genuine love for each other made choices that have benefit them so far. The life we live must be one of choice not chance. The choices in life are difficult but you must choose your path. You will make both good choices and bad ones, but the good ones will remind you of how much you need to learn from the bad ones. We see that Bri also made some very good choices in her young life and Bri Ned is a young Lady that is going places and with her positive attitude, which helps create a positive environment she will have the positive growth she needs to meet new academic and athletic challenges for years to come. As we move into the next year and beyond, we at the Hoop academy recognize that our greatest Challenge is to continue to grow and build on our successful record and experience by providing more of our youth with positive alternatives. Meeting this challenge requires a strong focus on our mission. We hope that providing alternative constructive activities is the best means of guarding against negative influences in our communities. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child and the Hoop Academy invites you to help us make a positive impact on the lives of all youth in our community. So on behalf of the staff here at the Hoop Academy, thank you for your support and as we move into 2005 keep on the look out for our newly titled interview program the Hoop Academy Project. And remember that our motto is First in studies, then Sports.
ALTERNATIVES
One trip for a family of four to Disney cost $2,000.00. Standing in line and buying the Xbox video game unit cost $300.00. One Hoop Academy J.V. Holiday Boys and Girls Basketball tournament is priceless. Facing the truth about the way things really are isnt always pretty, comfortable or reassuring, but sponsors William D. Euille Foundation, Simpson Development, Commercial Carpet, Jack Taylors Alexandria Toyota, Pulte/Syntax, Potomac Yard, Lindsay Automotive and host T.C. Williams Athletic Department saw it necessary and important to be a part of this valuable event that was held December 27th -29th 2005
Providing viable alternatives for youth is essential in todays society. In a most recent survey, 66% of the teens stated they had one or more alcoholic drinks, 43% have considered suicide, 41% have taken a smoke and 70% said they have lost their virginity. The community and other organizations must help provide choices to diminish or eliminate these percentages, but denial keeps us from addressing issues that must be dealt with.
The three-day tournament provided a structured environment over the holidays for over 120 boys and girls who enjoyed a positive experience that also kept them active and out of harms way. Critics often feel that athletic/sports events arent that important in todays society, but when we can coordinate a program of diverse cultures and races to work together in a cohesive fashion, all for the betterment of self and team, we have made an accomplishment that isnt hard to see in this rapidly changing world. Addressing these issues must be dealt with and if it leads to more critical and costly situations then a paradigm shift will most likely occur.
Lets be honest. Our youth and their rapidly changing world are difficult to understand. Everything changes so quickly. Yesterdays heroes cant stand the test of time. Today, the only qualification for being a hero is not character or what you stand for, but how much of a celebrity you are. It is alarming to see an increasing number of kids adopting narrow self serving values and attitudes of their peers. When we have the support of the public and private schools of Virginia, Maryland ,and District of Columbia including administrators, coaches, parents, community and the above mentioned sponsors, who constantly work hard to stay in touch with our youth, and,who are willfully guiding them through the maze of growing up; we can rest assured that there will be valuable youth alternatives and continued growth for our youth in the future. If you say you are for the kids, lets continue to make a difference and be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
SHARE THE VISION
FIRST IN STUDIES THEN SPORTS
HOOP ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL INC.
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