-17-Year-Old Dalton High School Point Guard Inspired by Randle Raises Additional $12,090-
New York Knicks all-star Julius Randle thrilled more than 200 students at the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Charter Basketball High School when he presented them a check for $880,000 towards their unique literacy enhancement program.
Randle’s gift was the result of a campaign that began 18 months ago which had him donate $500 for every three-pointer he made over the last two seasons. The “30 for 3” program was matched by entities and individuals around the tri-state area ranging from the Knicks and JP Morgan to college undergraduates, artists, businesspeople, bankers, record companies, and the NBA Players Association.
“We are so grateful to Julius,” said Brandon Corley, executive director of the Earl Monroe High School. “His “30 for 3” program has allowed us to hire eight full-time literacy enhancement teachers and open our doors 12 months a year which has helped increase the overall reading levels of our freshmen and sophomores.”
School principal Dr. Kern Mojica continued, “In September 2021, the average reading level of our freshmen was fourth grade. Between 14 years of neglect, the pandemic, and a broken educational system, our children were slated for more disasters if they could not dramatically improve. Julius has allowed us to help those kids who really need it.”
Inspired by Randle’s efforts, 17-year-old high school student-athlete Ayden Khalid from Dalton High School in Manhattan started his own campaign to benefit the Earl Monroe School and raised an additional $12,090. Khalid sank 73 three-pointers during his season and received donations ranging from $1 to $10 from friends and classmates.
“I’m a big Knicks fan, so when I read about what Julius was doing to benefit other kids in the city I wanted to help,” said Khalid. “It was an honor to participate, and a ton of fun. I hope we can all do it again next year.”
Randle said, “it’s been my privilege to give back, especially to Earl Monroe’s unique school, and their incredible commitment to improving reading comprehension. Earl Monroe is an idol, a great man off the court, and these kids are special.”
Monroe, the living legend and championship Knick said, “This is what New Yorkers are about — teammates and winning. Having all sorts of New Yorkers from companies to workers, to students and fans, the Knicks and Ayden, come together for “30 for 3,” shows people can work together in a truly meaningful way.”
The Earl Monroe New Renaissance Charter Basketball High School is the first school of its kind in the nation. Created by Peabody Award-winning filmmaker and playwright Dan Klores, it’s “a school for basketball but NOT for the playing of the game,” he explained. In addition to the required New York State core curriculum, eligible students take classes in all facets and professions of the game OFF the court such as broadcast journalism, analytics, nutrition, business, design, in-arena entertainment, physical therapy, finance, print and digital media, food services, psychology, personal representation and more.
“We are growing and learning, succeeding and failing,” Klores continued. “Every day we identify a new need. And having someone like Julius Randle step up and help us with a need as crucial as improving literacy is simply a blessing.”
A ball and a book can change the world!
