The Kids From Akron

Twenty years ago, a kid from Akron made his debut on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The words “Chosen One” appeared alongside a young LeBron James, who was determined to put his hometown on the map. Now two decades later, a dream has become generational as three kids from Akron – LeBron and his sons Bronny and Bryce – are on the famed magazine’s front page. 

The full circle moment could only be rightfully captured in one place – inside Akron’s LeBron James Arena at St. Vincent – St. Mary high school. During a hot summer afternoon in July, it was a surreal scene for LeBron to watch his sons navigate a bigtime photoshoot with so much poise. It’s almost as if they’d seen it done before… and we believe they’ll see it many more times as LeBron continues to inspire thousands of kids from Akron to reach for their dreams in sports and beyond. 

Twenty years ago, a kid from Akron made his debut on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The words “Chosen One” appeared alongside a young LeBron James, who was determined to put his hometown on the map.

And those dreams begin with perspective. Recently, our 4^th graders at the I PROMISE School participated in an entire lesson on perspective inspired by LeBron’s journey. After journaling about how they imagine LeBron sees the world as a basketball player, businessman, role model and philanthropist, they physically walked in his size 16 shoes.

It was a fun but important lesson in considering the complexities of someone else’s life, which helps us come to a place of love and understanding for everyone around us. 

It's all about the journey and learning and loving along the way. As summer comes to a close, we are excited to see where this school year takes all of our scholars, families and chosen ones!

WE ARE FAMILY