The crowd of 300 hardly noticed that Lisa and Kenny Troutts’ indoor basketball court was transformed into a banquet hall last Wednesday for Just Say YES luncheon with former Dallas Mavericks’ coach Avery Johnson.
Toward the front of the room were the likes of the Troutts, Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones, Lillie Romano, Alicia Landry, Sue Gragg and Dee Wyly.
Lisa was still a little amazed at all the hubbub over the recent rumor about her being involved in a reality show. One would suspect that a drive-thru beer barn would open in HP Village before Lisa would be on a unreal drama show.
Before Avery addressed the group, the audience learned that girls who are sexually active are seven times more likely to drink alcohol and 46 times more likely to use marijuana.
Lessons to be learned in raising healthy kids from the information:
- Parent-child connection like having five family meals a week is a powerful weapon;
- Positive role models are essential;
- Connection to dreams and goal are key.
As Just Say Yes Founder/President Dan Bailey introduced Avery, he described him as a “Master at Connecting With Teens” and went on to tell the group that Avery “has been to 23 schools talking with teens. . . Off-season in basketball is the on-season for him at Just Say Yes.”
Avery’s commitment to the program was emphasized by his arriving at 1:30 a.m. immediately following a game in New Jersey, where his New Jersey Nets played the night before.
To show their appreciation, Avery was presented with two gifts:
- A sleeping mask to wear on the flight home.
- A donation in Avery’s name to Hunger Busters.
Following a brief video, Avery took over the microphone telling the room full of adults that they were to “transform yourself into being a student at KL Troutt High School.”
The “kids” gave him a standing ovation. Don’t know if it was him just being Avery or letting them return to their youth.
Avery started off by telling the kids how he met his wife, Cassandra, 24 years ago. “She’s the sugar in my tea. She’s not Sweet and Low. She’s the real thing. This is the first time for her to hear me speak to high schoolers.”
Throughout his talk, he referred to himself at “Coach.” Avery told the “youngsters” that 30 years ago, people used mailing addresses and phone numbers. But now there are different ways to communicate.
Using Facebook as the backdrop, he proceeded to walk them through, “What are the chapters of your Facebook?”
According to Avery, the chapters should be:
- Chapter 1 — “I’m Special. I’m not an Accident.”
- Chapter 2 — “Compete and Don’t Complain.” He then shared a touching story about his youth. It seems from the ages of 14 to 20, he got a job as the “warehouse boy” at Crescent Plywood. Despite offers, Avery refused to succumb to “offers” to provide a little more than the customers paid for. As he prepared to head to college and a long daily commute, the mill’s owner told Avery to go to a neighborhood car dealership and pick out the kind of car he would get for himself. The next day the car — an $8,500 Escort — was waiting for him. When Avery asked, “Why?”, the owner said that he had watched Avery over the years and appreciated his honesty.
- Chapter 3 — “Expect Conflict. (You Can’t Get to the Top Without Conflict)” Conflict will help train you. You sometimes need failure to get success. Frustration is the cocktail for depression.
- Chapter 4 — “Exploring the Other Side”
- Chapter 5 — “Say ‘No’ to Drugs”
- Chapter 6 — “Under Construction”
In closing, he also told the “children” that the photo that they post on their Facebook is important. It’s got to reflect their character.
Needless to say, the students at KL Troutt H.S. gave him another standing ovation and this time there was no doubt that it was for Avery being Avery.
Debby Lane says
Kuddos to Dan and Sue Bailey for all their time & efforts and making a positive impact in the lives of children with Just Say Yes! It was a beautiful day at the Troutts’ home for a wonderful cause.
Cassandra Hudgins says
What a wonderful turnout & beautiful event for such a worthy cause!
Congrats to all the staff at JSY for all their hard work in making this day such a success.
Coach Johnson was brilliant and his message really hit home.
Kelly Singleton says
Avery Johnson was such a strong speaker!! I look forward to seeing how JSY will utilize him and the other impact speakers to encourage and speak positively into teens lives. What an incredible event!!
Dan says
It was an amazing day! My highlight was seeing the peer mentors from Garland ISD
tell their stories about the dramatic change in their lives in such a short period of time! Very encouraging and exciting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMsKSvNHhdI&feature=g-all-u&context=G28e6a23FAAAAAAAAAAA
Paula says
Whats not to like about JSY…teaching our future leaders to stand the moral high ground. Perfect!
Dixie Cook says
All the people at the Just Say Yes organization are passionate about making a positive and lasting difference in the lives of teens! I’m so proud to support Dan and Sue Bailey, the JSY staff, speakers and volunteers as they encourage young people to do the right thing! The great attendance at this recent luncheon speaks loudly of the community support of Just Say Yes!
Glynn Ann Ruggeri says
It was a wonderful day and very exciting to be in attendance and really get such an amazing overview as to just what “Just Say Yes” does for our youth and community. So proud of my talented and inspiring friend Sue Bailey.
Kellye says
Wonderful message from Coach Johnson! All kids need to hear him! Kudos to the JSY staff!
Beth Jordan says
An exciting and inspirational day! Just Say Yes, along with it’s partner Avery Johnson, are clearly committed to doing the most important work of equipping youth for success. Very impressive!