Retired NBA Superstar Teaches Students the Journey to Success

Moncrief, nicknamed Super Sid, told the students about his NBA days.

He went from playing professional basketball to coaching it. Now, he uses his passion to coach people and inspire them to achieve greatness.

Five-time NBA All-Star Sidney Moncrief made a stop at Mansfield ISD’s Phoenix Academy and Behavior Intervention Center (BIC) to teach students about the road to his success despite his childhood difficulties.

“I used to get into trouble when I was younger,” the Milwaukee Bucks legend explained. “But once I got to high school, I found my calling, which was basketball.”

The 6-4 guard said he was very skilled in basketball, but his grades didn’t always make the score. Once he made the decision to apply himself, his grade point average (GPA) went from a 1.85 entering high school to a 3.85 by the time he graduated.

“I didn’t get smarter; I decided to put in more hard work and effort,” Moncrief said. “Here’s a guy that had everything going against him, and he was still able to do something very good. You have the same potential to be great. You just have to find a way to tap into that.”

The father of four detailed the habits needed to become a successful adult whom people can trust. Topics ranged from preparation and smart choices to kindness and respect.

Students were excited to welcome the Defensive Player of the Year.

Students like Ryan Redd said they connected to his message.

“I think it was the best presentation,” said the 11th-grader. “I relate to his situation more because I play basketball. I learned how key responsibility is.”

Moncrief is now a speaker, consultant and author. He said he wants to make sure everyone learns the real definition of success.

“Success isn’t only about who wins. Success is who gave all there was to give.”

Phoenix Academy Equips Students for Success Through Expo

The president of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center
spoke to the students about having the right attitude.

What started off as an idea to help students prepare for job interviews blossomed into a full-day business expo to prepare students for various aspects of life after graduation.

The Phoenix Academy held its “From Flame to Flight” Business Expo on Wednesday, April 13 at the Mansfield ISD Center for the Performing Arts. The event, made possible through a grant from the MISD Education Foundation, consisted of community and corporate leaders who gave the students real-world advice to apply in their future careers.

“I shared the idea with some staff members, and it took off from there,” said Phoenix Academy teacher Donna Craig. “So many people in the community collaborated together to make this happen.”

Students registered for sessions that included topics on business etiquette, career skills, leadership, and protecting their online reputation. Principal Regenia Crane said she hopes the event will allow students to unlock their full potential.

“It’s about creating a culture of success,” said Crane. “These kids are diamonds in the rough, and this expo will help them move their obstacles so that they can shine and be productive citizens and know their worth.”

Principal Crane and Donna Craig were excited for
the different workshops at the business expo.

Before the expo, The Phoenix Academy held financial reality classes for students. Mock job interviews will also be conducted later in the month so students can become more familiar with the corporate world.

“If we didn’t have this experience, we would be left in the dark,” said senior Glen Johnston. “We wouldn’t understand what we need to do and what we need to prepare for. The people that go to this school are going to be the next leaders of this country.”

The expo organizers said they plan to expand the program next year and continue adding components that give students the tools they need to succeed.

“It’s written into my DNA to equip. That’s what fulfills me,” said Craig. “And I’m grateful to be part of a district that encourages innovation and allows us to dream big.”