Camelot Schools of Pennsylvania, a collection of schools for children who are on their second chance, held their graduation ceremony at the Kimmel Center on Friday, with Michael Vick as their chosen keynote speaker.
Michael Vick was greeted by loud cheers at the start of his speech
Vick started his speech by saying that out of all of the offers he had to speak else where, he chose this school to speak at because he believes in the children graduating from it. In front of just under 500 students and a packed audience, Vick told the children all about his fall from grace.
“At one point in time, I was the starting quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons. I thought I was unstoppable” Vick said, as the crowd boo’d the mention of the Falcons. ” At my lowest moment, I was sitting in a prison cell, convicted of felony dog fighting charges.”
Throughout his speech, many members of the audience shouted their support for Vick. Camelot Schools are filled with children who at one point or another have made a poor choice, so the students and parents enjoyed hearing Vick tell them how he turned it around.
“I lost my freedom, I lost my money, I lost family. All because of irrational decisions, and using poor judgment” said Vick. ” So I stand here to say: think before you speak, think before you act, and think before you make decisions in your life. “
One phrase Vick made sure to drive home was that to him, it is not about the journey, but about the destination.
Vick also awarded two graduates with scholarships to help them in their first year of college. The two scholarships went to Ricky Savage, who will be attending Virginia Union University, and Monique Joseph, who is heading to Penn State.
“I stand before you a changed man” said Vick. “Use me as an example at how to become an instrument of change. You can do it as well.”
Vick spoke infront of a packed house at the Kimmel Center
Before the event, Vick talked about how important it is for him to donate his time to helping education in the city. Many people close to Vick, and those who have worked with him, go on at length about how important education is to Vick, and how has tried to support it since his arrival in Philadelphia.
Having seen Vick speak at many events such as this, and from my interactions with him during the season, it is very clear that he does believe in the message he preaches. Some people close to him now say his personality is such that they can’t imagine he once did what he did.
Many fans will never forgive him for what he did, and that is their right.
But you cannot deny that fact that Vick, and every student at Camelot, appears to have genuinely turned his life around. Which is something every person should admire.
For video of the speech, check out the sidebar to the right.
