MICHAEL VICK, CAMELOT’S COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

(Philadelphia – May 12, 2011)

Michael Vick will take on a bit of an unexpected role next month, as he will serve as commencement speaker in June for Camelot Schools in Philadelphia.

Camelot works in partnership with the Philadelphia school district, offering transition services for kids dealing with behavioral and emotional issues to get them back into public school. They also offer an accelerated plan for over-aged and under credited kids who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out.

There are five Camelot schools in the area, and they will all gather at Verizon Hall in the Kimmel Center to hear Vick speak.

“These students may have made a mistake along the way, but they turned it around,” said Vick in a statement. “They did the right thing and finished school. I am honored to be speaking at their commencement.”

The students chose Vick.

Faculty at one of the accelerated schools surveyed their classes to find out who they wanted to speak at their graduation, and three names came back: Mayor Michael Nutter, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman, and Vick, with Vick getting the slight edge.

“Based on Vick’s recent story of making a mistake, hitting rock bottom and having the courage to pick himself back up and work through difficult period of life, that was something we felt was very relevant to the student population and their story,” said Milton Alexander, Vice President of Operations at Camelot. “It will be something they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

There is a significant difference, of course, in the life path of Mayor Nutter and Dr. Ackerman compared to Vick; Alexander was asked if there was any hesitation in selecting a former felon to address their group of 16-21 year olds over the other two public figures.

“There was not a whole lot of debate on our end,” said Alexander. “One thing that we are constantly addressing with our students is if you make a mistake, if you make a bad decision, there is accountability involved, and just because this is your reality now it doesn’t have to be your reality forever.

“Vick’s story is very relevant to their situation.”

Follow Tim McManus on Twitter: @Tim_McManus. Contact him attmcmanus@phillysportsdaily.com