NFL Legend and American Idol Star to Speak at Braden River High

Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown

BRADENTON -- National Football League Hall of Famer Jim Brown is scheduled to attend and speak at the Manatee School District’s Amer-I-Can Graduation Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2011, in the auditorium at Braden River High School.

Mr. Brown is the founder and the CEO of Amer-I-Can, a program that helps teenagers overcome some of society’s most pressing problems by teaching positive self esteem and valuable life-management skills. The Amer-I-Can program operates in four Manatee District middle schools – Harllee, Johnson, Lincoln and Sugg. Students take the course for a full semester and are taught by specially trained facilitators.

Syesha Mercado, a former student in Manatee County Schools and a top-three finalist in the 2008 American Idol competition, will also be on hand to sing the National Anthem. Other community dignitaries will also be on hand.

During his nine-year NFL career playing for the Cleveland Browns, Mr. Brown rushed for 12,312 yards and 106 touchdowns. He also caught 262 passes for 2,499 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Braden River High is located at 6545 State Road 70 East. The graduation ceremony will be held in the school’s auditorium.