Sessions Met
with Resistance
‘City
of
Roses’
Volume XLVI • Number 38
Mayor, protestors
oppose visit of
Trump official
See Story, Page 2
On the
Starting
Blocks
Still time to sign
up for MLK
Dream Run
See Local News, page 3
www.portlandobserver.com
Wednesday • September 20, 2017
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photo by b ruce e ly /NbA. com
Roosevelt High School students Lammi Kalil (from left), Justice English and Isobel Boyd join Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (center) at a school assem-
bly Thursday to kick off a motivational ‘RESPECT’ program that focuses on encouraging students to adopt core values through respectful behavior.
Respect and Success:
Lillard on young people making good choices
Since his arrival in 2012, Portland Trail
Blazers point guard and NBA sensation
Damian Lillard has placed a high priority
on positive interactions with fans, especial-
ly with the young people he can influence
to make good choices in life.
As the new school year begins, the Oak-
land, Calif. native has tipped off a re-en-
ergized “RESPECT” program to encour-
age Portland students to adopt core values
through respectful behavior. He met with
students at Roosevelt and Parkrose High
Schools last week to launch the program.
The two schools were specifically chosen
as partners for this year’s effort.
Roosevelt Principal Filip Hristic said he
was very excited about the program and
how it can positively influence students.
“We’re so appreciative to Damian,”
he said. “We will be utilizing the support
Damian has to offer to increase school en-
gagement and ultimately our graduation
rate. We are grateful for this opportunity.”
A new curriculum for 2017 will engage
students to show up, work hard and be
kind: Showing up by arriving on time each
day ready to engage and learn, showing re-
spect for your family and teachers; work-
ing hard by doing your best and showing
respect for yourself and your future; and
being kind by showing respect and valuing
the differences in others.
Throughout the year, teachers and coun-
selors will be empowered to reward stu-
dents who have embodied the program’s
principles with tickets to Trail Blazers
games; Damian Lillard adidas merchan-
dise; and other special giveaways.
“We are thrilled to have Damian Lil-
lard and RESPECT as part of our students’
experience this year,’ said Parkrose Princi-
pal Molly Ouche. “Damian’s positive role
modeling and leadership will help make
Parkrose High School and Parkrose stu-
dents even better by providing opportuni-
ties and experiences to reinforce showing
up, working hard and being kind. We ap-
preciate his level of involvement and com-
mitment to this work.”
Lillard started “RESPECT” in 2013
during his rookie NBA season with the
Blazers.
“I’ve always defined success as trying to
be the best version of myself, and positive-
ly impacting as many lives as possible,” he
said.