Hayward, CA – On September 9, men’s basketball center Omar Samhan visited the sixth graders of Bowman Elementary School, located in Hayward. The reason for his trip was to speak to the kids about education during their academic rally, which focused on last year’s STAR 9 scores.

Samhan spoke to the Bowman kids about succeeding academically and fulfilling their dreams of going to college.

Omar Samhan speaks about college, hard work, and effort!

“For many of the students here, they hear so much negativity about their chances in life and it is important that positive messages be heard from people like Omar who have succeeded in life, on and off the court,” said Bowman Principal Maria Elena.

Growing up, Samhan was diagnosed with a learning disability and was enrolled in the resource specialist program (RSP) at his school. He knows firsthand what the kids of Bowman are going through, to feel like many are questioning their ability to succeed and continue on to college. “I know how many of those kids feel, I was told growing up that I would never go to college because I did not read very well, and as an RSP student, it really hurt to hear that. I worked very hard academically and athletically to get to where I am today,” said Samhan.

Principal Elena invited Samhan to speak to the Bowman kids again during next month’s academic rally. Samhan extended his commitment to Bowman, the RSP class in particular, vowing to visit a few more times. “One visit does not benefit as much as being there consistently and I want to make a difference in as many communities as I can,” said Samhan.

Last season, Diamon Simpson 09′ visited Bowman, which is in his hometown of Hayward. Like Samhan, he spoke to the kids about education and what he went through growing up and what it feels like to succeed as a student-athlete.

This year, that star is center Omar Samhan. Samhan is proof that a player can be much more than just a player. “He’s as genuine as there is,” Major says, explaining the instant rapport Samhan has had with the HYA children. Not exactly a top student upon entry, Samhan has worked hard both on and off the court. “Saint Mary’s really took a chance on a kid who had that inspired wonder in him,” Major says.

“He’d play at 6:30 in the morning with us old guys,” adds A. J. Rollins, a SMC alumnus and former player attending the HYA event. “He came in ready to work and now it’s paying off.” Rollins and Major are invested in Samhan; the personal connection is clear, tight, like a family.

Read More at LamorindaWeekly.com…

Courtesy: SMC Athletics Release: 10/23/2009  

Tracy, Ca – Saint Mary’s men’s basketball player, Omar Samhan, took some time away from the classroom and court, to visit the Advancement Via Individualized Determination (AVID) students at Williams Middle School in Tracy on Wednesday. This marks the second visit Samhan has made to a Northern California school this school year. “As educators, we can tell kids what they need to do in life to succeed, but it means a lot more to them when it comes from a young adult who has similar life experiences,” said Sam Strube, Assistant Principal at Williams Middle School. 

Williams Middle School AVID program share a photo with Saint Mary's College basketball star Omar Samhan

 Samhan, a senior at Saint Mary’s, spoke to 170 AVID 6th, 7th, and 8th graders about his upbringing, the College, and what it took for him to become a student-athlete at Saint Mary’s.  AVID prepares students in the academic middle for four-year college eligibility. These are largely low-income students and most will be the first in their family to attend college. Williams Middle School is one of 118 (of the 4,000 AVID programs nationwide) schools that has earned the honor of being an AVID National Demonstration School.  

“Hearing a message from a young, successful student-athlete about working hard, not quitting on one’s dreams, and taking school seriously, resonated with our students and made them feel like they can also accomplish great things,” said Michelle Simas, counselor at Williams Middle School.  Samhan and the Gaels are working hard in preparation for their first game of the 2009-10 season on Friday, November 13 when they take on New Mexico State.  

Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. from McKeon Pavilion, on the Saint Mary’s campus.