An NFL player ensured a group of Delray Beach middle school students will continue to get the help they need in the play book of life.
Chicago Bears Defensive Tackle and Player of the Year Akiem Hicks donated $5,000 to Carver Middle School's "Success for Life" club.
The club is the only of its kind in Palm Beach County. Students apply and write essays to be members, then get to participate in educational and cultural experiences that will help prepare them for life after middle and high school.
Through field trips and group activities, Success for Life students are taught everything from etiquette, to conflict resolution, to financial management and career planning.
"I just want to say I'm so proud of you guys," Hicks said as he presented the students and their teacher, Perry Stokes with a check. "I'm so proud of the position you're in right now."
Stokes has been running the program for 15 years and says it relies solely on donations like Hicks'. Stokes serves as a mentor to Hicks and introduced him to the students in his club.
"I believe it'll give the kids more opportunities," Hicks said. "It'll make things easier for kids that need just a little bit of assistance, and the program will be able to have more adventures and be able to explore more."
Students in the group said they were most excited to meet a role model.
"It was so awesome just to see someone I'd eventually want to be very successful like him, and someone that has received guidance from Mr. Stokes," said Baron Fisher, a 7th grader in the club. "It makes me think maybe someday I could be someone like that. It's definitely a goal."