Celtics guard Eddie House and Cedric Maxwell, a key cog of the club's 1981 and 1984 NBA championships, teamed up yesterday to help present the Jacob Hiatt Magnet School with a home court makeover.
More than 70 fifth- and sixth-graders wrote essays asking to have a new home Basketball court and hoop installed in the playground at their school as part of the RE/MAX of New England Home Court Program. The program, in its fourth year, gives the winning school a court makeover complete with resealing, a new hoop and stanchion, ball rack and assorted other Celtics merchandise. "They're thrilled," principal Patricia Gaudette said of the students. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it's better than picking a name out of a bin - they worked for this. The students really wanted to do this, and we found out at the end of last year that we were chosen.
"Our children put forth a high-quality writing effort, and it just goes to show that hard work pays off. It's the old saying that you have to work for what you want, and it's true."
The court was dedicated to Kyle Gavin, a 12-year-old student who passed away last summer. Students will use it every day during recess.
After the ceremony, which included a dedication read by Mayor Konstantina Lukes and a few words from Maxwell and House, the players held a free hour-long Basketball clinic next door at the Worcester Central Branch YMCA. They played "knockout" and took 100 students through shooting and defensive drills.
"To do something like this makes me feel great," House said. "But it's all about the kids' reactions. These are lifelong memories for them."
House also spoke about the signing of forward Glen Davis, and the Celtics' upcoming season.
"I think it's great," he said. "Last season, we didn't have enough good bodies, but we fixed that. We're looking good."
After signing a few autographs and posing for pictures, the pros went home, but the court they helped dedicate will remain for years.
"It's important to have something to be proud of," Maxwell said in his speech. "We brought you guys something special, and you have to make sure this joy stays here."
