Lewisville Honors Chris Paul
Lewisville Elementary third-graders lift their handmade signs high at a Shallowford Square ceremony, chanting "Chris Paul! Chris Paul!" for several minutes, as they await Chris Paul's introduction.
Hometown Pride
Yesterday the Town of Lewisville honored one of its own, Chris Paul, with a special ceremony to unveil a plaque at Shallowford Square honoring Chris as a gold medalist on the 2008 Olympics USA Basketball Team.
Following the invocation given by Rev. Louis Hunter, Jr., young representatives of Lewisville Elementary School’s third-grade classes presented Chris with a gift.
Lewisville’s Mayor Dan Pugh, who knew Chris when he was a Pop Warner football player, reminisced about Chris’ athleticism and also highlighted a conversation he once had with Chris’ grandfather. Although appreciative of Chris’ athletic talent, his grandfather emphasized that his greatest prayer for Chris was that he would be a man of integrity. Mayor Pugh also recited a long list of Chris’ achievements as an athlete, from his days as a high school basketball player, to his ACC/Wake Forest basketball days, and his present role as an NBA player with the New Orleans Hornets.
Chris’ high school principal, Kurt Telford of West Forsyth High School, shared his recollections of Chris as a student who led by example and humility, both on and off the basketball court.
Photo Gallery and Audio
Please continue to the NEXT SECTION for more PHOTOS and AUDIO of the ceremony honoring Chris Paul.
Chris Paul speaks to the crowd at Shallowford Square, including a large group of Lewisville Elementary School third-graders, about his priorities and values.
Third-Graders Go Crazy Over Chris Paul!
Perhaps the most dynamic aspect of yesterday’s ceremony was the presence of the very spirited third-graders from Lewisville Elementary School. To say they were excited to see Chris Paul is an understatement. The students had prepared signs with messages for Chris, and many of them wore either Wake Forest or New Orleans Hornets clothing.
I thought you might like to hear the “Chris Paul!” chants of the third-graders and see some of their signs, so I’ve provided a brief audio slideshow below. Although it’s only one minute in length, it’s full of energy and enthusiasm! (CLICK the Play button below the slideshow window to start the presentation.)
More Photos and Audio
And there’s more! CLICK on the links below to visit the PHOTO GALLERY and to hear the 19-minute, edited AUDIO RECORDING of the ceremony honoring Chris Paul. (Suggestion: Start the audio recording, and then visit the photo gallery while the recording plays.)
Audio: Chris Paul Ceremony Recording (MP3, 19 MIN.)
Photo Gallery: Chris Paul Ceremony Photo Gallery
Calling All Chris Paul Fans
Please leave a brief comment below if you’re a Chris Paul fan. Share a special thought or a memory about Chris.
