A very fond and recent memory which I would like to share is connected to the "Principal For a Day" event. I went to Mather High School and graduated in 1979, my High School memories are fantastic and I had not been back to Mather until 2007 when I acted as a PFAD. What a thrill to go back to Mather and walk the halls see my old classrooms which are still there and many look exactly as I remember them. Of course there have been changes and improvements made which I was happy to see as well.

I shared with the students some of my experience's while attending Mather and also shared with them my experiences as an Olympian and Olympic Medalist from the 1984 Games held in Los Angeles (Judo). I also shared my experience as an Olympic Team coach in the 2004 Games in Athens. Finally I engaged the students in a discussion regarding the opportunity that our city has at hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As a Board Member of the 2016 committee and as an Olympic Athlete the opportunities for open forum discussion on these topics were awesome. The kids were engaged had many questions in a variety of areas and we simply ran out of time.

Having the opportunity and honor of speaking to HS age kids from my old school and giving them the message of having dreams and then chasing those dreams down while believing in themselves was so gratifying on so many different levels. I would encourage all CPS Alumni to participate in PFAD as well as the many other areas which are available and in need of volunteers.