The odds of being drafted in the National Football League (NFL) if you are an American is 0.16 percent, and those odds drop even further if you are a Canadian student. Yet two former St. Patrick’s High School students, Neville Gallimore and Jesse Luketa were drafted into the National Football League just two years apart. Between the two, they received over 70 offers from American Universities/Colleges. Yet despite their fame, they routinely come back to St. Patrick’s High School to speak to students with a message to remember where you come from and never forget that it took a community to get you where you are today.
Both young men are committed to helping the next generation of St. Pat’s students reach their goals. Neither grew up in wealthy communities if you consider wealth monetarily. Still, both grew up with loving families, coaches and educators who believed in them and a community that rallied around them by encouraging them to be the best they could be.
The football stars return to their former Catholic High School to be a source of motivation by showing them how you can make it even when the odds are against you! Jesse put it this way… “No journey is too far, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. If you truly want something, you’ve got to work at it, and you can’t think it will come easy. You’ve got to stay consistent, stay diligent and remain determined.”
Staff at St. Patrick’s say when people from the neighbourhood come to the school who have reached their goals, it is a reminder that you can attain your goals through personal dedication, respecting your community, faith in your abilities and kindness. Be Community is alive and well at St. Pat’s.