Former NBA player Chris Herren will speak to the Manhasset community about his descent into a world of substance abuse, addiction and recovery during a special evening presentation on Jan. 11 in the Manhasset High School auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
The program, open to the entire Manhasset community, is sponsored by the Manhasset Community Coalition Against Substance Abuse as part of its ongoing prevention and education program, and co-sponsored by the Manhasset Booster Club, SCA, and Manhasset Rotary Club.
Herren, a high school All-American at B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River, Massachusetts, was considered among the best high school players of his era and was recruited by many of the major college basketball programs in the country.
While realizing his dream of playing professional basketball, Herren, who played for the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics, was also battling addiction, which ultimately ended his professional basketball career.
Alcohol- and drug-free since 2008, Herren has refocused his life to put his sobriety and family above all else. He has since dedicated much of his time to sharing his story with people across the country in hopes of influencing young people to make positive decisions.
Herren has since appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone and Sports Illustrated magazines, was featured in a highly acclaimed book, “Fall River Dreams” by Bill Reynolds, and was the subject of the Emmy-nominated documentary “Unguarded.”
Earlier in the day on Jan. 11, Herren will conduct a special assembly exclusively for students and staff at Manhasset High School.
In conjunction with Manhasset CASA, two Manhasset High School clubs have been taking an active role in promoting Herren’s message in the community. In December, Manhasset High School Key Club asked students, teachers and support staff to wear purple to school for a day while also collecting donations for Herren’s Project Purple initiative against substance abuse.
CASA’s Youth Club is also hosting a movie night viewing of “Unguarded” on Jan. 5 in the Black Box Theater. During the movie, Project Purple awareness bands will be given to all students who take the pledge to stand up against substance abuse.
Tickets for the Jan. 11 evening presentation are free, however CASA recommends attendees RSVP in advance online due to limited seating. Manhasset CASA, in conjunction with the Manhasset School District, invites the community to be a part of Herren’s inspiring presentation. Admission is free.
