true ios true ios true android false computer $upper($url_encode($(QUERY_STRING{'bypassCountry'}))) NONE $url_encode($(GEO{'country_code'})) $url_encode($(GEO{'country_code'})) $(bpc) true true false Cousins Inspires Young Student to Earn 4.0 | NBA.com
featured-image

Cousins Inspires Young Student to Earn 4.0

DeMarcus Cousins is no stranger to highlight plays on the hardwood, but it wasn’t a monster dunk or clutch defensive play that caught the attention of one Sacramento-area student.

Rather, it was something the Kings big man said that left a lasting positive impact on this young man.

Jeremiah of Elkhorn Village Elementary School had gotten into some trouble at the beginning of the school year, which jeopardized his chances at graduating from the 8th grade.

With serious consequences on the horizon, Jeremiah had to make some changes in order to turn his situation around.

That’s when he turned on the TV after a Kings game to hear DeMarcus Cousins say something that would motivate him to do just that.

Following a Sacramento win against the Toronto Raptors last November, Cousins was asked about his donation to pay for the funeral services for a local high school student. DMC noted how this tragedy touched him and also delivered a message that would wind up making a huge impact on Jeremiah.

“Don’t become another statistic. You can do things,” said Cousins. “Believe in yourself. Dream big and anything is possible.”

Elkhorn Village Principal Lisa Smith happily reported in an email to the Kings Community department this week that Jeremiah turned his year around in a major way. Not only had he stayed out of trouble, but he also recorded great attendance, was on time to class, and earned straight A’s in all of his classes.

Smith would elaborate and point out that the driving force behind this rejuvenation was what DeMarcus said on TV that night, which inspired Jeremiah to become a better student with hard work and dedication.

“Usually, we don’t know when we touch someone’s life and make a difference,” Smith wrote in the email. “But yesterday, I thought this is one time when I actually can let someone know they had a profound effect. Please let your organization – and Mr. Cousins – know that they absolutely affect children!”

DMC’s statement, while broadcast to a large audience, certainly had a strong effect on one person in particular, further demonstrating one of the many ways he continues to serve the Sacramento community.


Next Up