Several former LHHS players went on to successful NFL careers; Wade Smith was among the many who returned to our neighborhood in 2015 to attended a Wildcat Football pep rally. Photo by Danny Fulgencio
The Wade Smith Foundation, founded by the 1999 Lake Highlands High alum and National Football League veteran of the same name, was at Lake Highlands High School over the weekend sponsoring a free athletic camp, football and cheer, for children. This marked the sixth annual Wade’s Weekend in Lake Highlands, and it coincides with National Healthy Kids Week that benefits local youth in areas of education, literacy and fitness.
If you spend any amount of time reading this publication, you know over the years we follow many of Wade’s moves — University of Memphis, Dolphins, Jets, Chiefs, Texans, Eagles. Especially those that impact the community, like his support of the Hamilton Park youth programs. And his visits to pep-talk the varsity football team to victory.
Wade Smith motivates the Wildcat locker room. Photo by Danny Fulgencio
In 2012, Wade’s wife Rita helped him form the WSF to support youth programs in Dallas and Houston. During this past weekend’s event — complete with celebrity guests Marshall Newhouse (Raider), Quintin Demps (Bears), Jeremiah George and Jameill Showers (Cowboys), Bethel Johnson (Patriots), Bradie James, Shaun Smith and Akin Ayodele (three former Cowboy greats), Dante Wesley (former Panther), Mario Haggan (former Bills), Rodney Bradley (former Raven), Lisa Marie (Golfer and motivational speaker) and LeAnne Locken (Real Housewife) — Wade released his new children’s book, Smitty Tackles Bullying (a follow up to Smitty Hits The Play Books), wherein young Smitty helps his buddy deal with some not-nice classmates. (His books are aimed at 1-6 graders).
Friday, Wade went to Hotchkiss, Hamilton Park and Wallace elementary schools to read to the students.
The sun is shining after all at Wildcat-Ram Stadium for our 6th Annual Youth Football and Cheer Clinic ☀️ #WadesWeekend2017 pic.twitter.com/LQP3yR8IPd
— Wade Smith Found. (@wadesmithfound) April 29, 2017
Cutest thing all day: Wade Smith reading his book “Smitty Hits the Play Books” to fans at #DallasBookFest! @wadesmithfound pic.twitter.com/Z9naXKbZcY
— DallasLibraryKids (@dallaslibkids) April 29, 2017
We’re kicking off #WadesWeekend2017 w/ a #ReadingWithThePros at Hotchkiss Elem in Dallas! #youth #literacy #education pic.twitter.com/0JgxXaDRTF
— Wade Smith Found. (@wadesmithfound) April 28, 2017
Former LH great @MNewhouse74 is at the Boneyard today coaching OL for the Wade Smith (@Smitty74allday) Football Camp! pic.twitter.com/ZxXgMtIrlH
— LHHS Football (@LHHS_FOOTBALL) April 29, 2017
Remember, this is a yearly event-filled weekend with volunteer (and donation) opportunities. Visit the website for all the information you need.
