ST. LOUIS — Student-athletes at Vashon High School saw examples of where hard work and dedication can get them.
On Friday, a group met face-to-face with professional athletes with various ties to St. Louis in the school's auditorium.
The meetup was the Urban League of St. Louis' latest push to help young people rise above crime and violence. Some in their age group have gotten into trouble or even killed across the region.
James Clark, vice president of Public Safety and Community Engagement, invited triple champion boxer and Vashon High School grad Devon Alexander, former Pittsburgh Steeler and Super Bowl champion Carey Davis, former New England Patriot Laurence Maroney, and former Rams safety Toby Wright to serve on a panel.
Clark stressed that the focus for this chat was on athletes because, in many instances, they are the ones with the platform to speak positivity to their peers.
"The athletes and then the individuals who are popular within the neighborhoods. We've got to consistently strive to empower them to find the self-esteem to change the culture," Clark said.
The athletes offered advice about eliminating distractions, choosing the right friends, holding peers accountable, appearing confident and being respectful.
Devon Alexander, 37, showed the students a picture of himself at 8 years old and noted that only five of the friends in the picture with him were still living.
"I wanted to show that picture in particular. Because when I showed it and I told them that most of them are dead, they felt it," he said.
The professional boxer added that he was the only one of the ones who reached success because of his commitment to his craft despite financial and systemic challenges in his childhood.
"I'm no different than them. I started off actually worse than them. I want them to understand it's not how you start. It's how you finish," he said.
"I just want to at least let them know to look at me now is to realize this is where I ended up is to look at where I started. It's been a hard work and progress," said Toby Wright who played with the St. Louis Rams for seven years.
"A lot of the times we come with the idea that like who cares. I'm a graduate of Vashon myself and I just to see people taking the time to pour into them. To make sure that they are celebrated is just a great opportunity," said principal Brenda Smith.
As he pointed to his brain and heart, Alexander said, "You can do whatever you want to do. Long as this is right and this is right. Whatever it is you want, you can do it. I promise you."