One of the top coaches in basketball, U.C. Berkeley’s Mike Montgomery, will be the keynote speaker at the annual Most Inspiring Students Awards at 6pm on Thursday, May 26 at the Long Beach Hilton.
The evening of inspiring stories about local students who have beaten the odds is sponsored by the Long Beach Education Foundation. One student from each school in the Long Beach Unified School District is recognized at the event.
Montgomery, a Millikan High School and Cal State Long Beach alum, was named head coach at Berkeley three years ago. Last season, he led the team to its first conference championship in 50 years and helped the Bears reach the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season, advancing to the second round.
A four-time Pac-10 Coach of the Year and recipient of a John R. Wooden “Legends of Coaching” Lifetime Achievement Award, Montgomery brought a proven record of success to Berkeley and has collected 20 postseason appearances, claimed five conference championships and reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.
Montgomery previously coached at Stanford University and was head coach of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. He was also assistant athletic director at Stanford and worked as a TV commentator for two years before accepting the offer to coach at Cal. Masters of ceremony at the event will be Frank Mottek, news anchor for KNX 1070 Radio, and Mike Murray, president of the Foundation. The event’s theme is Mardi Gras, featuring the Cabrillo High School Steel Drum Band and Renaissance High School Dancers and Singers.
During the dinner, the Superintendent’s Annual Distinguished Community Service Award also is given to an individual or organization that has made a positive difference for local schools and students. This year’s honor goes to The Port of Long Beach.
The inspiring students recognized at the awards dinner represent one or more of the following qualities. Each winner:
• is an inspiring example
• is unusually persistent
• makes a tremendous effort
• is an exemplary good citizen who is dedicated to serving the school or community
• could be described as a hero for overcoming adversity or circumstances that might have prevented a less determined student from succeeding
• has made a dramatic improvement or turnaround.
Proceeds of the event support Long Beach Education Foundation charities with grants, school uniforms for students whose families cannot afford them, scholarships and other assistance. Reservations are available by calling the Foundation at (562) 997-8693. The donation is $100 per person or $1,000 for a table sponsorship. Checks are payable to Long Beach Education Foundation.
