by Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolf and former Duke University wide receiver Jamin Pastore returned to their alma mater on Tuesday, January 7, to announce their contribution of $1 million towards the district’s athletic facilities.
The formal announcement came during a press conference that took place in the Beaver Local Schools auditorium featuring Beaver Local School Superintendent Eric Lowe, Wolfe, Pastore, and Beaver Local School Treasurer/Chief Finance Officer Stacy Williams.
“About seven years ago we were very blessed that our community supported a new school, and I think that Jamin and Derek would be able to attest today as they made their way around it, it’s been a significant upgrade for us and our facilities here at school educationally and athletically. But across the street our football facility, it needs some attention,” stated Lowe.
The announcement came following Wolfe’s “My Cleats My Cause” campaign, where his signed custom-painted red and white cleats sold for a top bid of $775. Bidding for the cleats lasted until December 23rd and 100% of the proceeds benefit Beaver Local Schools.
“Me being back here and being able to give back is the ultimate gift,” Wolfe said as he addressed a group of high school students gathered in the senior pod of the high school wing.
Wolfe graduated from Beaver Local in 2008, and following graduation continued his education at the University of Cincinnati. He was drafted in the second round by the Denver Broncos in the 2012 NFL Draft. In 2016, Wolfe made five tackles as the Broncos trumped the Carolina Panthers 24-10 to take the title during Super Bowl 50. Wolfe is the only individual from Columbiana County to claim the ring.
“This is my way of giving back and showing that I believe in you guys. I hope that even if it helps one person, you know, if one kid gets out of here and goes and makes something of themselves and does big things and then they can come back and pay it forward themselves.”
The donation will strive to advance the plan to install a new turf football field, as well as for a state-of-the-art facility.
“It’s time now that we match this facility with the facility across the street,” Pastore commented.
Pastore graduated from Beaver Local in 2001 as class valedictorian and held many accomplishments on the football field, including being named a First Team All-Ohio Quarterback in 2000 and a nominee for Mr. Ohio Football in which he was a top five finisher. Pastore continued his education at Duke University, where he was a three-year Football Letter Award winner, and currently serves as President and CEO of JP Capital Management.
Students were invited to don their orange and navy to welcome the alums back to campus, and their welcome was nothing less than warm. A banner reading “Beaver Local Schools Welcomes Derek & Jamin” hung over the entrance door, and hand-made signs colored and decorated by students plastered the halls as the pair made their way through the K-12 campus interacting with students, signing autographs, taking pictures, and offering their own words of wisdom about life after school. Both contained a similar message: the importance of paying it forward.
“We came back and were like, ‘Wow, they need facilities’. There has been a lot of things in the works for the last 12 to 14 months, and we finally said we’re not going to wait on anybody else, and the people here at Beaver Local said ‘We’re good to go then’,” said Pastore.
Beaver Local prides itself on its sense of community and family throughout the district, and the students and faculty showed up to demonstrate their pride for these two successful alumni. With the new additions now in the works to continue improvements on campus, students will have a lot to look forward to with a plethora of opportunities.
Excellent article!