DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A nearly life-size sculpture of NBA all-star Vince Carter will be erected in front of his Florida high school, despite objection from some board members.
Volusia County School Board members agreed Tuesday to accept the sculpture, a donation from Carter's mother. It will be placed in front of a new gym at Mainland High School being build with a $2.5 million contribution from Carter.
Board member Judy Conte said accepting the statue sends the wrong message to students.
"There have been many students graduated from that school who have made wonderful contributions to their fellow man - in science, health, theater. Where are their statues?" Conte asked. "I think we're saying we value you if you can make a lot of money, and that troubles me."
Carter led the school to a state championship and was named Florida's Mr. Basketball in 1995. He now plays with the New Jersey Nets.
The sculpture will feature his image holding a basketball and two children at opposite ends of a granite footbridge. It will be inscribed with inspirational words about the importance of education in building a successful future.
Superintendent Margaret Smith said her predecessor, Bill Hall, and Michelle Carter-Scott agreed on the sculpture three years ago when the Mainland gym contribution was being discussed.
"I believe Vince Carter is a positive role model for our students," said board member Vicki Bumpus. "I think the message he sends is he wants to come back and help his community."
Carter will use the new gym beginning next summer for youth basketball camps he sponsors annually.
Volusia County School Board members agreed Tuesday to accept the sculpture, a donation from Carter's mother. It will be placed in front of a new gym at Mainland High School being build with a $2.5 million contribution from Carter.
Board member Judy Conte said accepting the statue sends the wrong message to students.
"There have been many students graduated from that school who have made wonderful contributions to their fellow man - in science, health, theater. Where are their statues?" Conte asked. "I think we're saying we value you if you can make a lot of money, and that troubles me."
Carter led the school to a state championship and was named Florida's Mr. Basketball in 1995. He now plays with the New Jersey Nets.
The sculpture will feature his image holding a basketball and two children at opposite ends of a granite footbridge. It will be inscribed with inspirational words about the importance of education in building a successful future.
Superintendent Margaret Smith said her predecessor, Bill Hall, and Michelle Carter-Scott agreed on the sculpture three years ago when the Mainland gym contribution was being discussed.
"I believe Vince Carter is a positive role model for our students," said board member Vicki Bumpus. "I think the message he sends is he wants to come back and help his community."
Carter will use the new gym beginning next summer for youth basketball camps he sponsors annually.
