Chris Herren, a former NBA player, will speak with Waynesville students

Chris Herren, a former NBA player, will speak with Waynesville Middle School and High School students about substance use disorders and wellness. Herren, who has been in long-term recovery, has shared his story with more than 1 million students nationally. His focus is on prevention education and challenging audiences to rethink how they look at the disease of addiction. District Superintendent of Schools Hilary Bales says, “Chris Herren’s visit is a direct result of student leadership feedback. Today’s assemblies demonstrate that student’s voice matters and we are listening.” Herren, a basketball legend from Fall River, Massachusetts, was an All-American, broke scoring records and was recruited by the nation’s top colleges. Herren realized his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA when he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1999 and then traded to his hometown team, the Boston Celtics, in 2000, before losing his career and almost his family to the disease of addiction. Alcohol and drug-free since August 1st, 2008, Herren has spoken nationwide with the goal of sparking honest discussions and making a positive difference in people’s lives.