High Praise for Lo-Jack

At USC, Lawrence Jackson was feared on the field. The first-round draft pick hopes to keep that up with his new team, the Seattle Seahawks. Off the field, he was known as a thoughtful and intelligent guy (translation: popular with reporters!). Odds are that won't change, either.

On Friday, he was honored by his other alma mater -- Inglewood High School. The school retired his number and held Lawrence Jackson Day. You can check out the write-ups on SC Playbook and WeAreSC. The news release (with more photos) is after the jump.

On Friday June 6, 2008, former USC Defensive End and 2008 first-round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks, Lawrence Jackson returned to his hometown of Inglewood, California, for the retirement of his high-school jersey, number 18, at his alma mater, Inglewood High School.

Present at the ceremony were many distinguished members of the Inglewood community, including Inglewood Unified School District’s Superintendent, Dr. Pamela Short-Powell; Inglewood Unified School District’s Board President Arnold Butler; and Principal of Inglewood High School, Debra Tate.

Jackson accepted his award in front of a capacity crowd comprised of the Inglewood High School student body, members of the school's varsity football team, and many of Jackson's former teachers, coaches and mentors. The theme of the ceremony revolved around the "Stay in School" concept which was promoted throughout the course of the event. During his acceptance speech, Jackson emphasized that the "basis of [his] success started with education...even when my NFL career ends, I can always fall back on my USC degree."

"This marks just the beginning of my contributions to Inglewood High School and the city as a whole," Jackson said.   Jackson plans to work with members of the Inglewood city council as well as other community officials in efforts to aid in the city's development and growth.

For all his success and all he hopes to achieve in the NFL, Jackson insists on giving back to the community that made him who he is.  He announced at the ceremony that he is working with a local Inglewood shoe store, Millennium Shoes, which will give 10 percent of all sales into a program Jackson set up for Inglewood High.  Jackson also promised to match whatever amount Millennium Shoes donates when he signs his first NFL contract.

Images courtesy Charles McLurkin. 

First-Round Draft Pick and Former USC All American Lawrence Jackson Returns Home for Jersey Retirement at Inglewood High School