Beckett Spreads Holiday Cheer

By Justin Carrier, Freelance Journalist

Rogers Beckett helped spread Christmas cheer in his hometown of Apopka, Florida.

Beckett asked teachers at Phyllis Wheatley Elementary to nominate two deserving students from each classroom to receive gifts. Teachers asked the students to write down the one thing they most wanted under the tree this year. The lists were then given to Beckett, who in turn purchased each item the children requested.

Beckett, along with Apopka resident and close friend Denise Tucker, delivered the gifts to Wheatley on Monday afternoon. The students were called into the gymnasium and Mr. Beckett presented each student with a gift. The excitement in the room was contagious. The faces of the children painted a story of surprise, joy and thankfulness.

The gifts were as diverse as the students themselves. Helping to fill in as Santa's Elves were Mrs. Joscelyn Harold-Green, Principal; Mrs. Colleen Mielke, Assistant Principal; and Mrs. Angela Griffin-Simmons, Dean of Students. Among the gifts received were bicycles, CD Players, boxes of Legos, X-Box and Playstation II video game systems, remote-controlled cars, clothes and shoes. In all, approximately 60 students received gifts from Mr. Beckett.

The students could barely contain their excitement as they received their gifts. In a community where many students come from low-income families, most of these Christmas wishes would not have come true if not for the immense generosity of Mr. Beckett. One student shook Mr. Beckett's hand after receiving his gift; another gave him a heartfelt hug. Though it was expressed differently by each student, a genuine appreciation of Mr. Beckett's selfless act was clearly evident.

Principal Joscelyn Harold-Green noted: "This was one of the most thoughtful and selfless acts I've seen in quite some time. Clearly, Mr. Beckett has a heart for his community. On behalf of the faculty, staff and students of Phyllis Wheatley Elementary and the community we serve, words cannot express our gratitude to Mr. Beckett."

Mr. Beckett has shown his commitment to serving his hometown community. In May of this year, Mr. Beckett spoke to the students at Wheatley about the importance of education and staying in school. Beckett donated a book to each student at the school for summer reading.

Beckett said: "I found out that there were some kids with Christmas wishes. I wanted to do my part to make their dreams come true while giving back to my community and my elementary school. I wish each and every one of them a Merry Christmas."

Beckett is an alumnus of Phyllis Wheatley Elementary, attending during the mid 1980's. After graduating from Apopka High School in 1995, Beckett attended Marshall University in West Virginia. Beckett was drafted in the second round of the 2000 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers. Traded to the Bengals in 2003, Beckett is a starter in the Strong Safety position.