Booker Named Week 18 National Guard Community MVP
July 6, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
CHICAGO - Arizona Rattlers OL JOHN BOOKER has been named National Guard Community MVP of the Week for his recent philanthropic efforts.
Booker (6-4, 325, San Jose St.) is in his third season in the AFL, all of which have been with the Rattlers.
On May 24th, Booker and several of his teammates hosted "Nutrition Night" for members of the community through the Phoenix Day Community Center. Booker, who works as a youth director for Phoenix Day, planned and organized the event.
"It was a full health-awareness night. We had a nutritionist speak about fitness, exercising and dieting," Booker said. "We played football, signed autographs and visited with the community."
His own experiences as a child spurred his present-day passion for helping children.
"When I was a little kid, I had a lot of energy and time that was used on the wrong things, until mentors guided me in the right direction," Booker said.
As a prominent figure in the community, Booker hopes to impart those same lessons and values to others.
"People helped me while I was growing up to make the right decisions," Booker said. "The biggest joy working with youth is to help guide them on the right path."
Whether it's helping a truant high schooler get back in school or working with a six-year-old who is struggling with handwriting, Booker always encourages children to believe in themselves.
As a professional athlete, Booker has used sports as a platform to stress the importance of education.
"Your career could end on any play," Booker said. "You still need your education; no one can ever take that away from you."
The Arizona Rattlers (12-3) will host the Utah Blaze (10-5) in a West Division showdown on Friday at 10:00 pm ET.
The National Guard Community MVP is awarded to one player each week in recognition of their commitment to community service. Following the 2012 season, players will be voted on by fans to become the National Guard Community MVP of the Year.
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