By Sherry Koonce

The News staff writer

One of Port Arthur’s own brought his fame and his heart back to the streets he grew up on to help children in the city he calls home.

The Stephen Jackson Academy in downtown Port Arthur was feted with a ribbon cutting in the new 8,450 sq. foot gymnasium. Standing before children seated on the gym floor, the school’s namesake talked about his pride for the city, and his hopes for the children.

“I’ve done a lot of things in my life, but this means the most,” Jackson said.

The former Lincoln High School student who now plays guard and forward for the National Basketball Association’s Golden State Warriors, said it is his goal for the school to be beneficial to the children of Port Arthur.

“I hope to see my school having the highest graduate rates in Texas — more doctors, lawyers, teachers — just more kids leaving here prepared for college,” he said.

Though not completely finished, the multi-purpose gymnasium will be ready in September, in time for children to attend an after school program.

At its Procter Street location, the new building shines new and full of promise across the street from the school’s original location. The original school building is being remodeled in anticipation of future growth and may be open next school year. It was first opened as a private school from 2006-2007.

The gym will be used as a temporary classroom during the school’s restoration. The recreational space can be rented out to the city for other uses.

“This is big time for us,” Deloris “Bobbie” Prince, Port Arthur mayor, said. “We want to thank you Stephen, not just for your investment in this building, but for your investment in our children.”

Jackson said he felt blessed being able to help the city’s children through his foundation.

“I always say this is my city. When I see my kids, Port Arthur kids, it always brings tears to my eyes,” Jackson said.

Jackson said it was his desire to give back to his community, but he credited his mother, Judiette Jackson, with the idea to help the city’s children.

“None of this would be possible without my mom. It goes without saying how I feel about my mom. For me being a man and learning right from wrong, I owe that to my mom and family,” he said.