Nov. 5, 2008
LAS VEGAS - The Clark County School District (CCSD) and the UNLV men's basketball program are teaming together once again. Thursday, Nov. 20 will be "J-Mac at the Mack" Night celebrating the accomplishments of Jason "J-Mac" McElwain, while paying tribute to those who work in the CCSD assisting children with autism.
The Runnin' Rebels will play host to Northern Arizona that evening at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center.
McElwain, who is diagnosed as autistic, is the young man who more than two years ago scored 20 points (including hitting six 3-pointers) in just over four minutes of a high school basketball game in New York. It was the only varsity game McElwain - who was a senior and served as the team's manager - ever played in. The story was told by outlets such as CBS News and ESPN and soon it became an internet sensation.
Following his performance, McElwain would go on to meet the President, appear on Oprah and win an ESPY.
"Jason's story is a great basketball story," said UNLV head coach Lon Kruger. "But it's an even better life story. It brought hope to a lot of people. We're honored to have him involved with UNLV basketball. But more importantly, we're honored to have him involved in saying 'thank you' to the teachers in Southern Nevada who work with our children diagnosed with autism every day. They are special people."
McElwain will be honored at halftime of the Runnin' Rebel game. A tribute will also be made to all of those in attendance who work with children diagnosed with autism.
Earlier in the afternoon of Nov. 20, McElwain and his mother, Debbie, will make a presentation to teachers in the CCSD as well as parents of children diagnosed with autism at Valley High School. The event is being organized by CCSD's School-Community Partnership Program and Student Support Services.
The CCSD is in dire need of teachers and support staff who work with children diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum. Thus, it is crucial that such teachers and staff are retained at a higher rate.
"This is a special event for our teachers," said Dr. Walt Rulffes, superintendent of the CCSD. "It's a simple 'thank you.' They do so much for our community and we are pleased to be able to give them this opportunity."
The CCSD and UNLV Athletics already work together on many projects, including a "Tickets for Teachers" program which provides tickets to CCSD teachers for basketball and football games. Kruger is an active member of the CCSD's School-Community advisory board.
McElwain's visit has been made possible through the CCSD's School-Community Partnership by many in the community including Wells Fargo and Mandalay Bay Resort.
For ticket information, call 702-739-FANS, visit unlvtickets.com or visit the Thomas & Mack Center box office.
