Herren Tells It Like It Is – And It's Scary

The former NBA player from Fall River recounts his unrelenting fall into drug abuse at an assembly at EGHS Friday.

Chris Herren does not sugar coat. At all. The entire student body and and staff of East Greenwich High School sat rapt during his monologue Friday, as he recounted his very steep fall from grace into a herion addiction that cost him a career in the NBA and, on more than one occasion, nearly his own life. Herren, of Fall River, would seem a strange role model for the students of East Greenwich High School. And yet, it was both the anti-drug CWC (Citizens Who Care) and the EG Booster Club who arranged to bring Herren to EGHS. "If the only thing you every did was have a recovering speaker, you’re not that effective," said EG's substance abuse counselor Bob Houghtaling. "But if you use someone like Chris Herren, it can serve as an impetus for…

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EGHS Supports Chris Herren With Purple Out

Former NBA player will speak at EGHS today about Project Purple, his anti-substance abuse organization.

Chris Herren is the definition of motivation and recovery, a fact with which he"ll share at EGHS today when he talks to the kids about his initiative Project Purple. Herren battled many addictions in his early life, and founded Project Purple after he entered recovery. His initiative helps individuals and their families who are struggling with addiction, as he once did. In the typical EGHS welcoming nature, the girls and boys basketball teams are hosting Purple Outs. All supporters are encouraged to wear purple, to support Chris Herren and his organization. It starts with the the boys JV team against Warwick Vets, at 3:30, and then continues with the boys Varsity teams, also against Vets, at 5. There will be a half-court shooting contest …

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Matt

3:50 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Chris Herren isn't doing this for attention, he's doing it so kids don't make the same mistakes that he did. He actually seems uncomfortable with all the attention. What's wrong with the guy wanting to turn the negatives of his life into positivity for young kids? A lot of former junkies wouldn't have the courage to talk about their experiences. He's not being praised for being a good person his …   more ›

5 Things You Need To Know Today

Five Things: PTG, Planning, Paint It Purple

Your guide for life in East Greenwich today, Jan. 16.

EGHS PTG meeting this morning: All parents of EGHS students are welcome to come to the monthly meeting. At 9:30 at the high school cafeteria. Planning Board meeting: On the agenda is a preliminary plan application for the development “One American Way,” consisting of two office buildings with a total of 33,600 square feet and three additional buildings containing “industrial condominiums” off Middle Road at the end of On-Semi Way (just east of South County Trail). They will also discuss the status of the ongoing Comprehensive Plan update. The panel will meet at Town Hall at 7 p.m. Paint It Purple Night at EGHS: On Friday night, EGHS is hosting two varsity basketball games. With the Varsity Club’s help, we are going to “Paint it Purple.” …

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