The Sonic Boom of the South, Jackson State�s world-class marching band, has received a hefty donation from Jackson native and former NBA star Monta Ellis.
On Monday morning, the university announced that Ellis, who attended Lanier High School before enjoying a 12-year NBA career, donated $60,000 to the band program, which is now directed by one of Ellis� childhood classmates.
�I am always overjoyed and humbled when anyone donates to our students and program,� JSU Director of Bands Dr. Roderick Little said. �This particular donation is unique because Monta Ellis and I grew up together in the same neighborhood.�
The philanthropic gift from Ellis actually reconnected the two, who both share the same goal for the capital city�s largest university.
�Anybody from Jackson can tell you what the Sonic Boom means to our city. Growing up, kids either want to be a J-5 drum major or a J-Sette,� Ellis said, according to Sonic Boom media. �I believe in what Dr. Little is doing with the Boom, and I want to do whatever I can to keep making it stronger and give more students a chance to be part of that legacy and earn an education.�
To learn more about the Sonic Boom, click here.
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