Chicago Red Stars and U.S. Women's National Team defender Julie Johnston stopped by a Chicago elementary school on Thursday and came bearing a gift.
Johnston went to Frazier International Magnet Elementary School in North Lawndale to present the school with a $5,000 check. The school won the Be A Learning Hero's 'Game Plan for Success' contest.
Johnston spoke at a school assembly in the afternoon about what it takes to be a professional athlete and having a game plan for success, which is one of the motto's of the contest.
“Frazier successfully addresses the lack of high-quality educational opportunities in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood and has become a beacon of excellence in the community. The students, teachers, and staff at Frazier International Magnet School are aiming high, listening to teachers, practicing their skills, and testing themselves,” said Game Plan for Success Project Director Jim Cowen. “We’re excited to celebrate the success at Frazier and share their story as an example to other schools in Illinois and across the country.”
Johnston and Red Stars teammates Alyssa Naeher and Christen Press were recently called up to the national team in advance of the two friendlies against Japan. The 2015 Women's World Cup final rematches will take place on June 2 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce, Colo., and June 5 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.
