Education a personal mission for 'Coach K'

Mike Krzyzewski is known for his successes on the basketball court, but when it comes to the Emily K Center, his passions span well beyond sport.

The center, named after Krzyzewski’s mother, opened its doors in 2006 to help low-income students succeed in school and attend college.

Its mission is very personal to Krzyzewski, a first-generation college graduate.

“Education is the most powerful thing in the world,” he said. “Our staff does an incredible job of teaching, mentoring, loving, caring and putting these youngsters in a position to where they are the first ones of their families to go to college.”

The center recognized nine of its graduating seniors during a ceremony Thursday evening.

Mishel Gomez, a Southern High School graduate, is heading to Wake Forest University.

“To know that I have been accepted to seven schools, it’s unbelievable,” she said.

The graduates were accepted to 27 colleges and universities and received over $700,000 in scholarships and grants.

Brittany Lambright, an East Carolina University student, credits the center with preparing her for college.

“The young lady who walked out (of the program) was confident, prepared and excited for her future.”