Russell Westbrook ReOpens School Focused on Mental Health, Education

Russell Westbrook has always been fierce on the court. But what’s not talked about enough is Westbrook’s ferociousness off the court.

Westbrook is a huge advocate for giving back to the community and supporting kids. In a new season, having signed with the Denver Nuggets after three seasons with the LA Clippers, Westbrook recently flew to Denver and reintroduced his Westbrook Academy campus in South Gate.

This was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, thanks to the efforts of the Why Not? Foundation. Members of the organization, Westbrook, his family and 400 students celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to Sports Illustrated.

“To the kids, all this is for you guys,” Westbrook said in a speech before cutting the ribbon. “To your families, to your loved ones, all this here is for you. I do everything I do for the kids, for the community, for the underserved."

“I’m grateful to be able to stand here and give you guys an opportunity to further your education, further your mental health, further your mental wellness, and be something great in life and do things people say you cannot do.”

It was clear at the event that the focus was on mental health and wellness. The newly renovated Westbrook Academy facility features science labs, a film studio, a student lounge/library, and two wellness centers designed to support academic and personal growth.

Russell and Nina Westbrook, along with Gabby Lopez, one of the academy's high school seniors, provided a tour. She spoke about the significant impact the school has had on her.

“This was very needed for us,” Lopez said. “We didn’t have one before. Students being very emotional, where they can come here and talk about their emotions with our school social workers and our school therapists. I know a lot of our students have already utilized these resources, and I know I have a couple of times just to talk about how I was feeling. If I was feeling sad and maybe didn’t want to talk about that with my friends, I could come and speak with a trusted adult. We have so many on campus, and I have two next to me.”