By Karen Clark
The Derrick and News Herald, Oil City, PA
Friday October 13, 2006

A high energy, spirit lifty assembly by champion basketball handler and former US Navy SEAL Charlie Aeschilman was presented to all students in the Oil City school district.

Aeschilman wowed the crowd with his ball antics, gyrating to upbeat tempo of music as basketballs swirled on his fingertips and twisted through his arms and legs in a seemingly effortless manner.

Hanson Heights Elementary School Principal, Bill Hall (Back Right) with champion basketball handler Charlie Aeschilman, (Back Left)
Pictured in front are Samuel Gatesman and Trista Baker students from Smedley Street Elementary

While capturing the attention of the audience with fun and fan fare, Aeschilman had a more serious message to convey to the students, asking that they believe in themselves, set goals, and preserve to achieve their dreams.

"When I was your age, I fell in love-in love with the game of basketball. I had a basketball handlers in the world," said Aeschilman

Today, Aeschilman is considered by many experts to be one of the best basketball handlers in the world. He was crowned the Nike National Basketball Handling Champion, has entertained hundreds of thousands of fans during NBA and NCAA halftime shows, including the NCAA Final Four, and has been featured on ESPN.

In addition, he served as one of the top military instructors in the Navy SEALS.

Aeschilman's message to students focused on overcoming odds and obstacles. As students were selected to participate in some of the basketball stunts, Aeschilman continued to deliver his point.

"It's about the small steps you take every day. Doing the right thing at the right time even if no one is watching, that's integrity," he said.

Friday's program was one of about 100 Aeschilman performs each year, reaching more than 100,000 students from kindergarten to 12th-grade.

Along with encouraging students to dream and set goals, Aeschilman also said that persevering through difficult times will lead students to their achievements.

"Nothing takes the place of perseverance- not strength, not knowledge and not intelligence. There is only ever one true failure and that is giving up on yourself. Don't fear failure, it's a normal part of life's experience," he said.

In an interview following the presentation, Aeschilman said he is grateful for the opportunities in his life that have allowed him to speak to so many children each year.

"I just wanted to take my experience of achieving my goals out to other people. I want to talk to as many kids as I can," said the 48 -year old Steubenville, Ohio resident.

Although his days of four to five hours of practicing with a basketball may be far behind, Aeschilman says he still must brush up to the fine-tuning and timing of exercised.

The Take Pride with Caring Habits school/community project was a National Character Education Foundation of Zelienople funded event

This was the first assembly for the caring habits program, which provides a monthly theme for improving relationships at school, home, at work, and in the community.

October is "be patient and listen" month, and the caring habits color of the month is lavender. The stated goal is: Find the patience to make cherish memories out of your moments.

Any school district interested in the basketball program or an anti-bullying, staff development, or self esteem programs offered by the NCEF can contact David Rettig at the National Character Education Foundation at www.ncef.net

Monies are available through grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to provide the at no cost to the district, said Rettig.