IN MEMORY
Eric Wynns Living the Legacy Foundation
The Eric Wynns Living the Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with Rising Stars Recruiting and Academy Training program. This youth advocacy organization was founded in April 2016 by Reginald and Danielle Wynns.
Eric, their energetic, chatty, independent, determined and caring son, who was a social butterfly, was driven to overcome obstacles and to finish whatever he started, no matter how long it took. He was a part of the Rising Stars Recruiting and Academy Training program when it commenced in 2008. Eric attended Birmingham Groves High School and graduated from West Bloomfield High School.
Determined to pursue football at the collegiate level, Eric attended Central State University, then attended Ferris State University and finally Saginaw Valley State University (hereinafter “SVSU”) in Saginaw, Michigan. Eric was a junior wide receiver at SVSU and aimed to graduate in 2015 with a BSA in Social Work. In the midst of fulfilling his goals, Eric “SHOWKACE” Wynns crossed the “burning sands” into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Spring 2014 Xi Iota Chapter.
On August 10, 2015, Eric was tragically killed in a car accident returning from home to SVSU. His funeral service completely filled the church with young adult student athletes -males and women- with whom Eric developed longtime friendships over the years. During remarks everyone emphasized that Eric made a huge impact on their lives by the way he lived his life: Energetic, Chatty, Independent, Determined, Caring, a Social Butterfly.
Mission Statement
To inspire breakthroughs in the lives of talented student athletes by helping them to further achieve their goals and dreams in education and sports.
Our Focus
•To cultivate discipline, dedication, and responsibility in student athletes;
•To prepare athletes mentally and physically to manage adversity and break down barriers to success, just as Eric did;
•To provide financial assistance with school supplies, training costs, and other expenses incurred during the academic year.
The Rising Stars Recruiting and Academy Training Story
Over the years the Rising Stars Recruiting and Academy Training program has helped more than 1,000 student athletes earn football scholarships, while helping parents navigate the morass of recruitment, financial aid process, tutoring, ACT/SAT prep, and NCAA eligibility requirements. Through the Rising Stars Recruiting and Academy Training approach, good players become great players because we encourage them to manage adversity and to perform when it really matters.
Our Program & Services
Educational Scholarships
- Provide financial assistance during high school for supplies and other expenses
- Provide tuition assistance to during college to facilitate degree completion
ACT & SAT Prep and Tutoring
- Employ tutors
- Introduce online preparation tools
- Provide practice exams
Academic & Financial Aid Process
- Mentoring to bolster discipline, confidence, and success in high school academics
- Presentations regarding NCAA academic requirements
- Guidance in locating and completing financial aid applications
Life Time Mentoring
- Using social media
- Making decisions: how choices can help or hurt dreams
- Managing power with control
- Utilizing counseling resources
- Understanding Title IX
- Managing The Dream: It takes more than a regular person to be a student athlete!
Our Future
The Eric Wynns Living the Legacy Foundation can be a stabilizing force in the lives of many student athletes. To realize our mission, the foundation requires the donation of time, talent, and treasure of others. Eric understood that athletics is only part of a journey to a healthy and successful life. To continue Eric’s legacy, please consider assisting thousands more deserving student athletes whose dreams may dissolve without you.
