Charles Barkley Paid $100K to Endow New Orleans Preparatory School

In May, NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley pledged $1 million to the institution after watching two former students on the New Orleans school use trigonometry to prove the two,000-year-old Pythagoras theorem. The TNT analyst reportedly recently sent the college a $100,000 payment.

According to a press release from St. Mary’s Academy, the college has received first $100,000 from Barkley. The former basketball player has committed to donating $100,000 annually to St. Mary’s Academy for the subsequent nine years.

“Mr. Barkley is thrilled to support St. Mary’s Academy and is deeply focused on transforming future generations through education and opportunity. He has a love and passion for what the academy stands for and how it shapes the lives and futures of young girls in New Orleans,” a Charles Barkley Foundation spokesperson said in a written statement.

Barkley was impressed when he saw a segment during which former students Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson used trigonometry to prove the two,000-year-old Pythagorean theorem, something scientists had previously thought was unattainable.

“We are forever grateful for Mr. Barkley’s gift and his support of our students. This transformational gift will help students achieve excellence and fulfill the dreams they create within the walls of St. Mary’s Academy,” said Pamela Rogers, president of St. Mary’s Academy. “His generosity supports the mission of St. Mary’s Academy and strengthens our commitment to educating young people.”

St. Mary’s Academy said it plans to use the $1 million pledged over a decade to enhance the college’s legendary educational experience, providing students with opportunities to grow and thrive within the classroom and within the New Orleans community.