Often in my line of work we are asked to appear at various charitable functions. I will do just about anything to help children so when I was asked by fellow sportscaster Bruce Cooper to join him at Bethune Elementary School in South Phoenix to videotape a message of encouragement for the 3rd through 8th grade classes, who will soon take the AIMS test. That test is required in the state and greatly affects each school's funding and support. It is vital that every child be given every opportunity to pass this important test.

My message was simple at a school with over 60 per cent Hispanic students in a lower income area. You are entitled to a successful life and it starts with education. As a sportscaster and former athlete, I urged the kids to put as much effort into studying for the AIM's test as they do in athletics. If one parent reads this blog, pass the word along that your children and their friends who are going to be tested, need your help too. Your kids deserve it.

If Bruce and I influenced only one child who will put forth the effort to pass the AIM's test, then we all win. I'm greedy and I hope that we influenced many more than one.

My best wishes go out to the amazing staff and students of the Bethune school family who are educating over 600 students. I witnessed genuine caring and a desire to show their kids that there are some great things in life that will be accessible to them if they only try. gcruz@kpho.com

Gary Cruz
CBS 5 Sports Anchor