Former NBA star to donate $1M to New Orleans’ St. Mary’s Academy

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — A former basketball star is making a $1 million commitment to a New Orleans school.

St. Mary’s Academy announced that Charles Barkley will be donating $1 million to the school over the next 10 years.

School officials said Barkley made the decision after watching two St. Mary’s Academy students prove the Pythagorean Theorem using trigonometry on an episode of “60 Minutes” in May.

Mathematicians reportedly once considered the feat impossible.

They said the donation will be used to improve educational experiences and provide better opportunities for students to grow in the community and the classroom.

“We are forever grateful for Mr. Barkley’s gift and his support of our students. This transformative gift will assist students as they excel and achieve whatever dream they create within the walls of St. Mary’s Academy,” said St. Mary’s Academy President Pamela Rogers.

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