This report was composed by 10 year old  Pit LeBrun for black history week and read in class with a few pictures presentation  It drew a class ovation that were in part intended for Evander Holyfield. The photos he showed (see below)  were the ones that were autographed by Evander when  his dad died in 1994.

EVANDER HOLYFIELD

Evander Holyfield was born on October 19, 1962 in Atmore, Alabama. 
Evander was the youngest of nine children. Evander moved to Atlanta, 
Georgia while he was still a young boy. He started to box at age eight at the 
Warren Boys Club in southeast Atlanta. He won the Boys Club Boxing 
Tournament in that same year. Holyfield went on to win many more 
tournaments, including the Junior Olympics at age 11. he represented the 
United States in the Pan American Games and brought home the silver 
medal at age 19. Holyfield competed in the Olympics in 1984 in Los 
Angeles, California. Holyfield won a bronze medal. he began his 
professional boxing career in 1984 defeating Lionel Bryams. He eventually 
became a World heavyweight Champion in 1990.

Evander Holyfield has also supported the community in which he lives. 
Dr. Janice Holyfield, his wife, and himself created the Holyfield Foundation. 
It is a non-profit organization that supports the spiritual, educational and 
athletic advancement of inner city youth and encourages parent involvement 
to strengthen family values, respect and responsibility. Evander Holyfield 
supports other charitable organizations and programs that promote these 
goals as well.

Evander Holyfield's personal heroes include Martin Luther King Jr. and 
Nelson Mandela. "These men through love changed people's lives. I strive 
every day to be better than I am and to be more like them, to let a higher 
power's light shine through me." Evander Holyfield's favorite scripture 
from the bible is Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who 
strengthens me." He often autographs photographs with this included.

Evander Holyfield is a famous boxer, but he is still just a great guy who 
gives back to those who were once just like him. I was able to meet him 
when I was almost two years old at a boxing tournament. The tournament 
was made up of two teams who fought against each other. my dad was on 
Evander's team and he worked in my dad's corner. I don't remember much 
about him, but I have pictures of us together. one day I hope to meet him 
again and tell him thanks for the great souvenirs.

Used by permission. Copyright Pit L. LeBrun 2003