The Harrington Family Foundation

By Terry Foster / The Detroit News

TAYLOR Seventh-grader Kyle Dubrul enters contests constantly.

He signed up to win $1 million. He entered contests to win cruises, cars, boats and video games.

"I think he's entered about 100 contests in all," his mother, Debra Dubrul, said, laughing.

"He's lost them all until this fall."

Kyle, 12, landed a big one Tuesday when his entry was selected in the NFL's Bring a Player to School sweepstakes. The prize was Lions quarterback Joey Harrington, who visited with Dubrul's class at Trillium Academy, gave a lecture to selected classes and then threw passes to 51 students who listened to his lecture in the school gymnasium.

By the way, Harrington showed the same passing touch he did in leading the Lions to a 28-13 victory over the New York Giants last Sunday.

Harrington completed 43 of 52 passes with nine drops. Even principal Angela Romanowski got into the act, catching a post pattern just beyond center court.

Harrington was one of 32 NFL players nationwide to attend classes and bring attention to the need of after-school programs. In conjunction with the contest, NFL Charities will donate $1.5 million to grants for after-school programs.

Dubrul did not win the million-dollar prize, but he gave the school that much in smiles and cheers as Harrington spoke about the importance of being a well-rounded person.

In addition to his highlights on the football field, Harrington spoke with pride about playing the piano, working on a loading dock, watering the greens on a golf course and some day opening his own business.

"I feel that (the private side) is as much a part of me as the football side," Harrington would say later. "The football side is the public side. That is what is on television most but thanks to my mom who impressed on us at an early age there are other sides. It is important that I am well-rounded."

"Harrington is still trying to get used to this life-altering thing called celebrity. That is why he struggled sometimes with all the smiles and accolades he received."

"It's just me," he shrugged. "I don't think it is anything special. I just got a different job. That is the only difference. There are a lot of people, especially teachers and principals who have such an impact on these kids. But sports has become such a big priority in America I guess I have that impact as well."

But having the Lions' starting quarterback throw passes to you is special. It is special to have him sign autographs, visit classes and then go through a 30-minute question-and-answer program before having photos taken with him.

It was special for the teachers, who wore blue Lions T-shirts. It was special for Dubrul, who stood at the front door in amazement when the stretch limousine pulled up in front of his house carrying Harrington in the back seat.

Besides entering contests Dubrul is just a typical kid who loves playing soccer, watching ballgames on television and watching all the sports shows. Now his passion for sports helped shine the light on his school.

"This lets people know what we are doing," Romanowski said. "Sometimes people have a stigma about charter schools. But this helps get the word out. We have a great educational program here and we continually try to bring in role models for students so they understand how much work goes into being in school."

Harrington escorted Kyle to school along with his mother, uncle Ernie Combs and some NFL personnel.

"You would think a guy like that might be stuck up," Kyle said. "But he was cool and funny."

Harrington was cool and funny from the moment he stepped into the school to sign in as any visitor would. Harrington wrote "hanging out" under the ledger heading asking for the purpose of his visit.

"Hey you are late," Romanowski joked.

A sheepish Harrington looked like one of the kids who was caught playing hooky.

He joked about not knowing any great pass rushers in the NFL because "I have a great offensive line."

And he drew laughter when someone asked what the most exciting thing to happen to him was.

"You mean besides coming here," he said.

But during his feel-good talk Harrington attempted to leave a message with his captive audience. Harrington admitted he is not the greatest athlete in the world and said he believes he is in the NFL because of his smarts.

"I want to impress upon you the importance of school and studying hard," said Harrington, dressed casually in a Lions jersey, jeans and gym shoes. "I am in a position where I can live a dream of mine, but it took a lot of hard work. If you work hard then things will work out for you."

Students did listen.

"He basically told us you can do anything if you put your mind to it," said David McCray, 12. "He is definitely someone you can look up to and I hope to be as successful as him some day."

As McCray spoke, his buddy Kyle took in the entire atmosphere. It was a big day for him and an even bigger one for the school.

"I would say Joey and Roy Williams were tied as far as being my favorite players," Dubrul said. "Now I would say Joey edged in front because he came here to visit."

It appears as if Dubrul will have to enter at least one more contest to see if he can land Williams.

You can reach Terry Foster at (313) 222-1494 or tfoster@detnews.com