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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

CALERA – It was another full circle moment for former Calera basketball player Byron De’Vinner as his organization, Southern Xpress Inc. Foundation, presented a check to the Calera Eagles.

The Southern Xpress Inc. Foundation presented a $1,000 check to the Calera boys basketball team on Monday, Dec. 9 prior to their game against the Montevallo bulldogs.

“We are blessed to be able to come home to Calera to make a donation to the boys basketball team,” De’Vinner said. “I starred in this community and school many years ago, so it’s only right for me to do my part in helping this community and team.”

During his time at Calera High School, De’Vinner played offensive tackle for the football team and center for the basketball team. He later went on to play offensive tackle for UAB.

Established in 2009 by De’Vinner, Team Southern Xpress aims to serve the youth of the state of Alabama in physical fitness and mental health. Thanks to the organization’s donation, the Calera High School boys basketball team will be able to utilize the funds toward meals, uniform purchases, extra gear and supplies.

For De’Vinner the opportunity to give back is an important trait that was ingrained in him from back during his time with the Calera community.

“The driving force (behind what we do) is because of what Calera meant to me growing up as a youth,” he said.

Specifically, De’Vinner highlighted former Calera High School coach Richard Gilliam and his first grade teacher Debbie Horton who both left a tremendous impact on him and inspired him to give to others.

“And so, I saw where people did so much to me while growing up (and its) made me want to give back to the young kids growing up now,” De’Vinner said. “Our motive is to get all these kids together and forget about (their) economic background—just being able to be model citizens out here in the community and for me to be… a guiding point (for) those kids.”

De’Vinner also expressed his appreciation for the boys basketball head coach George Drake and the work he’s done.

“I admire what coach Drake has done in the community, and we just wanted to help those young athletes,” De’Vinner said.