Lake Region—Millions have seen him on his nationwide TV show, dispensing justice in his own charismatic style. But Greg Mathis' own rise to success has been a trial by fire. Even jail couldn’t keep him from doing wrong over and over again. It was then that his mother (the late Alice Mathis) enrolled him at Peterson-Warren Academy for one of his many encounters with God. Later in years, when his beloved mother got sick, Mathis was shaken with the threat of losing her. He remembered the religious teachings of this God-fearing woman and the church school he came to love. Mathis thus offered a prayer and a promise to God to save his mom, and in return, he would straighten up and make something of his life.

It was with this thought in mind that Mathis, of the CBS hit program the "Judge Mathis” show, pledged to give his alma mater, Peterson-Warren Academy, located in Inkster, Mich., one percent of his salary for the next year. In his moving speech at City Temple Church’s 100 Years of Glory and Praise Celebration banquet on Oct. 22, 2007, Mathis expressed his appreciation to the school and especially to Juanita Martin, now principal, for teaching and mentoring him while a student in her classroom. He also encouraged the audience of more than 600 in attendance at the banquet to appreciate and respect what our church school teachers are doing for our children. It’s because of this positive influence and the love of his dear mother that Mathis was compelled to make a generous donation to Peterson-Warren Academy.

In speaking with the audience, Mathis challenged each one of them to likewise follow his lead by pledging one percent of their salary for a year as well. Mathis, who was obviously moved and touched by his own words, and to everyone’s surprise, promised that along with the one percent of his salary he would also match dime for dime whatever dollar amount Martin and her staff could raise by the next Peterson-Warren Academy Alumni Weekend, Sept. 12-14, 2008. Martin, with the help of God, is looking forward to raising $200,000!

This is not the first time that Mathis has been a generous alumnus; however, this latest gift will be his greatest contribution to any one organization. We thank God that Mathis has not forgotten his ties to Peterson-Warren Academy nor his warm regard for its faculty.

Ray Young, Lake Region communication director, as shared by Juanita Martin, Ed.D., Peterson-Warren Academy principal