NBA Giant's Surprise Visit Encourages Dallas Students Toward Academic Excellence

Shaquille O'Neal Visits Students at Clay Academy in Dallas

DALLAS, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Most everyone knows that NBA superstar
Shaquille O'Neal has skills on the court, but the Phoenix Suns center also has
skills in the classroom.

During a visit Monday at Clay Academy in Dallas, O'Neal encouraged students to
continue taking their academics seriously.

"Education is very important," O'Neal told upper elementary and middle school
students at the private, Christian school affiliated with The Potter's House,
the 30,000-member church led by Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Bishop Jakes, who also briefly met with O'Neal to discuss a possible business
venture, was pleased that he visited with the students.

"Shaquille O'Neal embodies dedication on and off the court, and I am honored
that he set aside time to embrace our students," said Bishop T.D. Jakes. "As
Clay Academy continues its commitment toward excellence, it's imperative that
we reinforce education and success. Connecting our students with a prolific
athlete and leader such as Shaquille O'Neal moves us closer to our mission."

After O'Neal took a tour of the 70,000-square-foot facility, he posed for
photos with students who were mesmerized by his 7-foot-1, 325-pound frame.

"I'm tall, but he's very tall," said 14-year-old Clay Academy eighth-grader
Joshua Reed, who stands 5 feet 10 inches. "I rarely look up at people, but I
had to look up at him," he laughed.

About The Potter's House of Dallas
A church of more than 30,000 members located in Dallas, The Potter's House
strives to be the voice and the hand that encourages people all over the world
to change their lives with God's hope, comfort and peace. The church is led
by Bishop T.D. Jakes, twice featured on the cover of Time magazine as
"America's Best Preacher" and as one of this nation's "25 most influential
evangelicals."

About Clay Academy
Clay Academy is located in the Capella Park community, a rapidly growing
business and professional development in Dallas. The Pre-K3 -- eighth grade
Christian, private school features a broad based program of study with A Beka
and Saxon curriculum at its core. Instruction allows use of advanced
technology and fiber optic infusion in most classrooms and utilizes virtual
instruction by global, world class educators. Clay Academy strives to inspire
students of purpose from around the world to become tomorrow's leaders in a
challenging and spiritual environment.

SOURCE The Potter's House of Dallas

Media, Dana Slagle, +1-469-360-7104, or LaTanya Brulee, +1-469-360-7716, both
for Potter's House of Dallas, publicrelations@tdjakes.org