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Old Spice and Walmart Celebrate the Graduating Class of 2026 with A Fireside Chat From Basketball Analyst, Andraya Carter, On The Impact Of Mentorship

Business

Old Spice and Walmart Celebrate the Graduating Class of 2026 with A Fireside Chat From Basketball Analyst, Andraya Carter, On The Impact Of Mentorship
Business

Business

Old Spice and Walmart Celebrate the Graduating Class of 2026 with A Fireside Chat From Basketball Analyst, Andraya Carter, On The Impact Of Mentorship

2026-06-05 20:06 Last Updated At:20:21

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 5, 2026--

For the 4th consecutive year, Old Spice and Walmart celebrated the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami Class of 2026 at the annual “School of Swagger” graduation event at Florida Memorial University. The celebration recognized students for their academic achievements and honored the dedicated mentors who supported them along the way.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260605781567/en/

In partnership with Old Spice, Sports Analyst and Reporter, Andraya Carter, joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami President and CEO, Gale Nelson, for a candid fireside conversation on-stage. The discussion focused on the lifelong impact of mentorship, how young people can channel their inner confidence, and strategies for manifesting career growth. Carter shared personal stories from her journey as a student-athlete at the University of Tennessee to becoming a versatile broadcaster covering college basketball, football, the NBA, SEC Network and more.

Quick Facts
Initiative: Old Spice & Walmart "School of Swagger"
Primary Partner: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami
Keynote Speaker: Andraya Carter (Sports Analyst & Reporter)
Where: Florida Memorial University
Core Mission: Fostering next-gen confidence and reducing the youth mentorship gap

The event is a cornerstone of Old Spice and Walmart’s multi-year “School of Swagger” initiative, a program dedicated to expanding youth mentorship networks, boosting academic retention, and empowering young people with the confidence and support needed to navigate the seas of school and beyond.

“Mentorship has played a huge role in my own journey, from my coaches and teachers to the women and leaders who helped shape me both on and off the court,” said Andraya Carter. “I’m grateful to now be in a position where I can pour back into the next generation and encourage young people to believe in themselves and chase what’s possible. I’m honored to partner with Old Spice and Big Brothers Big Sisters through the ‘School of Swagger’ program to celebrate these students and the incredible impact mentors can have on young people’s lives.”

Throughout the fireside chat, Carter reflected on the mentors who helped influence her career, including legendary basketball coaches and sports personalities who came before her, while encouraging graduates to pursue opportunities with confidence and authenticity.

“Having a mentor in your corner can help build confidence, open doors and create opportunities that last far beyond the classroom,” Carter added. “No matter what path these students pursue — sports, media, business, the arts or beyond — having people who believe in you can make all the difference.”

The annual celebration recognized key milestones for the Class of 2026, highlighting program pillars that include:

“For years, Old Spice and Walmart have worked alongside Big Brothers Big Sisters to support students through mentorship and confidence-building programs,” said Kate DiCarlo, Senior Communications Director at P&G. “The ‘School of Swagger’ initiative is rooted in the belief that every young person deserves a strong support system and access to mentors who can help guide them toward their goals.”

“The ongoing School Of Swagger partnership with Old Spice and Walmart highlights the power of corporate citizenship and mentorship," said Gale Nelson, President & CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami. "With over 1,300 attendees witnessing our 'Littles' walk across the stage to various post-secondary pathways, this partnership reinforces one simple fact - we all have a little in common.”

Old Spice launched the “School of Swagger” initiative in partnership with Walmart and Big Brothers Big Sisters to help foster confidence, create meaningful mentorship connections and support students as they navigate high school and prepare for future success. To learn more about the initiative and how to become a mentor yourself, visit https://oldspice.com/schoolofswagger/

About Old Spice

Old Spice, an iconic grooming brand for more than 80 years, is the No.1 selling antiperspirant and deodorant brand for men in the United States. As a category leader, Old Spice offers pro-level performance across a men’s grooming ecosystem including antiperspirants, deodorants, body washes, body sprays, shampoos, and hair stylers. Old Spice is the authority on the complete men’s grooming regimen. Follow Old Spice's social channels: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and X.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters' evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. For more information, visit: www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.

2026 Old Spice School of Swagger Graduation ceremony: Old Spice and Walmart celebrate the 2026 class of “School of Swagger” graduation ceremony at Florida Memorial University in Miami, FL on Thursday, June 4, 2026 in Miami.

2026 Old Spice School of Swagger Graduation ceremony: Old Spice and Walmart celebrate the 2026 class of “School of Swagger” graduation ceremony at Florida Memorial University in Miami, FL on Thursday, June 4, 2026 in Miami.

HOUSTON (AP) — Isaac Paredes homered for the third straight game, driving in four runs to propel the Houston Astros to a 5-1 victory over the Athletics on Friday night.

Jeremy Peña singled off Jack Perkins (2-3) to begin the first inning, extending his hitting streak to six games before Yordan Alvarez followed with a walk. Paredes homered for the ninth time for a 3-0 lead.

Alvarez, who chased down first-inning fly balls from Shea Langeliers and Nick Kurtz in left field in his first start out there since May 5, singled to start the third before scoring on a triple by Christian Walker. Paredes followed with a sacrifice fly for a 5-0 advantage.

Peter Lambert (5-4) was cruising until Brent Rooker hit his ninth homer in the sixth. The right-hander then walked Tyler Soderstrom in front of a double by Henry Bolte to put runners on second and third with one out. Enyel De Los Santos came in and struck out Zach Gelof before retiring Jeff McNeil on a liner to Jose Altuve at second to limit the damage.

The Athletics loaded the bases with one out in the second, but Lambert struck out McNeil and Darell Hernaiz to keep it 3-0. He allowed one run on five hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings.

De Los Santos retired all five batters he faced, Bryan King pitched a scoreless eighth, and closer Josh Hader struck out the side in his second appearance after beginning the season on the injured list.

Altuve singled in the eighth and finished 1 for 4 in his first game since May 16 when he landed on the IL with a strained left oblique. It was the only hit off reliever Mason Barnett over the final four innings.

Perkins was charged with all five runs in four innings.

Athletics RHP Kade Morris was set to make his big-league debut on the mound Saturday, opposite Astros rookie RHP Tatsuya Imai (2-3, 5.52).

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Athletics relief pitcher Mason Barnett throws against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Athletics relief pitcher Mason Barnett throws against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Houston Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert throws against the Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Houston Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert throws against the Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Athletics starting pitcher Jack Perkins throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Athletics starting pitcher Jack Perkins throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Houston Astros Jeremy Peña (3), designated hitter Isaac Paredes (15) and Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrate after they all score on the three run home run by Paredes against the Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Houston Astros Jeremy Peña (3), designated hitter Isaac Paredes (15) and Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrate after they all score on the three run home run by Paredes against the Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Houston Astros designated hitter Isaac Paredes flips his bat as he watches his hit against the Athletics during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Houston Astros designated hitter Isaac Paredes flips his bat as he watches his hit against the Athletics during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, June 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

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