NFL Hall of Famer, all-time leading rusher and "Dancing With the Stars" champion Emmitt Smith will be in Lubbock for Mentor Tech’s 15th Annual Celebration Banquet at 7 p.m. April 13 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Banquet Hall.

The banquet honors the graduating seniors for the 2016-17 academic year.

"As is our custom each year, it is our goal to select an accomplished individual to serve as our banquet speaker," said Cory Powell, Mentor Tech program director. "Ultimately, our desire is that the speaker will inspire, motivate and challenge our students and all those in attendance to soar to the highest possible heights, and we are excited to have Emmitt Smith as our speaker this year."

Smith rushed for 18,355 career rushing yards on his way to winning three super bowls and a league MVP award. He was inducted into Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2005 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Tickets for the banquet are $100 each or $150 for VIP; tables of eight cost $1,000 and $1,500 for VIP tables. All VIP purchases include premium seating, passes to the VIP reception and a photo opportunity with Smith. Sponsorship opportunities also are available. Proceeds benefit the Mentor Tech scholarship fund.

For more information call (806) 742-8692, email mentor@ttu.edu or visit the Mentor Tech website.

Since retirement, Smith has served as a football analyst for ESPN and the NFL Network and a guest college football analyst for FOX’s BCS National Championship pre-game coverage. Smith has also made several TV cameos. He won ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" in 2006.

Smith is also a successful entrepreneur leading several companies under the umbrella of Emmitt Smith Enterprises, including ESmith Legacy, a premier real estate development and asset management firm; EJ Smith Construction, a Dallas-based commercial and civil construction manager and general contractor; E Smith Realty Partners, a national commercial real estate services company; and Prova Group, Inc., a mobile technology company.

Mentor Tech was established in 2002 and seeks to enhance the quality of the educational experience of students from underrepresented populations through programs, services, advocacy and campus and community involvement.

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