PACE High School students have been encouraged by a retired professional basketball player to believe in themselves, set lofty goals and not be afraid to fail along the way.  Damen Bell-Holter shared his message of inspiration as part of the PACE High School’s recognition of November being Native American Heritage Month.  Bell-Holter is an Alaska Native and a member of the state’s Haida peoples.  He was born and raised in the small village of Hydaburg, Alaska.  He spoke to the students about the challenges and embarrassment of growing up in a home with alcoholic parents.  He also shared with them what he did to overcome to those challenges and pursue his dream of playing college basketball.  He encouraged the students to stay grounded in their culture, to learn as much about it as they can, to be accountable and respectful. Bell-Holter played college basketball at Oral Roberts University and then went on to play professional ball with teams around the world including a stint with the Boston Celtics of the NBA.