Rockdale students will get a special chance to learn about sports career paths this Thursday as NFL referee and Rockdale resident Jerome Boger speaks Thursday, 6 p.m., at the Rockdale County High School gymnasium.

Boger recently was the head referee at the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans, the third African-American referee to do so. 

The event is designed to expose young people to the wide variety of jobs and careers in professional sports, besides being an athlete, according to organizers Tommy Plummer and Roxanne James. 

"The purpose of this event is to educate our young men and women about the different career opportunities that are available to them within the different sports industries and what it takes for them to make it," said James in an email. 

The event will be emceed by Plummer and introduced by Heritage senior Imani Patterson. Rockdale County Public Schools advisor Tameka Singh will also be on hand to provide information for students. 

"We hope to inspire the students to strive for exceptional academics and to understand the importance of a positive attitude," said James.

The event is free and the public is invited.