Aspiring young minds at St. James Elementary School got a very special visit from a few members of the New York Islanders on Wednesday. National hockey stars, Jean-Francois Berube and Eric Boulton, sat down with students to discuss important life lessons as well as commend the students for their extraordinary community service.
The online contest that brought the NY Islanders to St. James, was entered by members of the PTA and won based on the students community involvement and love for the team. Each year, St. James Elementary school holds a “game day” fundraiser at an Islander game, in addition to performances by the St. James Singers held at Islander home games. Recently, a St. James student was chosen to drop the puck at an Islander game.
The players spoke to the students about the importance of reading, working hard and staying in school as well as following their dreams, being a team player and getting along with others. The Islanders explained to students how these are the fundamental building blocks in life, no matter the profession they chose. Fourth graders received Autographs and got their photos taken with the Hockey stars at the end of the visit.