Students Read in a Neutral Zone
Perseverance and teamwork were the name of the game when Earl L.
Vandermeulen High School varsity football players visited Gina Santini’s
fourth-grade class as part of a community service project.
The football players – Jonathan Bachmann, Sam Caltagirone, Nathan
DiGregorio, Ryan Holmes, Patrick Kleaka, Bryce Lewis, Michael McGuire,
Matt Murphy, Daniel Shaughnessy, Jordan Suarez, Eric Zimmermann and Gabe
Zoda – participated in the event along with cheer captain Katie
Ambrozy, in the event organized by the team’s booster club, parent Holly
Caltagirone and coach Andrew Cosci.
After reading “Game Day” by Tiki and Ronde Barber, the players took
turns answering questions from students from how they balance their
schoolwork and sports to plans for the future. The reading session
culminated with the athletes taking the fourth-graders outside to teach
them how to throw a football.
“The camaraderie of these athletes is inspiring,” Mr. Cosci said, adding
that the event is something he looks forward to having the students
participate in, as they serve as role models and encourage the younger
students to form and maintain friendships throughout their school years.