Olympian Huddle, Hipster Scorpio Honor Providence Athletes

Providence
Student-Athletes Honored at City Hall

Students
hear from Olympic distance runner and Rock and
Roll Hall of Famer

 

PROVIDENCE,
R.I. (Tuesday, December 18, 2012) ‰ÛÓ The
Taveras Administration and Providence Public
School District (PPSD) hosted a pizza party for
student-athletes from across Providence today at
City Hall. Superintendent Dr. Susan Lusi
represented Mayor Taveras and honored the city’s
high school teams and individual athletes who
competed for a state title during the Fall 2012
sports season.

 

“We are
proud of all of our student-athlete and offer a
special congratualtions to these young men and
women who enjoyed an exceptional fall season.
Sports and other extracurricular activities are
important complements to the academic offerings in
our schools,” said Dr. Lusi. “Participating in
athletics teaches students to be leaders, to set
goals, to develop self-discipline, and to work
collaboratively. Sports also increase confidence
among students, and athletic and extracurricular
experiences often translate to greater success in
school.”

 

The
teams honored at this event were:

During
a brief speaking program, students heard from
Molly Huddle, a Providence resident who
represented the United States in the 2012 London
Olympic Games. Huddle, one of four Providence
residents to compete in track and field events
during the London Games and the U.S. record holder
in the 5,000 meter track and field competition,
competed in the finals for that event. 

 

The athlete
recognition event was co-sponsored by NE Distance,
a nonprofit that provides elite post-collegiate
distance runners with training opportunities and
meaningful part-time work as tutors and coaches
for local youth. Currently, NE Distance athletes
work with more than 75 students each week,
supporting afterschool programs that aim to
prevent childhood obesity. Founder Nich Haber
attended the event.

 

The
student athletes also heard from Eddie “Scorpio”
Morris, a former member of Grandmaster Flash and
the Furious Five ‰ÛÓ the first hip hop group to be
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Scorpio spoke about his work mentoring students
and encouraged students to stay focused in school.

 

Each
season, Mayor Angel Taveras and members of his
administration open City Hall to Providence Public
School athletes who compete for a state title.
Following the conclusion of the 2011-2012 winter
sports season, Mayor Taveras brought his childhood
friend, Providence Friars Mens Basketball Coach Ed
Cooley, to City Hall for a pizza party with
students.