Providence Student-Athletes Honored at City Hall

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

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:

• The Classical High School Boys Soccer Team - Division II Champs for 3rd consecutive year, 15-1-1 record
• The Classical High School Girls Tennis Team - Division II Runners Up, 11-1 record
• The Mount Pleasant High School First Volleyball Team - Division III Runners Up, 11-5 record
• The Mount Pleasant High School Varsity Football Team - Division IV State Champs, 9-2 record
• An individual runner from the Hope High School Cross Country Team - sophomore Nathalie Rosado, cross country state qualifier

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 - 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.