Providence Student-Athletes Honored at City Hall

Mayor hosts Providence high school teams and individuals that competed for state, regional and national championships.

Mayor Taveras and the Providence Public School District hosted a pizza party for student athletes from across Providence this evening at City Hall. Mayor Taveras and Superintendent Dr. Susan Lusi honored the city's high school teams and individual athletes who competed for state, regional and national championships during the winter 2012-2013 sports season.

"Sports are an important part of growing up, providing lessons on team work, discipline, leadership skills and confidence," said Mayor Angel Taveras. "For many students, sports inspire confidence that translates into success in the classroom. We are proud of our student athletes for their accomplishments and look forward to this same success in the classroom."

The teams and individuals honored at the event include:

• Classical High School boys' basketball team - state champions
• Classical High School girls' indoor track & field team - state champions
• Juanita Sanchez girls' basketball team - division III state champions
• Mt. Pleasant High School boys' JV basketball team -state champions
• Members of Mt. Pleasant High School indoor track & field and wrestling teams - state finals
• Classical High School cheerleaders, boys' indoor track & field and girls' swimming teams - state runners up
• Hope High School boys' basketball team - state semi-finalists
• Members of the Hope High School wrestling team - state semi-finalists
• Members of the Hope High School indoor track & field team
• Members of Central High School boys' indoor track & field, boys' basketball and girls' basketball teams

"We are so proud of all of our student athletes," said Dr. Susan Lusi. "The young men and women here tonight are the elite for this season, but they also represent hundreds of their peers throughout the city who work diligently to balance academics, athletics, jobs and family responsibilities. This experience contributes to their becoming well-rounded adults and leaders."

During a brief speaking program, students heard from Susan Robinson Fruchtl, head coach of the Providence College women's basketball program. As an Academic All-America selection and NCAA Top Six Award recipient for academics, athletics and community service, Robinson Fruchtl spoke to students about the importance of integrating athletics and academics.

"Sports alone can take you a lot of places, but when you are able to successfully mix athletics and academics, it can take you to so many more places and open doors to limitless opportunities," said Susan Robinson Fruchtl. "It is important to strive to be your best, athletically and academically, but the academic piece is critical to long-term success. Sports provide a foundation for life-long relationships, and the lessons you can learn from participating in sports will help guide you throughout your life."

Each season, Mayor Taveras and members of his administration open City Hall to Providence Public School athletes who compete for state, regional and national championships.