While the school year is still young, new Hoboken Middle School Principal, Mr. Harold Abraham has already issued a number of challenges to his first cohort of Tigers. Through the month of September, Hoboken Middle School students have been participating in the Read-Believe-Achieve Challenge, a reading-incentive program that will honor the Hoboken Middle School homeroom that logs the most reading hours throughout the month. Their prize? A special recognition from a man who knows a little bit about Believing and Achieving - former Rutgers football standout, ESPY winner, and inspiration to us all, Mr. Eric LeGrand.
While playing football for Rutgers University in 2010, Eric suffered a severe spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. While the initial prognosis was grim, Eric continues to defy the odds with his recovery as he works towards his goal of someday walking again. In the years following his injury, Eric has earned his degree in Labor Relations from Rutgers University, become an author and motivational speaker, leads his own charity, “Team LeGrand,” dedicated to finding a cure for paralysis, and was awarded the prestigious Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2012 ESPY Awards.
Eric’s visit to Hoboken Middle School on October 5th is about more than just recognizing the homeroom with the most reading minutes. Principal Abraham commented on the upcoming visit saying, “Eric’s story is one that has touched our entire school community. Our students have learned the importance of developing the traits of resilience, grit and determination when facing adversity. They know that at some point they may experience failure and setbacks along their journey, but what is most important is the way in which they respond to these experiences. It’s so crucial for students to think positively, see the glass with a “half-full” lens and work diligently to achieve their academic and personal goals.”
Eric LeGrand will be visiting Hoboken Middle School on Friday, October 5 at 12:00 PM. All are welcome to attend.
For more information about Hoboken Middle School or the Read, Believe, Achieve Challenge, or the Assembly on October 5th, please contact Hoboken Middle School at 201-356-3750.
For more information about Eric LeGrand, including how to contribute to Team LeGrand, please visit www.teamlegrand.org.