WOONSOCKET — Good Shepherd Catholic Regional School welcomed some very special guests on September 13 for the blessing of their new gym floor, including Providence College Friar Bryce Hopkins who ran drills with the eighth-grade basketball players, signed autographs and high-fived some of his smallest fans.
Hopkins spoke to the students and told them that growing up, his parents taught him the importance of what it means to be a caring young man and he prides himself on looking out for others.
“Another thing my parents taught me was to be a student athlete, not just an athlete. At Providence College, if I don’t stay on top of my schoolwork, I won’t be doing the best job of representing the school. School days might get frustrating, but lean on your friends and everything will be okay.”
Jennifer DeOliveira, school administrator, believes that one of the best ways to help students understand an important topic is to hear a real-life story.
“Having Bryce Hopkins visit Good Shepherd School was a wonderful experience for students as it helped them to understand the important connection between what they are learning in school and the real world. Bryce shared his story with students and impressed upon them the importance of being respectful and responsible. He is a wonderful role model for our student body and illustrated some very important values that I hope our students will carry with them through life.”
Other special guests in attendance were Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli Hunt and Steve Napolillo, vice president and director of Providence College athletics.
