Harlem Globetrotters star and Kingston High School grad Tay Fisher visits students
KINGSTON, N.Y. » Harlem Globetrotters star and Kingston High School grad Tay “Firefly” Fisher visited students in October for three motivational speeches.
About 1,200 students in grades 9 through 12 participated in the assemblies. “This program is designed to help students to prepare for their high school and college experience,” said Fisher in a prepared statement. “I communicate what helped me become successful so they can learn and establish their own path to success. I share my personal story both on and off the court as not all of the kids can relate to me athletically; I want each student to leave empowered for a bright future. There is nothing better than having the opportunity to talk with students and being able to relate to them in numerous ways. “It’s all about the connection for them to fully understand my message,” he said. “Tay Fisher’s message is one of persistence, resilience, self-worth and hard work,” Amy Kapes, a high school social worker, said in the press release. “More than a motivational speaker, he is a real life example to Kingston kids of their own personal potential. We are so grateful to the Benedictine Health Foundation for giving our kids the opportunity to hear his story, reflect on their intentions and goals and be inspired to plan for their futures,” Proceeds from the Benedictine Health Foundation’s Kick for Mental Health Kickball Tournament held in June were used to sponsor the assemblies. The Foundation is supporting additional programs throughout the school year at the high school and with the HealthAlliance Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program that provide opportunities for students to build critical social-emotional and coping skills and participate in pro-social activities that build self-esteem and confidence. The Benedictine Health Foundation sponsored the events.