PAL Player is Salutatorian by Jim Maritato posted 06/06/2013 After being out of commission due to a spinal fracture from playing hockey last year, Bishop McGann-Mercy Diocesan High School salutatorian Anthony Pupplo got back on the ice within months to keep his passion alive.
“The experience changed me. I never gave up,” said Pupplo, 17, of Shirley, during his salutatorian speech Wednesday at the Riverhead school. “So, I want all of you to believe in yourselves like I did, battle any obstacles that get in your way and remain steadfast in accomplishing your dreams.”
Pupplo, who plans to defer a full ride to Elmira College for one year to see if he can continue playing hockey in Canada or on local junior league PAL Junior Islanders, was among 84 students receiving diplomas and flipping their tassels.
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