MSG Varsity hosts assembly at Tecumseh Elementary

MSG Varsity hosted an assembly for fifth grade students at Tecumseh Elementary School Thursday morning.

With an emphasis of leadership and teamwork, students were able to interact with athletes and leaders from Sachem High School East, located just up the hill behind the elementary school.

Hosted by MSG Varsity High School SportsDesk anchor Steve Gelbs, the main segment of the morning was when elementary school students interviewed the high school leaders about their lives. Participating from East were Kristie Botti, Steve Casali, Emily Hansen and Joe Santarpia. Student interviewers from Tecumseh were Faith Cimino, Amethyst Longo, Brandon Simas and Joseph Stuzenske.

“MSG Varsity is thrilled to have been given the opportunity to bring our Assembly Program to the Tecumseh School, and to help reinforce our combined missions of teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership,” said Jen Ostrager, Vice President of High School Partnerships at MSG Varsity. “This was yet another step in our partnership with the Sachem School District and we look forward to continuing to be a member of their terrific community.”

Sachem Superintendent James Nolan on the event: “Everything is about our students. We try to teach our students they’re all unique and special in their own way. Our high school students are great examples. Everybody knows them for what they’ve accomplished, but the key is for people to understand they’re all genuine people and who they are is far more important than what they are.”

Sachem Athletic Director Pete Blieberg: “As Athletic Director for the Sachem School District, I could not be prouder of our East High School student-athletes who participated in the MSG-Varsity leadership forum at Tecumseh Elementary. Each student-athlete represented themselves , their respective teams and the Sachem athletic program in a first rate manner. Their answers were informative, fun and helped to paint a good picture to the Tecumseh students what the true meaning of what it takes to be a ‘student athlete”.

Sachem East senior Steven Casali: “We’re all good role models and I hope [the kids] look up to us and maybe go on that path of being an athlete or just a good student.”

Tecumseh Principal Laura Amato: “It was such a wonderful experience for our students to have this opportunity to interview the High School East students. It takes vertical articulation to a new level! Our students each day look up the hill to East and ponder what it would be like when they get there. Today gave them a snapshot of what life is like as a leader and a HS student. Our students got so much out of this experience, something they will never forget.”

Sachem East Principal Lou Antonetti: “As elementary students it is important to have a vision of what you want to become. The Sachem East students who were interviewed exemplified qualities that we would like all of our Sachem students to possess. Hopefully the fifth grade students learned a lot from the interviews and will use the advice that was given as they advance in their school career.”

-Words and photos by Chris R. Vaccaro