Last week, on Friday, Feb. 6, Pat-Med’s Eagle Elementary School welcomed local children’s author Angela O’Hoppe with a surprise guest: her son, Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe.
A Long Island native, Logan O’Hoppe was drafted into the MLB in 2018.
“It was such a great opportunity for our students to get to see a real-life example of someone who worked hard, faced challenges, stayed committed to his goal and achieved his dream,” said assistant principal Christine Padolecchia, excited about bringing it to the kindergarten through fifth grade with the support of principal Erin Skahill. “As Angela emphasized in her presentation, this was a powerful reminder to our kids that the voices they listen to matter. We’re so grateful to Angela for sharing this message with our students and hope each of them surrounds themselves with people who encourage them to do their best.”
Hundreds of students gathered in the cafeteria for the assembly, with Angela and Logan engaging in a read of her book, “If You Choose to Believe Them,” which tells the inspiring story of Logan defying the odds to achieve his MLB dream.
Angela also encouraged the students to project confidence and overcome obstacles, believing anything is possible with the right support system.
“I am thrilled to be here today. I love reading,” she said to the students. “If you ever get filled with any sort of doubt or you say to yourself, ‘I can’t do this,’ believing in yourself actually starts with listening to the people who already believe in you. So, think of those people while I read the book.”
After the assembly, fifth-grade students were also able to participate in a hands-on session with Angela and Logan.
“If you Choose to Believe Them,” By Angela O’Hoppe: $14.99
“If You Choose to Believe Them” is based on a true story of a young boy who defies the odds and makes his wildest dream come true. Logan O’Hoppe is currently the starting catcher for the Los Angeles Angels. His story emphasizes the power of overcoming obstacles by listening to the voices of those who believe in you and making the choice to rise above doubt and negativity from others who don’t.
Young readers will learn the importance of self-belief, resilience and the positive influence of supportive parents, siblings, teachers, friends and communities. Full of heart, hope, and determination, this book is a celebration of grit, growth, and the people who help us soar. It’s a story for every child who’s been told “you can’t,” and every grown-up who’s ever said, “yes you can.”
Source: - Latest Stories
