Eric Legrand came to talk to WMS students on May 23rd, as he talked about overcoming adversity and other important character traits to have.

LeGrand said, “Respect your teachers and try to help people out.” Eric LeGrand is a caring person and especially for others that want to be helped. Even until this day, LeGrand still helps people despite his disabilities. Mr. Cianfano, a teacher here at WMS, and football coach at CHS, was Eric LeGrand’s high school football coach. Mr. Cianfano stated, “I liked Eric’s character, great heart, and how he was respectful to everyone.” But from having all of those great character traits, LeGrand believes that the most important one is “the caring” and putting “people before yourself.” Even before the incident happened, Mr. Cianfano said, he was still “humble” and a “good person”.

LeGrand overcame adversity at a young age with the “support system” he had and the “athlete mindset” LeGrand said. Through his life, he was and still remains an optimist. LeGrand embodies what it means to never give up and help people. LeGrand said that he jumped so many levels on the football field and life through “hard work” and “never giving up and giving it your all.” Karen LeGrand, Eric’s mother said, “His determination, which helped him overcome a lot of things” is what stood out to her about Eric’s character. Eric LeGrand continues to motivate and inspire people every single day across the country.

Jason Tran, a WMS student said, “He motivated me to never give up”. Tran quoted, “His speech was phenomenal and he showed no fear or embarrassment.” The message LeGrand spreads is to never give up in life even though there are obstacles. Kelvin Batista said, “He inspired me because he is in a wheelchair and yet still has goals he wants to accomplish in life, it’s amazing to think about.” The general message Batista felt came across was that “you can accomplish anything through obstacles.”

Mr. Blackmore, 8th grade science teacher, said, “My son plays lacrosse and sometimes they play in the Rutgers stadium and I always see his jersey number, and it makes me think that for the last 8 years he had a big impact on this generation and many more to come.” Mr. Blackmore also stated, “When he tells the story every year, you can tell that every bit of it is real and it’s life changing.” LeGrand not only motivates kids on a regular basis, but adults as well. Mr. Blackmore said, that LeGrand loves to “help others” and make the “world a better place” and to “hope and believe in yourself.”

“He inspired me to look at the positives of every outlook even when it seems impossible,” Ms. McDonald stated. Ms. McDonald also stated that it revealed a lot about his character when Mr. Cianfano said that he was the “same person before everything.” Both Ms. McDonald and Ms. D’Orsi said that they believe the main message was to “always believe and be respectful.”

Mr. Cianfano talked about how he was a good football player, but more importantly, a good person. Mr. Cianfano continued with talking about LeGrand having a “good heart” and “determination” to do anything he set his mind to.

It was truly an inspirational assembly and speech that LeGrand gave to WMS. It’s influential to see a relatable role model still accomplishing many goals. Not only can individuals that play sports garner life-lessons from the speech, but students from all walks of life learn that anything is possible “as long as you believe”.

Thank you Mr. LeGrand for coming to WMS to talk to our class and for letting me interview you. You truly inspired me to be my better self. Your speech taught me to always be grateful and appreciative throughout any circumstances. -Nico Diaz

I am truly thankful for having the opportunity to meet you. You’re a role model to me and I believe you’re the most optimistic person ever. You showed me that hard work and determination beats everything on and off the field. -Jake Wenzel