The Wingspan Since 2012 “Home of the Eagles” April Springtime, Here We Come! Overlook Welcomes Travis Roy By: ​Keira Mooney and Ana Grimes On April 14th, Overlook Middle School welcomed a
very special visitor: Ex-BU hockey player Travis
Roy. Travis, who became a quadriplegic after a freak
accident that drove him into the sideboard, 11
seconds into the season’s first game, is now a
motivational speaker who travels around the country
speaking at schools, conferences, and more. He was
20 years old at the time of his accident, and had
received a college scholarship to play hockey at Boston University. Travis readily accepted the
opportunity, and became one of the first freshman to ever see the ice in the season’s first game.
Travis addressed our school on April 14th to talk about both his personal experiences and
things that could come in useful in a student’s life. He discussed important topics such as goal
setting, persistence, respect, and the importance of kindness. Travis also discussed strategies to
help students stay organized in school, and told a few stories about his life and experiences. As a
little bonus, my friend Keira and I had the opportunity to speak with Travis personally and ask
him a few questions, including personal facts, and just random fun facts too! The full interview
is available below.
A Full Interview With Travis Roy
(also by Ana Grimes and Keira Mooney)
Q- How old were you when you first started playing hockey? A- I was 20 months old. Basically, by the time I could walk, I was on the ice. Q- What was it like to feel the tap on your shoulder that you had been waiting for your entire life? A- It was like “the moment”. So much adrenaline, so much excitement. I had gotten a scholarship, I was at BU, I was practicing with the team… but it was only when I popped onto the ice for the first time was when it became real to me. And again, it was only 11 seconds, but as I said in the video, I had accomplished my dream, I could check off that goal. It was just very satisfying. Q- When did you come up with the idea for the foundation? A- When I was in the hospital for a couple of months, I met quite a lot of people who were also paralyzed. I had a lot of support, fundraising, and love, and I saw a lot of people with the same condition as me who didn’t have as much insurance and support. I used the attention of my story to give help to others. Q- What’s the best part about having your own foundation? A- The best part is probably giving out all the grants. You feel like Santa Claus, funding them to make their lives even a little bit easier. Q- How did you find out about OMS? A- Your principal or someone contacted me and asked if I could come in and talk. Of course I said yes, I love coming and talking to kids, and just people in general. Q- Who inspired you the most in life? A- My parents. I know it’s a little cliche, but my parents, definitely. They were always hard-working and they had rules and guidelines. They also stressed the right things, made sure my grades were good, and gave me all the opportunities that I could have ever wanted. Q- Out of all the places you’ve been, what’s your favorite? A- One would be Sedona, Arizona. It’s just a gorgeous town in the red rocks, which was great. I also have a little cottage up in Vermont on Lake Champlain and it’s a little piece of heaven there. Q- If you could eat one food everyday for the rest of your life, what would it be? A- Lobster. I love seafood. Q- What’s your favorite color? A- Red. Mainly because I went to BU. Q- If you could move far away, where would you go? A- I want to see and experience everything. I want to go to Australia, Europe... I just want to see the whole world. From the Eagle’s Nest​: An Update from Mr. Saisa and Mrs. Rigney Happy Spring! It’s hard to believe that we are in the home stretch of the school year--it has truly flown by. I’d like to take a moment to thank all of the Overlook students and staff for the outstanding welcome that Travis Roy received upon his arrival a few weeks back. There have been many, many moments this year during which I’ve felt proud to be a part of this community, but that day stands out in my mind. I think there were several poignant moments during Travis’s presentation, but the one that stood out to me was his description of what it was like for him to return to school after his accident. He explained that one of the most difficult moments of that first day back came when he entered the cafeteria. Travis told the audience that not a single classmate approaching him that day. He explained that he assumed his peers probably felt nervous, anxious, or fearful of approaching him. While he understood all of that, Travis never forgot how that moment made him feel. He encouraged OMS students to be the kind of person who reaches out and works to include others--small acts of kindness are often some of the most meaningful. We are so fortunate to have such an incredible group of students here at OMS. I witness acts of kindness each and every day in this building from both students and staff. I’d like to encourage all of you to keep up the good work by challenging yourself to do at least one nice thing for someone else each day. We all have the potential to make a positive impact on those around us--be the person that someone, some day, will look back and describe as having made an extra effort to make others feel like they belong. Mrs. Rigney CHECK OUT OUR ARCHIVES Kindness Counts Week By:​ ​Hannah Silverman Many students were excited about Kindness Counts Week. Many students have lockers with multiple colorful magnets on them. There are even some students who have their locker completely covered barely able to see any of the actual locker! The magnets represented different character traits, such as integrity, courage and patience. If you knew someone who possessed these traits, you could fill out a form to put a magnet of a friend’s locker. The magnets reminded students and teachers of the traits that are most important in life. It also gave students and teachers a chance to recognize and appreciate the people at Overlook. Creative Writing Corner Part 5 of ​The Passage By Skyla Nolan Diana, Jackie and Jonathan “​What?” Jackie and Diana said together. They had worked much too hard to realize it was all for nothing, now. “Listen,” Jonathan started coolly. “You both need to accept this. You’re just guinea pigs to me. I just needed to test out my experiment.” Diana was too stunned to speak, and it was a miracle that Jackie could remain so calm. Looking at her watch, she said, “Hey, we’re all kids here. The police will get here after the ‘explosion’, anyways. You have nothing to gain, and you’re murdering two innocent people in the process.” All the while, Jackie stared at her watch, while Diana’s jaw dropped farther down with every word. Jonathan smiled wider with every word Jackie said, though. “Wrong, Guinea Pig A, I’ve got ​so​ much to gain.” “And what would that be?” asked Jackie. “Um, well, I can’t exactly, uh…” he stuttered, his smile fading fast. If he told Jackie his plans, especially, he’d definitely sabotage himself, and his past 2 years. “That’s what I thought! You probably don’t even have ​real​ explosives in this maze! What are you trying to-” “I can’t tell you, alright?!​ I’m ​in charge, here, not you! And you’re coming with me!” Jonathan screamed, infuriated that he wasn’t feared, and had no power over them- currently​. “Why?” Diana whispered. “I don’t need to have a reason! I’m your captor! Either you’re gonna follow me, or you’re gonna pay for it!” Behind Diana’s back, she held a tape recorder, and pressed the “stop” button. Was this the answer? Could this save their lives? More of ​the Passage​ by Skyla Nolan in next month’s issue Local Animal Shelters Important to Students LUCY ​
Follow us! IG: overlook_eagles Twitter: @OverlookEagles Wingspan Inc. Overlook Middle School 10 Oakmont Drive Ashburnham, MA