Memorable 'Away Game' for North Haven Middle School Team

Memorable ‘Away Game’ for North Haven Middle School Team

Thanks to financial support from the North Haven Education Foundation, Michael Proto, who teaches at the high school and coaches boys’ basketball at the middle school, bused his team to West Point this past winter. His son, Ryan Proto, completed his third year at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in early May, and in a statement to the foundation’s board, the proud parent wrote, “After seeing the tremendous impact that West Point’s approach to education has had on Ryan, I felt compelled to expose my student athletes to this type of educational environment.”

Calling the trip “a very worthwhile and memorable experience” the coach shared photos from their journey in a newsletter that included quotes from several of the boys. A seventh grader named Rafe Lawless wrote, “On this trip, I learned a lot about my teammates, and I think they learned a lot about me, as a person.” An eighth grade boy named Patrick Grudberg added, “I learned how teammates should keep each other accountable and encourage one another when one is down”

In addition to a tour of the Academy and personal interaction with some of the cadets, experiences included a review of the numerous exhibits in the visitor center museum and a half time “friendly competition” against their hosts during an Army vs Loyola matchup. Noting that academics come first, coaches Mike Proto and John Marr have continuously emphasized the importance of good character, integrity, moral strength, and teamwork. Regarding the last quality, the newsletter quoted Cadet Proto stating, “We hold each other accountable, whether in the classroom, the hallways, or on the field.”

PHOTO: The North Haven Middle School boys’ basketball team posed with Cadet Ryan Proto (Top-L) at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in the visitor center/museum this past winter.

Text courtesy of David Marchesseault, NHEF Publicity Chairman; photo by Michael Proto

(Two additional photos on Facebook and at www.nhedfoundatio.org)