Bobby Petrocelli Tells HHS Students They Matter
Huntington High School students and staff sat at rapt attention as Bobby Petrocelli shared his story during an assembly program in the cavernous auditorium late last week.
A speaker, author, educator and coach, Mr. Petrocelli delivered a powerful message to the crowd. He later spoke again during an evening session with parents and many students. It was impossible to attend either presentation without being moved in some way.
“Bobby Petrocelli’s story is one of personal triumph and hope following a devastating tragedy in his life,” according to his website. “One night he went to bed in suburban America, a happy man with a loving wife. But when he woke up dazed in his kitchen, his wife was dead and his life forever changed. The pickup truck that crashed through his bedroom wall was driven by a man who was more than twice legally drunk.”
“Mr. Petrocelli wowed the student body with the story of his personal tragedy and how he was able to overcome it to live a fulfilling life where he can now help others overcome their hardships, especially high school age students,” said Frederick Bisogno, a veteran Huntington social studies teacher and co-faculty advisor for the high school’s student government organization. “His message of forgiveness and self-worth was received with such positive force by both students and parents.”
Teenagers can be a tough crowd to reach, but Mr. Petrocelli made an immediate connection with students, who quickly found their visitor to be genuine in every way.
“Bobby Petrocelli’s message is simple, yet profound,” Principal Brenden Cusack said. “Two words sums it up: ‘You Matter!’ A number of years ago, I saw the impact Mr. Petrocelli can have on high school kids. He is genuine, engaging and inspirational. Kids are naturally drawn to him and I believe they truly hear his message. Our students were completely engaged as Bobby spoke of his tragedy and road to fulfillment and forgiveness one moment at a time. He made us all laugh and cry and most important, he made us think about the way we see ourselves and treat others. I believe our kids learned a great deal from this presentation.”
Invited to speak at a long list of high schools, colleges, organizations and corporations from coast to coast, Mr. Petrocelli has also addressed such professional sports teams as the New York Giants and New York Mets, Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Bobby’s personal tragedy began one night when a full size pickup truck crashed through his bedroom wall running over both him and his wife,” Mr. Bisogno explained. “Unfortunately Ava [Petrocelli] did not survive the accident, which was caused by a drunk driver. Bobby knew he would have to have forgiveness for the man who caused this accident. Although he does not condone the act, he believes forgiveness and the understanding of self-worth is the only way to heal the emotional and spiritual wounds that we all have.”
A wildly successful motivational speaker and co-author of nearly 20 books aimed at helping teens overcome their struggles, Mr. Petrocelli took time to meet with several dozen Huntington students individually at the end of his formal presentation. He even sat and spoke with students during lunch periods in the cafeteria throughout the day.
“Bobby has a special message for all people,” Mr. Bisogno said. “The phrase #YOU MATTER is his call sign and it delivers a meaningful message, especially for young people. I have had the pleasure of knowing Bobby for nearly 30 years and he has left an indelible mark on me personally. He is one of those people that have the ‘light’ around them and he has a way of wanting to make people better persons. I also have to thank Bobby for helping to launch my career in education. He helped me achieve my first teaching job in Chesapeake, Virginia, where I lived and worked for 14 years before moving back home to Long Island.”
A crowd of about 200 turned out for a nighttime presentation in the high school auditorium. “In the evening, students and parents attended a slightly different program with Bobby,” Mr. Cusack said. “The feedback I heard throughout the day and evening is that this was the most amazing speaker we’ve ever had. I am so grateful for the contributions of the PTSA, arts in education committee and the student government, which made the day possible.”
Business teacher Suzi Biagi was one of those moved by Mr. Petrocelli’s presentation.
“Bobby’s program was wonderful,” the longtime teacher and A World of Difference club advisor said. “He shares the wisdom that granting forgiveness to those who have caused us pain is the key to a happier life. When we hold on to the anger and resentment we are actually keeping ourselves prisoners of that past pain. Bobby was great example of AWOD’s motto ‘it only takes one to make a world of difference.’”