93rd Annual Lynn Thanksgiving Football Luncheon
Former New England Patriot Jermaine Wiggins delivers a positive message of support for students at the 93rd Annual Lynn High Schools Football Thanksgiving Luncheon
The Rotary Club of Lynn and the Lynn Lions hosted the 93rd Annual Lynn High Schools Football Thanksgiving Luncheon at the Porthole Pub Restaurant on Tuesday, November 26, 2013, an annual tradition in recognition of the principals, coaches, athletic directors and captains of the football and cheerleader teams from the city’s high schools as well as the Lynn Public School Band. Approximately 100 students and guests were in attendance from Lynn Classical High School, Lynn English High School, Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, and St. Mary’s High School. The co-hosts were again fortunate to have the support of three of Lynn’s major credit unions, the Brotherhood, Riverworks and St. Jean’s Credit Unions as corporate sponsors of this annual recognition luncheon.
The speaker at this year’s annual event was Jermaine Wiggins, former New England Patriots tight end, now an NFL analyst on various Boston sports media outlets such as CSN New England, WBZ, and WHDH. He has appeared on 98.5 The Sports Hub show, alongside Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti.
Wiggins attended East Boston High School and was a letterman in football and basketball, graduating from East Boston in 1993. After high school, he attended Bridgton Academy, Marshall University, and the University of Georgia
Wiggins played in New England for three seasons (2000 - 2002). While in New England he was part of the team that won Super Bowl XXXVI in 2001, New England’s first Super Bowl victory and was a key part of the Patriots air attack in the playoffs and in the Super Bowl.
Wiggins spoke to the students about how his involvement in sports provided a positive outlet for him and kept him involved and going in the right direction. He said that sports taught him sportsmanship, respect, hard work, and basically how to be a man.
He congratulated the students for their involvement in a positive activity like football and reminded them that they represented their school, family, and community when they played. He advised that they should represent themselves and their family in a good way, and should be remembered as a good person. He particularly congratulated the captains for being chosen as leaders on their respective teams.
Wiggins advised the students that, even though most of them would not be going on to play football at a higher level, they should remain positive and continue on in school and get a good education, remembering that the ultimate goal of college is to get a good education, not to play football.
Lastly, Wiggins advised them that they should work hard in their upcoming games, play to win but be good sports, and shake hands afterwards. He stated that they should recognize that, when all is said and done, students from both teams are all part of the same community and deserve respect. He urged them to have respect, remembering to represent their family and school in a positive way and said that, with hard work, anything is possible.
Wiggins’ message of positive respect was well received by the students and guests alike. The message fit so well with the goals of Rotary in its support for education in the city. His willingness to provide autographed pictures or pose with students was also greatly appreciated. Most students left with a message of positive support and an autographed souvenir.