American Paralympian Rohan Murphy visits Valley Stream District 24 schools

His achievements as an American Paralympian and powerlifter have been the subject of high-profile Nike and Sports Illustrated features and viewed on news outlets like ABCNews and 20/20. But nowadays, Rohan Murphy has been elevated to the national spotlight for his work off the competition stage as one of this country’s most sought-after motivational youth speakers across schools nationwide.

Earlier this year, Valley Stream 24 sixth-grade students from each school got a chance to hear Murphy, a double amputee, deliver his hard-won wisdom on the importance of going after what they want and being the best versions of themselves, while making no excuses in getting there. 

Karen Serro, Robert W. Carbonaro’s social worker, facilitated the Rohan Murphy program districtwide in hopes to promote positive messages of hope, kindness, self-love, and overcoming adversity.

“Thank you to Mr. Murphy for visiting our schools,” said Superintendent Don Sturz. “Valley Stream 24 prides itself on giving our students the confidence, and support and giving them the right tools to succeed in their lives in their educational journey and beyond. Rohan Murphy visiting our schools was an excellent opportunity for our students to listen to his life experiences, how he overcame hardships, and anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

“Thank you to Valley Stream 24 for inviting me to speak to their students. Speaking at school is my dream job because I feel like I can make a difference and positive impact with my story,” said Murphy. “I believe that it is vital for people to hear my journey to give them a different perspective in life.”