By Nicole Falco
On Mar. 1, Boyd became the 14th recipient of Central's Distinguished Alumni Award with the Central family and his own family, friends, local politicians and community leaders gathered in Central's auditorium. The award is a symbol of joint recognition from the community and school district.
In his acceptance speech, Boyd emphasized the importance of setting goals and taking action to reach those goals. Boyd's words were meant to resonate in the minds of impressionable teenagers who are coming to crossroads in their lives - graduation - but, Boyd, like the students, is at a crossroads.
Upon accepting the award, presented by Marge Chvatal, president of the Central HS Alumni Association, Boyd joked, "This might be the first time a recipient of this award is unemployed."
On Feb. 27, Boyd was released from his contract with the Detroit Lions as Lions' president Matt Millen made roster adjustments so the franchise could meet the NFL's $71.1 million salary cap limit.
Boyd, 29, told the audience, "I'm very excited about it. I had seven wonderful years in Detroit...I'm proud of what I accomplished there and now it's time to move on."
As a Lion, Boyd, number 57, was named the first ever "Iron-Man of the Game" for his play in a 1998 overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Boyd had been plagued by back injuries since early in the 2000 season and opted for physical therapy instead of surgery. Boyd told students that his back was doing just fine and at least three teams have shown interest in signing him.
When asked if receiving the alumni award was bittersweet since it came at a time when he was "unemployed," Boyd said, "It's a thrill [to receive the award]. I'm at an adverse situation in my life...you can never stop reaching for your goal. As I said in my speech, 'every man dies, not every man lives and success is never final.'"
Early in his football career Boyd began setting goals, a task he recommended to the students in the Keller Auditorium Friday.
During the 1987 season, the Central Eagles earned a spot in the Nassau County playoffs. Though they lost, the team knew a championship win was within their grasp. Coming off the 1988 season with a dismal record of 4-wins, 4-loses, Boyd and the rest of the Central Eagles knew they had to work harder. The team spent summer 1989 making sacrifices in order to practice harder. The team's sacrifices paid off when they defeated Garden City High School to be named Nassau County champions in 1989.
"There is not a moment in sports that I cherish more than beating Garden City 12-6 at Hofstra University," Boyd said.
Anthony Iadevaio co-captained of the 1989 Eagles, and said, "[Boyd] was a leader. He's a role model to the community and he's a role model to me."
In October 1999, Boyd's number 44 Central Eagles jersey was retired in a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the team's championship season.
Boyd has donated thousands of dollars worth of weight training and sports equipment to the district and has spent time with students.
Central's Athletic Director, Dan Tronolone, Boyd's high school coach, said, "I was proud of him since day one [of his career]. During the last few years he's been coming back and it's like he never left. He just fits right in with the kids and relates really well to them."
As a professional athlete, Boyd said, "It was nice to share my message with the kids because that's what it is really all about. It's a huge part of my responsibility as a professional athlete to come back. I'm a role model and I accept that."
Students did relate to Boyd and took his message to heart.
"I think it is important to know that he was once in the same position as us and he made it," said Nicole Abruzzo, a Central senior. Abruzzo said Boyd inspired her to reach for her goal of continuing her soccer career in college.
Another senior, Marissa Hajtler said, "People coming back and being recognized is definitely something positive. [Boyd's message] shows you have to keep trying and don't give up because one thing didn't work out for you."
Jordan Lubeck, a member of Central's varsity soccer team, said he would encourage his team to work harder during the summer like the 1989 Eagles did, so maybe they could win the championship.
According to Boyd, Lubeck would also have to surround himself with good people. At the ceremony as at many of his football games, family was present to cheer for Boyd, the youngest of four. His mom, Joan, a principal account clerk in the school district's business office, and his brother, Richard, a special education teacher and varsity soccer coach at South High School joined other family members for the special occasion.
"I think we have a unique situation. We have aunts, uncles, and cousins who come from all over the country to share in an event. People say, 'My God you had that much family who came for that event.' Stephen's success shows what can come from that type of family," said, Jean Marie Killeen, Boyd's sister.
