Sunday, March 23, 2025
Sixth-grade students across all schools in the Valley Stream 24 School District recently had the opportunity to hear the inspiring story of American Paralympian, wrestler, and motivational speaker Rohan Murphy. The nationally recognized speaker visited the district to share his powerful journey, offering students valuable lessons on perseverance, resilience, and determination. The visit was arranged by the district’s social worker, Karen Serro, who coordinated the event for all three schools.
“Rohan Murphy continues to inspire our students, sharing his experiences of overcoming challenges to become a successful athlete and role model,” said Superintendent Unal Karakas. “We are honored to welcome him to our schools as part of our commitment to fostering confidence, resilience, hard work, and dedication in our students.”
Despite facing the significant challenge of losing his legs at a young age, Murphy defied the odds, building a successful athletic career and competing as a wrestler at Penn State University. His inspiring journey has been featured by major media outlets, including ABC News, Sports Illustrated, 20/20, and Nike’s influential “No Excuses” campaign.
During his visit, Murphy engaged sixth-grade students in meaningful conversations about inclusivity, goal-setting, and the resilience required to overcome life’s obstacles.
