School News
- Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 September 2015 18:09
On Friday September 11, 2015 professional boxer and Monessen native Sammy Vasquez, Jr. visited his alma mater, Mon Valley Career and Technology Center.
 |
| Jillian Yohe, Ringgold Senior; Jessica Weiss, California Senior; Sammy Vasquez; Alex Taylor, Bentworth Senior; Anthony Deems, Beth Center Junior; Julia Metzler, California Junior. |
Vasquez, a graduate of Computer Maintenance program at the CTC, spoke to the students about where he came from, the obstacles he overcame, and the path he chose to get where he is today. His presentation was taken in by the 150 juniors and seniors from 7 sending school districts in Washington and Westmoreland counties. They were intrigued by what he had to say.
Sammy told the students, “To choose your path wisely, you can do whatever you put your mind to.” The students asked questions of the distinguished war veteran and enjoyed the photo opportunities Mr. Vasquez gave them.
The 29-year-old Vasquez is now 20-0-0 and has fought professionally since 2012 after serving two tours of duty in Iraq as a member of the National Guard. He made it to the semifinals of the 2012 U.S. Olympic trials and won gold at the 2010 and 2011 Armed Forces Boxing Championships.
