Rising Stars' Greatest Lessons Are Taught Off the Court

This August, the Rising Stars Scholars Program continued to demonstrate that some of life’s greatest lessons are not found on the basketball court.

Founder Paul Savramis was grateful for the opportunity to see one of those lessons firsthand this past week when he and 12 boys and girls from the Rising Stars community service initiative visited the Viscardi Center on Long Island.

Paul Savramis explained, “The Viscardi Center’s mission is to provide a lifespan of programs and services that educate and empower children and adults with disabilities.”

But Paul Savramis quickly added that the mission statement alone could not begin to describe what he and his students experienced and learned while spending the day there.

“The impact of meeting the children at the Viscardi Center is beyond my ability to put into words,” Paul Savramis said.

“You have children of all ages there with severe physical and other disabilities who, at first glance, might seem to be at an extreme disadvantage. Then, after being with them for a short time, you find they have more spirit, hope, and aspirations than anyone.”

Paul Savramis continued, “I couldn’t believe what was happening with our families as they interacted with the Viscardi children throughout the day.

“If we went into the Viscardi Center thinking we could give of ourselves, we left that day realizing how much had actually been given to us.

“What our families received was a lesson in hope and encouragement, as well as a profound appreciation for everything we may take for granted.”

One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity for the Rising Stars scholars to play wheelchair basketball against the Viscardi basketball team.

It was another lesson learned for Rising Stars.

The Viscardi team won the games easily, but the experience reinforced another important lesson: having a good time can be a welcome part of life regardless of the circumstances.

Life is what you make of it.

Paul Savramis was grateful for the experience because the day taught him as much as he had hoped it would teach his students, and perhaps even more.

“I will never forget our day at the Viscardi Center and all of the lessons it helped reinforce,” Paul Savramis said.

“We structure our Rising Stars Scholar Athletes Program so that everyone is required to give of themselves through community service events, such as programs that feed and clothe underserved children and efforts that help people experiencing homelessness.

“The lesson we learn from giving is that, in many ways, you receive more than you give.”