New York Islanders players Thomas Vanek, Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin spoke at Seaford Harbor School Monday about the importance of anti-bullying, nutrition and doing homework.
The threesome fielded questions and answers as well, including one from a girl in a jersey that asked them if she could get her uniform autographed.
"Come on up here," Matt Martin said, a request in which she happily obliged.
In regards to nutrition, the players asked the kids who has Coke or Pepsi, and then asked who has water, stressing that it's important to keep a healthy diet. They also asked who has an X-Box or Playstation 3, which almost every kid admitted to. The players said, while games are fun, it's also important to be active outside.
In terms of anti-bullying, the message was simple. Treat others as you'd want to be treated, and if you see something, say something.
"It's always nice to speak with kids and talk about things that are important," Martin said. "Especially with the bullying, it's something that needs to be spoken about."
"It's fun. Anytime you can go around the community, it's fun to see the kids smile," Vanek said. "There's 300 kids. If you can get to 50 of them, it's good. At the end of the day, I do think we make a difference."
"I think it's very excited for them," Principal Donna Delucia-Troisi said. "If you follow a good program of exercise and eating healthy and being part of a team, this could be your future."
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