By Katie Vasquez
MIDDLE VILLAGE — Students at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy returned to class after an exciting weekend celebrating the New York Knicks’ championship victory.
The school encouraged students to wear blue, orange or white following the team’s win. Some students said they waited in line on June 13 when championship merchandise became available in stores.
Beyond the excitement of watching the victory, students said they were inspired by the faith and perseverance of several top players who attended Catholic high schools and universities.
“Some of the players lost their parents, so it’s touching when they pray to God and make them win it all in heaven,” said Francesco Muffoletto, a seventh grader.
Lidia Kamicki, also a seventh grader, said the players’ success shows what is possible for students.
“It’s cool because someone in this school could be a future basketball player or something,” she explained.
Students also enjoyed the opportunity to dress down and celebrate together.
“It’s good because you can see that everybody likes the Knicks and it’s like the whole school,” one student said.
Julia Mace, a seventh grader, said faith and sportsmanship go hand in hand.
“During a lot of sportsmanships, you have to keep prayer in your thoughts, and prayer can come in handy in thinking that if I pray, God will watch over me and I won’t get hurt and I have a chance of winning,” she said.
Christian Chierichella, a sixth grader, said the players’ faith was especially meaningful.
“It’s just all about God. God makes decisions. He does his best for us,” Chierichella said.
For sixth grader Katherine Mosquea, the championship victory offered an important lesson in perseverance.
“It was great. It was very inspiring,” she said. “That they won and that they didn’t give up.”
Another student said the team’s success reflects the role faith can play in achieving goals.
“It shows that God is within us and he’ll help those who really want it,” the student told Currents News.
Students are now preparing to watch the New York ticker-tape parade on June 18.