After the Donovan family arrived to the game, Miceli presented the family with a package of presents: the card and picture, an SPFHS lacrosse jersey and a package of Yahoo chocolate milk with straws. The chocolate milk was a special gift for Liam, as he was finally able to accomplish drinking from a straw a couple months ago. An event like this gave Miceli a perspective on how to view life.
“This is a kid celebrating using a straw,” Miceli said. “We shouldn’t complain about the little things.”
The influence of Liam’s appearance was not only felt on Miceli, but members of the team.
“Liam shows us the value of everything in life,” senior captain David Walker said “Even the small things.”
“He is a warrior,” senior captain Riley Guma said.
Fellow senior captain, Richard Nardone, said having Liam come was both “emotional” and “powerful”.
Even if Liam was able to motivate so many people on Tuesday afternoon, there is one person that is most moved by him: Cheryl.
“(What makes Liam inspiring is him) just being told he wasn’t going to be able to do a lot of things and he’s doing them anyway,” said Cheryl Donovan. “He’s very, very tough.”
Liam also served as a good luck charm for the lacrosse program, as the Raider defeated Hillsborough,15-8, improving to 7-8.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood will next be at home for Senior Day on Thursday against Oratory while Hillsborough will face off against Voorhees on Thursday.
Photo courtesy of Rick Guma.