Hall of Famer Mike Bossy Comes Through

for Vincent Smith School Students

Port Washington, NY - - Hockey legend Mike Bossy is a busy man, but on May 7 he dropped everything to make time for Vincent Smith School students at their annual Sports Awards Dinner at the Swan Club. The school holds the annual Sports Awards Dinner to recognize its student athletes.

Undoubtedly the fans’ all-time favorite Islander, Mr. Bossy helped bring home four straight Stanley Cup championships from 1980-1983. Mr. Bossy was the New York Islanders 1st choice, 15th Overall, in the 1977 Entry Draft. During an outstanding career that was shortened by back and knee problems, The Boss put together mind-boggling statistics. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Islanders Business Club.

Mr. Bossy came from a large family of 12 children that showed him tremendous support. He started skating at two years old and began to play hockey a year later. Thanks to his dad’s handiwork with existing snow and a water hose, young Mike was able to practice more than two hours per day on his own back yard rink in Canada.

“Hard work is the best way to be good at what you’re doing,” said Mr. Bossy. “My dad taught me that by working two to three jobs at a time. I realized early on that I was better at hockey than most kids. I didn’t let that stop me from working harder than the rest of them. I was determined to be the best.”

Mr. Bossy is an incredibly humble Hall of Famer. He was fun, down to earth, caring and embodied all the qualities of a true gentleman. His keynote speech was to the point, filled with great memories and extremely motivating for everyone in attendance. The question and answer portion was a crowd favorite. It was humorous and extremely informative. There were portions that felt like a stand up act as Mr. Bossy kept the audience in stitches.

“I want to congratulate the Vincent Smith School athletes on their accomplishments,” said Mr. Bossy. “Everyone on the team has a role to play. Superstars tend to get all of the accolades, but a team needs everybody on it. I always felt I was born under a lucky star to play on such a great team.”

Special thanks are in order to several people who made the event a tremendous success. First and foremost, the school family wishes to thank Mr. Bossy and his good friends Karen Rotgin-Bialek and Adam Bialek. Appreciation is also expressed to Bookmarx Collectibles, Inc. which has provided sports memorabilia to the silent auction for several years; Sulam Personal Training which donated free sessions; and VSS parent Jared Shupnick who worked behind the scenes helping to ensure Mr. Bossy’s appearance.

The Vincent Smith School is well known for its individualized program for reluctant learners and learning disabled students in grades 4-12. VSS is a private day school, serving students in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens Counties. It offers students differentiated instruction in small supportive classes. Students experience academic success, emotional growth and social acceptance. Approximately 85% of its graduates go on to college. VSS is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents as an independent, non-profit institution and is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools. We take pride in being a school where it’s okay to learn differently. VSS has a history of excellence dating back to 1924.

Caption: Hall of Famer and former Islander Mike Bossy speaks with Vincent Smith School students at their annual sports awards dinner.