FROM THE ITEM - INSPIRING READING

LYNN — They had all recently read his book, so the students rushed in excitement to get their pictures taken with the author after his inspirational presentation at Lynn Classical High School Tuesday morning.

The book was “Eleven Seconds.” The speaker was Travis Roy.

In 1995, Roy suffered a paralyzing neck injury in his first college hockey game at Boston University. Eleven seconds into the game, Roy collided with the boards and cracked vertebrae, leaving him a quadriplegic.

Roy graduated from the Boston University College of Communication in 2000, despite his injury. Now 38, Roy has been in a wheelchair for the past 18 years and travels around the country sharing his story.

“Sometimes challenges choose us,” said Roy in his presentation about how his dreams and plans to be a professional hockey player were drastically changed.

Lynn Classical Principal Gene Constantino said all Classical high school students were required to read Roy’s book earlier this year. After hearing how moved students were by the book, Constantino and history teacher David Poland, who first suggested the book, arranged for Roy to visit.

“Travis Roy’s book was very inspirational to me… It comforted me in my own problems and showed me that I need to keep on trying,” said Morvyn Belice, a senior at Lynn Classical who was thrilled to see Roy in person.

In his presentation, Roy explained to students the difficulties of his disability and his fight to stay positive.

“A positive attitude will take you farther in life than anything else,” said Roy to students after talking about his struggle to realize the many opportunities for him despite his physical limitations.

Roy also told students that his disability has not changed him much, nor has it changed his major goals. He may not be able to play professional hockey, but he is happy and successful, and that is all he ever wanted.

“I think it’s very touching,” said Amanda Enquist, a senior at Lynn Classical. Enquist is familiar to the challenges of disability. Cerebral palsy leaves Enquist struggling to walk, but her strong will keeps her moving. With the help of walking aids, Enquist walked to the podium in the gymnasium to introduce Roy before his presentation.

“There was an abnormal energy that was fun to be a part of today,” said Roy about the overwhelmingly positive response he received from students.

At the end of his presentation, Roy had student helpers bring microphones around the gymnasium so that students could ask questions. Raised hands filled the gym as students begged for their chance to speak.

According to Constantino, Roy’s book received more student interest than any other previous required readings.

Said Constantino after the crowds of students reluctantly left the gym, “It was one of the best assemblies we’ve ever had.”