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JMG Students Receive Pirates Perspective on Success

September 27, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


It's not every day the Managing Owner/CEO of the Portland Pirates hockey team waltzes into your classroom, but that's what happened to Ellen Benson at Memorial Middle School in South Portland. Benson teaches the Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) Program at the school.

Brian Petrovek dropped by Friday morning to participate in an interview project. JMG students are inviting members of Maine's business community into their classroom to ask questions about how they became the successes they are today.

Hunter Madigan, a 7th grader in the class asked, "Have you ever made a huge mistake or failed an assignment at work? How did you handle it?" Petrovek responded, "Oh yes...several times, but the biggest mistake was actually not owning those mistakes right away - always own your mistakes and move on!"

Interviewing business people is one way JMG students are learning about the career opportunities that are available in Maine. JMG's teaching specialist, Ellen Benson says the project is about educating, but also inspiring these students to create the lives they want. Benson says, "I loved what Mr. Petrovek said about wanting to be an NHL player at 15 years old. I would hope my students can walk away realizing they can turn their childhood passions and dreams into career goals as he did!"

Petrovek says, "In order to fulfill our role and obligation as leaders in the community we need to be more involved with young students and offer positive direction and re-enforcement. It was an honor to spend some time with the JMG students at Memorial Middle School, answer their questions in a fun and educational environment and get an opportunity to hear about their challenges, dreams and aspirations. The energy and curiosity in the room Friday was impressive and encouraging."

Eighth grader, Lorrain German, asked, "What are some of the challenges you think young people face today that is different from those you may have faced?" Petrovek replied, "Technology hands down. Your world moves so quickly compared to when I grew up and you'll need to balance this against the skills you need to be successful communicators."

The JMG students will take what they have learned in the interview and create a poster highlighting Petrovek's advice on what it takes to reach your potential.

The Portland Pirates, the AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, are entering their 18th season as a member of the American Hockey League while the Cumberland County Civic Center hosts AHL play for its 34th season. Calder Cup Champions in 1994-95 and finalists in 1996-97, the Pirates have been home to a total of 230 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League.

Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) is a statewide, private nonprofit preparing underserved students to succeed in high school, continued education, and the workforce.



American Hockey League Stories from September 27, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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