COMMACK MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Commack School District was fortunate and thrilled to welcome two-time Stanley Cup champion Adam Graves to Commack Middle School on Friday to speak with sports management students.

Graves, a former Ranger, spoke about the importance of leadership. He used the example of when he was traded from the Red Wings to the Oilers, and Mark Messier, despite his stature on the team, picked up Graves at the airport.

Graves also discussed the importance of leadership traits including having humility and being respectful and inclusionary.

The students remarked afterward that Graves' message echoed the IB learner traits that the district teaches, including being a good communicator, balanced and principled.

"Your future is wide open," Graves told the students. "Dream. Be focused."