Larry Kelly: Lessons that last a lifetime

Larry Kelly credits his childhood basketball coach, Bill Girvan, for giving him the gift of confidence.

(The author of this week’s blog is Larry Kelly, an attorney with the law firm of Luxenberg, Garbett, Kelly and George, and head baseball coach at Shenango High School in New Castle.)

“I elect for you to give thanks.”

That was the invitation from my friend, Tim Kolodziej.  A few weeks back on this website, EnspireU.com, Tim challenged me and others to change the dialogue in our nation. One note of thanks at a time.

Well, TK, I accept your challenge. I’ve realized whatever modest success I’ve enjoyed has been due, in large part, to people who have mentored me. People who have invested their time in me, and have given me a chance to achieve my dreams.

Of course, my mother, Jora Kelly, and my father, Fred Kelly, were the driving forces behind whatever success I have achieved. Former New Castle High basketball coach John Sarandrea said it best: “The only lottery you want to win in life is the parent lottery. If you don’t win that one you don’t have much of a chance in this world.” Well, with my parents I won the Powerball Lottery.  But I’ll save my thanks for them for another time.  

In 2012, I was invited by my alma mater, New Castle High School, to address the faculty as a new school year began. Each year they ask a Ne-Ca-Hi graduate, who they deemed to be successful, to give the opening remarks.

I was both humbled and honored to be selected as the speaker. 

Before my speech, I though long and hard about any success I had achieved. Quickly, it became clear to me how important teachers were along my journey.  

So, I invited my fifth- and sixth-grade teachers, three teachers from junior high school and four teachers from high school to hear my remarks. I’d like to introduce you to those teachers and why I’m so grateful for them.

• Ada Mae Tomasello, fifth-grade teacher — She told me I had special talents, and that I could do anything I set my mind on doing. Even though she shared that encouragement more than 50 years ago, her words continue to impact me.

•Bill Girvan, sixth-grade teacher — He believed in me and gave me the gift of confidence. He was my basketball coach and when he told me I was good enough to play at the next level, it fueled me to pursue that goal. Every time I see him I thank him and remind him of that.

•Seventh-grade history teacher Gene Desch and ninth-grade English teacher Vince Scialabba — Both men taught me to pay attention to the details and inspired me to be the best I could be.

•Angelo Fornataro,  junior high football coach — He had the unique ability to motivate me and others. I soon learned what a powerful tool that could be in life.

•Don Ross and Bill Wise, high school baseball coaches — They taught me me the importance of mental toughness.  When mentally tough people give their best effort and don’t succeed, they get back up and do it again. They don’t quit.

•John Spina, high school physics teacher — He wouldn’t allow me to give anything other than my best effort. The failing grade he gave me hurt at the time, but the lesson has lasted throughout my life.

•Jerry Hassan, guidance counselor — My uncle and my mentor.  Everything I needed to know about being successful I learned from his example.

These teachers will always have a unique place in my heart. They told me I was special. They gave me confidence. They challenged, motivated and inspired me. They never allowed me to settle for anything but my best. And they taught me the importance of mental toughness.  

For those gifts, I will forever be thankful.