In a week that shines the brightest spotlight on athletic achievements, Boyertown Area School District Superintendent Richard Faidley instead focused on the academics and persistence of James Develin.
The Gilbertsville native and Boyertown district alumnus will be playing in the Super Bowl on Sunday as a fullback for the New England Patriots. The road to this accomplishment, however, was what Faidley wanted to highlight at Tuesday night’s meeting of the school board.
“I would like even more to talk about how he got there. He has a degree in engineering from Brown University, something that is a tribute to his teachers and mentors,” Faidley said.
Faidley went on to describe the rocky journey Develin took pursuing a career in professional football. The 26-year-old faced rejection an uncertainty.
“He was in training camps and was told to pack his backs and go home,” Faidley said.
The superintendent is banking on current students having a chance to meet Develin. He said that the district is working on bringing him in to speak with students.
“We’re planning to get James back to talk about what hard work and dedication mean,” Faidley said.