It isn't every day we get to talk about a heavyweight champion popping up in one of our local schools. We know the Hudson Valley has been full of plenty of celebrity sightings over the years, but the connection 'Iron Mike' has with this particular school district, and in turn the reason for his visit, is not random whatsoever, but rather a deeply rooted community connection.
To those walking through the doors at Catskill High School on Friday May 16th, i'm sure it felt like any other day. Leaving the school that afternoon, though, was a bit different after a very special visit from a heavyweight champion with strong ties to the Catskill community.
In an article posted to the Catskill Central School District official site, recap of a very special visitor on Friday May 16th was shared.
Heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson was at Catskill High School on May 16 to hand out academic scholarships to two Catskill seniors, Demetrio Morales and Ava Edmond.
Morales, a baseball player, and Edmond, a basketball player, received their awards from 'Iron Mike' in front of a packed gymnasium Friday afternoon.
The scholarship, named after Tyson's mentor, also from Catskill, Cus D'Amato.
Although Mike Tyson was born in Brooklyn and spent his early (and quite rocky) years in NYC, he relocated to the Hudson Valley in 1980 following his release from juvenile detention. The reason for the then 14-year-old's time in Catskill was to train at Cus D'Amato's gym, and in turn begin his boxing career. Fast forward a few years and Tyson credits much of his success to his time in the Catskills, and especially to his mentor, Cus D'Amato.
Gallery Credit: Getty Images
