Motivational speaker and former Harlem Globetrotter Tay “Firefly” Fisher entered the auditorium at Wallkill’s John G. Borden Middle School on October 20 to roaring applause and enthusiastic high-fives as he was welcomed back for his second visit to the school. 

After the exuberant welcome from students, many of whom remembered his inspirational talk on anti-bullying last year, Fisher got right to work. Launching into his one-hour presentation on the “Path to Greatness,” which included a slide presentation, video clips, and stories, he declared, “By the time I leave here today, you will all be saying ‘I want to be better!’”

His first order of business was to work his way around the packed audience, asking students the age-old question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” 

Students were eager to respond—with a variety of career choices like doctor, veterinary technician, professional athlete, and a very unique response from one student who told Fisher “just like you.” But his next question was a little less typical. “What happens if that doesn’t work out? What is your Plan B?” he asked.

Fisher talked about growing up in the tough streets of nearby Kingston, where he found sanctuary at the Boys & Girls Club and at school. “From 8 AM to 3 PM and from 3-4 PM at the Boys Club, I knew I was safe,” he told a rapt audience. It was at these two places, Fisher said, that he learned the most important lessons of his life.

“Listen to your teachers, your principal, your parents,” he said. “They see what’s great in you, and you just might not see it yet.”

His supportive parents, counselors at the Boys Club, and teachers at his schools were all part of Fisher’s “Path to Greatness,” he relayed. It was a counselor who first encouraged him to try out for basketball, his teachers who supported him in getting better at his studies and graduating from Kingston High School in 2004, and his parents who were with him every step of the way. 

Fisher is now a credentialed educator, holding a master’s degree in Education from The College of Saint Rose, and an undergrad degree in Psychology and Education from Siena College. He completed his studies while breaking records as a basketball player, a feat that required perseverance and hard work.

This led him to his next big message. Projecting a list of his impressive sports stats, he had students focus on just one. Fisher earned the distinct honor of “the most games played in one season.”

“Always show up. Be present,” he said. “You can’t be great unless you are present.”

“Come to school every day, sit in the front, ask questions, show your teachers you want to do better,” he said. “You don’t have to be the best player on the team to be great. Working hard matters. In the real world, we need people we can count on.”  

Fisher told many exciting stories about his travels around the world that opened his eyes to new cultures, as well as the many challenges he overcame during his rise to success. Students were surprised to learn that he was not accepted to the Globetrotters team the first time he tried out, and that it took him multiple times to pass all of his teacher certification exams. 

“Never be afraid to make mistakes,” he told students. “And when you do, learn from them. Always keep trying.”

Students didn’t seem to want the presentation to end, cheering wildly during the championship game video clips Fisher showed, chanting “Defense! Defense!” and rushing up to him at its conclusion to say hello and get a selfie. Though everyone was a little starstruck, it was clear his message was received.

“I learned that parents and teachers are a big influence on who we become, even if we don’t see it at the time,” said Grade 7 student Ethan Freer. 

“If I had to rate this 10 out of 10,” said Grade 7 student Mikel Freeman, who had the unique opportunity to serve as a volunteer during the presentation and received a T-shirt for his efforts, “I would say it was a 100!”

Grade 8 student Bria Thomas also left inspired. “No matter where you grow up, your opportunities are endless if you work hard and follow your dreams!” she said.

Principal Nicholas Pantaleone said that Fisher’s message of hard work, perseverance, respect, and goal setting aligns perfectly with the Middle School’s character education program of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).  

“Tay is truly a success story and a role model to all of our students,” he said. “We are thrilled to have him back.”