Students at Mater Academy in Hialeah Gardens filled the Lion’s Den with screams to welcome UFC fighter and former champion Conor McGregor. McGregor visited the middle/high school at 7901 N.W. 103rd St. on Sept. 23 to honor six student-athletes for their scholarship and community service. The event was sponsored by the charity Buddy’s HELPERS in partnership with the PepsiCo Foundation, and TIDL Sport, an athletic performance product company which partners with McGregor.
The event was also held to promote mental health among teens. Mary Pino, the school’s director of student activities, said McGregor was greeted with cheers and high fives and posed for photos.
“He was amazing,” Pino said. “He praised them for their good grades and community service. ... It was a great experience for the students and our school.”
Shown above are Tyreese Clerveau (football); Adonis Serrano (soccer); Elaisa Villar (volleyball); Isis Hernandez (cheerleading); UFC fighter Conor McGregor; Miranda Garcia (soccer) and Jerick Mejia (basketball).
The students received two tickets to see their favorite Miami team play and a $100 check to donate to a local charity, the school said.
– David L. Snelling
Photo courtesy of Buddy’s HELPERS.