Bonino '07 Welcomed Home By Thousands

When Nick Bonino arrived at Avon Old Farms School Thursday afternoon carrying one of the most coveted sports trophies, the electricity in the air was palpable. With an estimated 5,000 fans moving through the majestic campus, people began lining up at 10 a.m. for their chance to see not just a hockey player, but one of their own – a Farmington native who exemplifies everything Avon Old Farms School stands for and bask in all that he has achieved less than a decade after leaving campus.

Fans were heard saying, “he’s so kind, he so real,” and the administrators within earshot could not agree more. At Avon, young men are taught the values of brotherhood, scholarship, integrity, and sportsmanship – values that Nick has taken to heart.

“Nick Bonino is a true man of Avon,” said  Kenneth H. LaRocque, Headmaster of Avon Old Farms. “He is a man of the people and lives his life making a positive difference in the world. We all know what an exceptional talent he is on the ice, and now more of us know what an exceptional man he is through and through.”

Nick arrived only five minutes behind his original schedule, which included nine holes of golf with the cup and eating a pasta lunch with his grandparents out of the cup. After two hours at Avon Old Farms, Nick made a stop at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Hospital, where he presented administrators with a check for $10,000.

“What a great day for the school and all who attended,” said John Gardner, Varsity Hockey Coach at Avon Old Farms School for more than 40 years. “Nick was super and a great Stanley Cup winner. He should do it a few more times.”

Avon staff worked diligently to move as many people through the line in the short time that Nick was available, resulting in only 500 people not making it through for an individual picture with Nick and the Cup. But, not one to ever disappoint, Nick made the decision to carry the 36-pound trophy through lines of remaining fans. He was adamant that everyone needed an opportunity to see and touch the Cup, especially after patiently waiting for hours.

“Today was a historic day in the Village of Old Farms,” continued LaRocque. “On one of the hottest and most humid days of this summer, thousands of people traveled to Avon to have their picture taken with Nick and the Cup. I was so proud of the teamwork which was on display today by all members of our faculty and staff. Everyone pitched in to lend a helping hand and make this event such a resounding success. Teamwork is a hallmark of our school, and today was a shining example of its power.”

View Photos from the Avon Old Farms Stanley Cup Event

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