James V. Rooney.GRANITE CITY - Granite City High School welcomed 1996 graduate and 2024 Wall of Fame honoree James V. Rooney recently, where he addressed social studies classes during the second and third hours of the school day.

Rooney, a detective with the New York Police Department, is in his 18th year with the force and currently serves as a Task Force Officer in collaboration with federal partners.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

During his visit, Rooney emphasized the importance of commitment and perseverance, urging students to "Show Up Every Day" and underscoring that their high school experiences do not define their future paths. He engaged with students in a question-and-answer session during the final 10 minutes of each class, allowing them to gain insight into his career and experiences.

Article continues after sponsor message

Rooney also distributed NYPD patches to the students, providing a tangible connection to his work and the broader themes of service and dedication.

He also handed out NYPD patches after every session.

More like this:

Nov 26, 2024 - 9th Grader Daltyn Curran Sets Great Example at Alton High School

5 days ago - Trade Student Spotlight: JCHS’s Tyler Johnson Excels With Multi-Trade Talents

Nov 19, 2024 - Parkside Primary Principal Aaron Kilpatrick is Proud of Adopted Hometown Bethalto

Oct 25, 2024 - Jared Reynolds Recognized for Transformative Impact on Civic Memorial Students

Dec 3, 2024 - Durbin Urges Biden Administration To Prioritize Processing Borrower Defense Claims To Support Defrauded Students Before Second Trump Administration