Why education matters to Luca Ciampini

In light of the Quebec’s annual Hooked on School Days being held from February 16-20 this year, Baie-Comeau Drakkar forward Luca Ciampini was passionate about explaining why success at school is so important to him and how his commitment to education has opened doors of opportunity for him.

Now in his final Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season after spending four years with the Halifax Mooseheads, Ciampini is busy hitting the books more than ever as he looks to make the grade in hopes of continuing his hockey career at the Canadian university level in the fall. Luca is now wrapping up the 12th grade (like finishing CEGEP in Quebec) which he began while still playing in Nova Scotia.

Thanks to help from the CEGEP in Baie-Comeau and under the supervision of a league-appointed academic advisor, Luca is continuing on his educational path in order to reach his personal goals.

“I want to improve my grades as much as I can so that I can be accepted at McGill,” explained Ciampini. “The support I’ve gotten has been just incredible. Our academic advisors take really good care of us and prepare our agendas according to our game schedules. He is always there to help us after practice as well.”

For the entire Baie-Comeau Drakkar organization, education is a top priority and academic success is something they value greatly. Proof of that lies in how since the Drakkar were born in 1997, three of their players have earned the Marcel Robert Trophy awarded to the QMJHL player who best combines on-ice and academic performance. The last Baie-Comeau player to do so was Jeremy Gregoire in 2013-14.

Brightening your future

The soon-to-be 20-year-old Ciampini encourages young athletes everywhere to work hard at school even if though they play a sport at a high level.

“It’s important to focus on school even if you play high-level hockey,” said Ciampini. “There are no guarantees that a professional career will be possible after junior. It’s so essential to have a Plan B to be ready for what lies ahead. You never know what can happen.”

Importance of support

Regional initiatives that touch on staying in school stress the importance of encouraging a child, a teen or a young adult while they’re in their school years not only presents them with a positive structure but also serves to raise the value that lies in education. Luca recalls the support he received from his own parents throughout his academic life.

“My parents were always there for me whether it was for hockey or school,” concluded Ciampini. “They always encouraged me to pursue my education and made sure I understood its impact and importance on my future.”