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Stamford's Ryan Haggerty, who helped the United States win the gold medal in the International Ice Hockey Federal Under-18 World Championship, was named the winner of the 2011 Youth Achievement Award. Westport-based Smart Kids With Learning Disabilities selected Haggerty for the award.
Haggerty, who will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, overcame severe dyslexia. According to the Smart Kids website, Haggerty "was saved, he says, by two things: his ability to think outside the box, and his gifts as an athlete. His mother (Kathy) helped him with schoolwork, while his father (Roger) helped develop his skills in hockey."
After attending Villa Maria School in Stamford, he attended Trinity Catholic for two years. He took a leading role in student life and assisted other students through community service and student government.
"Ryan's determination, hard work and positive attitude have inspired other kids with learning disabilities. As the keynote speaker at Villa Maria's graduation last year, he advised students not to give up, to take full advantage of the opportunities offered them and that if they worked hard, they could achieve anything they set their minds to,'' according to the Smart Kids website.
Haggerty had eight goals and 29 points in 54 games this year for Team USA's Under-18 team. The U.S. won the gold medal with a 4-3 victory over Sweden last month. Westport's Michael Paliotta was also a member of the team.
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