Mannie Nogueira entertained and taught life lessons to students at Eugene Brooks Intermediate and Webutuck Elementary schools. The 30 year old is a BMX trick rider who brought applause and smiles to students during his 40-minute show.

Webutuck’s PTA sponsored Nogueira’s appearance.

“They were great. I had fun,” said Nogueira of the students and staff at both schools.

“I love motivating the youth. They need it today. They need to get out and ride their bike. I turned my hobby into my career and I think anybody can do it, too, but you have to keep working hard.”

Nogueira performed numerous tricks on his bike, including using a student volunteer to receive a basketball pass on his way to a layup. Another trick had him hop over people lying on the ground. At the intermediate school, he hopped on his bike over Jennifer Hengen, principal, and Leah Sprague, librarian.

At the elementary school, he hopped on his bike over Shawn Sullivan, third grade teacher.

“Everything was great,” said Sullivan. “I was confident in his ability to hop over me. I had no nerves at all. You could tell he was a professional and I was just fine to just lay there on the ground.”

Juliana Garcia is one of Sullivan’s students. The third grader enjoyed Nogueira’s tricks, especially his tricks with the basketball and hopping over people.

“It was scary but also fun. I thought he may fall and get hurt,” she said.

She added, “I was nervous for my teacher. When it was done, I was so happy.”

Between tricks on his bike, Nogueira talked with students about perseverance, overcoming fears, making dreams a reality, treating others like you wish to be treated and being kind and polite.

“I think we need that in our country,” said Nogueira. “If they can learn it when they’re young, it will help them out when they’re an adult.”

Garcia shared what she learned from Nogueira’s talks.

“Persevere and never give up,” she said.