​Faces of Xavier: Michael Boccadifuoco '18

Michael Boccadifuoco ’18 is a freshman from Brooklyn who participates in the Food Science Club and plans to try out for freshman baseball in the spring. In addition to these pursuits, Michael is a member of the Jeter’s Leaders, which is part of New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation. Admittance to Jeter’s Leaders is competitive, and the program is designed to inspire and develop the leadership skills of current high school students. We had the opportunity to sit down with Michael and discuss his time at Xavier and his participation in the Jeter’s Leaders program.

When do you apply to Jeter’s Leaders, and what does the program hope to develop?

The program works with us throughout our time in high school to develop our leadership skills and to follow the right role models. We’re always told that if we do well and set our goals, we’ll be able to be what we want to be. 

As one of Jeter’s Leaders, what is some of the work that you have done so far?

The program wants us to be role models to younger kids. During the summer, the program sent us to Kalamazoo, Michigan (Derek Jeter’s hometown). While we were there, we tutored students at Derek Jeter’s old elementary school. We also participated in a service project at the playing field next to the school. It was pretty cool to get the chance to travel and to see what Jeter’s life was like before playing for the Yankees.

What has been your favorite experience so far in the program?

It was definitely having the chance to go on the field during the ceremony for Derek Jeter Day at Yankee Stadium.  Being a part of that ceremony was a great memory, and something I’ll be able to tell my family and friends about for the rest of my life.

Last question: do you have any goals for the school year?

One thing that I always need to work on is time management.  Participating in Jeter’s Leaders and other clubs and activities at Xavier will be very time consuming.  I know that both Jeter’s Leaders and Xavier will help set me on the right path to develop these skills and perfect my time management.