Semi-Finalists Announced for Gaziano Lineman Awards
| Semi-Finalists Announced for Gaziano Lineman Awards Scholarship for Maine high school linemen is the largest of its kind in the country |
| SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine - The selection committee for the 2016 Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards today announced 15 semi-finalists for what is the largest high school scholarship of its kind in the country. Jeff Kane, president of National Distributors, Inc. and Frank Gaziano's son-in-law, said the semi-finalists were chosen from 25 total nominees and consist of nine senior offensive linemen and six senior defensive linemen representing a wide range of high schools across the state. In the weeks ahead, the selection committee will interview each of the semi-finalists to determine the finalists. "Each of the semi-finalists has proven to be dedicated to their sport, academics and their communities," said Kane. "The selection committee will now begin a very comprehensive evaluation process to learn more about each these fine young men to learn more about what makes each one of them unique and most deserving of the award and scholarship. All of the semi-finalists and their families should be very proud of what they have accomplished and the future ahead for these young men." Gaziano Lineman Award Semi-finalists: Offensive Linemen Nicholas Bartholomew, Thornton Academy Sullivan Boyd, Brunswick John Fallon III, Falmouth Parker Gammon, Bonny Eagle Nathaniel Jordan, Cape Elizabeth Dakota Joy, Scarborough Mark Lucy, Orono Bryce Whittemore, Dirigo Dylan Wike, Portland Defensive Linemen Mitchell Del Frate, Oceanside Nicholas Giaquinto, Portland Jacob Jordan, Cape Elizabeth David Redmond, Westbrook Raffaele Salamone, Deering The scholarship and awards program for Maine high school football linemen was created in 2010 in memory of Frank J. Gaziano, founder of National Distributors in South Portland, and a former college All-American and professional football player with a lifelong passion for local sports. One offensive and one defensive lineman will each receive $5,000 and a first place trophy, and four runners-up will receive $1,000. The award winners will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Augusta Civic Center. The annual Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards are presented to players who epitomize the character, leadership, and perseverance of Gaziano. The selection committee chooses award winners based on their strong leadership on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. In 2012, National Distributors, Inc. increased the scholarship amount to $5,000 for the two winners and $1,000 for the two runners-up making it the largest high school football scholarship of its kind in the country. Funding for the $14,000 in total scholarships is provided by National Distributors, Inc. The selection committee will also be securing sponsorships ranging from $50 - $500 so players and families of the student-athletes can attend the awards luncheon ceremony free of charge. If you are interested in attending the event or contributing to the scholarship fund, contact event coordinator Charlie Gagnon at gazianoawards@gmail.com. The selection committee for the Frank J. Gaziano Lineman Awards is chaired by Mike Haley. Members include Mark Bonnevie, Pete Cloutier, Kevin Cooper, Pete DeSimon, Mike Haley, Charles Hews, Jason Jackson, Luke Libby, Ed McAleney, Dan O'Connell, Bob Sinclair and Jeff Wells. For more information on the awards luncheon or the scholarship program, visit www.gazianolinemanawards.org. Editor's Note: Semi-finalists for the 2016 Gaziano Awards and Peter DeSimon, president of the Gaziano Awards, are available for interviews by contacting Greg Glynn at Nancy Marshall Communications at 207-623-4177. Click on the image above or the link below in order to access a downloadable version. https://s3.amazonaws.com/NMC-Clients/ND/Frank+Gaziano+Award.JPG |
| About National Distributors: Established in 1960, National Distributors, Inc. is a family-owned company that has been providing quality beverages to retailers for the benefit of consumers more than 50 years. Though predominantly servicing retailers in southern Maine, the company continues to provide a variety of products and expand their distribution to central and coastal Maine. National Distributors maintains a strong vision for a greener future with an active environmental program. The company and its more than 170 employees also continue to be proud community leaders and promote the responsible consumption of their products. |
| Media contact: Greg Glynn Account Executive Nancy Marshall Communications 207-623-4177 gglynn@marshallpr.com |