Foundation Update as of January, 2014
UPDATES FOR FEBRUARY THROUGH JULY 2014 COMING SOON. SEE HOME PAGE AND PHOTO GALLERY FOR MANY OF THE THINGS THE FOUNDATION HAS BEEN DOING AND WILL BE DOING, UNDER FUTURE EVENTS ON HOME PAGE
HALL OF FAME. WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
Nick was inducted into The Westminster School Hall of Fame on May 2, 1013. “Nick Was elected into the Athletic Hall of Fame for his outstanding high school career in Soccer.” Only the 10th soccer player in the history of the school to be inducted into The hall of fame, Coach Scott Snyder said at the ceremony, “Nick was the first player that I turned over the emotional well being of the team to. He was a leader. If he Were in this room tonight, everyone would be drawn to him. When I would tell Nick To shut down the best of the opposing team, he did it. But what he did off the field was just as important as what he did on the field.”
NO GREATER LOVE MEMORIAL AWARD. WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
The Nick Napolitano “No Greater Love” Memorial Award was presented to Sheridan Nulty on May 8, 2013 at The Wesminster School High School Honors Day. The “No Greater Love Award” is presented to a high school student who embodies the strong Character, leadership and academic qualities Nick had. Sheridan said after receiving the award, “It is my goal to live like Nick did, on and off the field. As a left outside Back (soccer), I feel as though I am following in Nick’s footsteps. August 7th will always be in my heart now, because the world became a bit darker on that day, but the sky became significantly brighter.” A little over a week after the honors ceremony, the Westminster girls and boys teams won state championships, just as the team of ’06 had done. Harrison Butkner, last year’s “No Greater Love” recipient scored the winning Goal for Westminster to win state. Sheridan contributed significantly to the girls team Winning state also.
BEST BUDDY AWARD. NYO
On May 11, 2013, NYO (Northside Youth Organization of Atlanta) awarded Ruby Freeman the Nick Napolitano “Best Buddy” award for her volunteer work with The Christopher league at NYO. The Christopher League is a baseball league for children with disabilities and is designed for “buddies” ages 11 and older to assist Players in the game. NYO released this statement about the award. “It’s the second Year that NYO has offered the award, named after NYO baseball standout Nick Napolitano, who died in 2011 saving a friend from a drowning accident. The award Recognized the buddy who best exemplifies putting others first.” Ruby is a junior At Riverwood High School in Atlanta.” The Nick Napolitano Foundation also Funded the Christopher League players for a sleep over at Camp Twin Lakes, a place Designed to bring children of various illnesses and disabilities together for camp experiences. The Foundation also provides equipment for the Christopher League.
WAKE FOREST SCHOLARSHIP
The first annual Nick Napolitano Scholarship was awarded to Carlos Barrios in Fall 2013. Carlos is President of Delta Kappa Epsilon, the same position Nick held. Upon receiving the scholarship Carlos said, “It means a lot to me that the (selection) committee saw something in me that reminded them of Nick. As President of the Chapter, not only am I constantly reminded of Nick’s work and leadership during his tenure, but I aim to lead the fraternity like he did by sharing his character and virtues among the brothers.”
DELTA KAPPA EPSILON BEST PRESIDENT AWARD
The Nick Napolitano annual award for the best DKE Chapter President from across the country was awarded to Taylor Celestine of University of Miami at Ohio, in August 2013. Last year’s Recipient, Tucker Howard, from the DKE chapter at Duke University said after Receiving the award, “I am taking this day to reflect on the big shoes I have to fill, and Trying to figure out how I can better lead my life by Nick’s example and help others By sharing his story. The bracelet is a start, but I think the best way I can spread Nick’s legacy is by living the way he did.” Bob Bilbrough, DKE National Vice Chairman added, “I sincerely told Nick’s family that leading the Dekes (as President) was no easier than herding cats – and that Nick understood and employed persuasion, pressure and power in precisely meted measure to be one of the most effective chapter leaders that I have had the pleasure of working with in my 36 years as a brother of DKE.”
THE CAUSE TO SAVE LIVES. RHODE ISLAND
After a diligent effort by the Foundation to save lives, on September 13, 2013, the State of Rhode Island signed an agreement to erect signage at Brenton State Park warning of the dangers of swimming and jumping from rocks. Signs will be erected Spring 2014.
