On March 8, the members and families of the fall varsity athletic programs gathered to honor the athletes of the fall varsity teams. Awards were given for the most committed, most improved, and most valuable athletes on each team.
The Bernie Ward Commitment Award is named after our beloved former faculty member, coach, and colleague Bernie Ward is for the athlete who has displayed the most passion and commitment towards bettering themselves and their teammates during the season.
The Most Improved Player Award is awarded to the athlete who displayed the greatest amount of improvement and growth in their skills which contributed to the success of their team.
The Most Valuable Player Award is awarded to the athlete whose contribution to the team contributed most towards that team’s success during the season.
Boys Varsity Basketball
James Cavallaro
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
James was a three-year varsity starter who excelled throughout all years in the program. During his senior year, James averaged 16ppg, 4apg, and 3rpg and was consistently one of the best shooters on Long Island. James was one of the hardest working and dedicated players who set a great example for his other teammates.
Patrick GaNun
Most Improved Player
From bookkeeper to starter, Patrick has shown what heart and desire is all about. Last year, as team manager and keeping the book for the varsity games, Patrick vowed to work hard in the offseason to make this year’s team. He impressed the coaches so much that he eventually started half of the team games. Patrick is truly an example that hard work pays off.
Greg Kenney
Most Valuable Player
Greg was the leading scorer for the boys varsity basketball team this past season. Over the last 6 league games, he averaged 26ppg, 6rpg, and 4apg. Greg’s sheer determination, hard work, and effort propelled him from a non-starter as a junior to one of the top players in the NSCHSAA league this year. We relied on Greg to fill multiple positions offensively and defensively by guarding the opposing team’s best player. He always accepted the challenge and set a great example for his teammates.
All-League Athletes
Greg Kenney
Girls Varsity Basketball
Jessica Lampasone
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
John Wooden once said, “Competitive Greatness is having a real love for the hard battle knowing it offers the opportunity to be at your best when your best is required.” Whenever this quote is read at future practices, it will be easy to bring up the legacy that senior Jessica Lampasone leaves behind for future Firebirds to learn from. Through her tireless work ethic, competitive spirit and team-first attitude, Jessica garnered the respect of her fellow teammates and coaches each day as practice. Throughout her four years in the basketball program, Jessica was the epitome of the perfect teammate. The coaching staff will truly miss Jessica next season and know that Towson lacrosse will be lucky to have her. This year’s recipient of the Bernie Ward Commitment Award is senior, Jessica Lampasone.
Jessica Paprocky
Most Improved Player
After seeing limited minutes on the Junior Varsity team last season, the coaching staff was convinced early in November that sophomore Jessica Paprocky would be able to the jump to the Varsity level this season. Jessica’s role on the team was to provide great depth and flexibility to this team’s backcourt rotation however Jessica’s worth ethic and willingness to be coached made her one of the team’s greatest assets. By season’s end, Jessica worked her way into the starting lineup and, in the process, became the team’s most consistent two-way player at both ends of the court. The coaching staff is very excited to see what the next two years hold in store for Jessica. This year’s Most Improved Player is sophomore, Jessica Paprocky.
Katherine Shammas
Most Valuable Player
For the last two seasons on Varsity, Katherine Shammas has been a mainstay in the team’s starting lineup due to her athleticism and commitment to excellence. During those two seasons, it became apparent that Katherine’s true value to the team would not always be measured by a statistical contribution found on any stat cheat. Instead, Katherine’s value would be seen within the “little things”; making the extra pass to an open teammate, being the team’s most versatile defender, always being asked to guard the opponent’s best player (regardless of their size and skillset) and being the anchor of the team’s multiple zone presses. With all of that said, “Sham” will always be remembered as a great teammate and friend to all that played with her. The coaching staff wishes the best of luck to Katherine next year as she continues her lacrosse career at Fairfield University. This year’s Most Valuable Player is senior captain, Katherine Shammas.
All-League Athletes
Jessica Paprocky
Boys Varsity Bowling
Matthew Cleary
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Matthew Cleary. Matt was our only captain this year and led the team by example. There were several instances throughout the season where Matt had to dig deep and give the team a huge effort. He was also never afraid to help out another teammate and give them advice to improve their game. He was also someone who would do anything to help the team, including moving around in the lineup or adjusting his regular throwing motion, even if he wasn’t totally comfortable with it. Matt was not only committed to the team this year, but he is the only senior to be on the team for all four years while at Kellenberg. Matt finished the year with a 176 average, which was good enough to make his first league Individual Championship. Matt’s leadership and personality will be greatly missed next year by the coaches, but we know he will do great in all of his future endeavors.
Michael Chung
Most Improved Player
This year’s Most Improved Player award goes to Michael Chung. Mike had a great year on the lanes and finished with a 186 average, which was the third highest on the team. Last season, Mike did well but occasionally struggled with consistency. During the offseason, Mike was determined to improve on that and came into his senior season more motived and focused than he has ever been before. His extra work clearly paid off, as he was a regular starter the entire year and a big contributor to the team’s success. For the first time in his bowling career, Mike qualified for the league’s Individual Championship as well as the New York State Tournament. The coaches are very impressed with his success and wish him well as he heads off to college next year.
Memphis Ling
Most Valuable Player
This year’s Most Valuable Player award goes to Memphis Ling. Memphis had an incredible year on the lanes. He was integral to our team’s success, but most impressively, was very humble and never wanted the spotlight to be on him. Memphis finished the season with a team-high 204 average. That average was also the second-highest in the league. Memphis also scored the highest single game in the league with a 279 against Chaminade. Memphis continued his incredible success by winning the league’s Individual Championship with a 622 series. In that same Individual Championship, Memphis scored the highest single-game with another 279. With all this success, Memphis qualified for the New York State Tournament where he will compete against the top 24 bowlers in New York on March 5th. The coaches could not be prouder of Memphis and cannot wait to see how high his success will reach next year.
All-League Athletes
Michael Chung, Matthew Cleary, Richard Deem, Memphis Ling
Memphis Ling: Individual Championship High Series (622)
Memphis Ling: Individual Championship High Game (279)
Memphis Ling: High Game of the Season (279)
Girls Varsity Bowling
Brooke Cassatto
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Brooke Cassatto a four-year member of our bowling team and part of 3 league championships has been an integral member of our team. She has made her way into the starting lineup and a key player on our “A” team. Brooke qualified for our Individual Championship this year with a 131 average. Brooke’s positivity and team attitude has help to shape many of our younger players. Brooke also helped to organize our SOS project the past two years and collected over 100 items each year to donate to a Women’s shelter. Brooke, it has been an amazing 4 years and I am so happy to have coached you and see how you have grown. I wish you the best of luck in college and we will miss you next year!
Grace Pizzardi
Most Improved Player
Grace Pizzardi, a sophomore and second year bowler has improved greatly these past two seasons. She went from just learning to bowl in a competitive nature to coming into her sophomore year as one of our top bowlers. Grace ended the season with a 117.7 average and earned herself a spot in the individual tournament that was held in February. Grace, you have grown so much in your bowling skills, and I cannot wait to see what the next 2 years in our program has in store for you!
![]()
Isabella Pagan
Most Valuable Player
Isabella Pagan led our team this year with a high average of 141. She also earned herself a spot in the Individual tournament this year, which was her first time in her Kellenberg bowling career. Isabella has been part of 2 league championships and has been a true leader this season. Isabella has come up in clutch situations and did so with ease. She hit her spares and strikes and even got her high game and series this year! She was a key player in our playoff run and we will miss you next year. I wish you the best of luck in college and I am so happy you were part of our bowling program!
All-League Athletes
Isabella Pagan, Brooke Cassatto
Varsity Cheerleading
Caroline Lewis
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
The Bernie Ward commitment award goes to a young lady who was clearly devoted to the Varsity cheerleading team since day one. This young lady did not miss one single practice, complain during difficult times, or give up during challenging situations. Her positive attitude and encouraging spirit gave her teammates the extra push when they needed it. The coaches looked to her as a leader and the team relied on her as a voice of reassurance. The many tears that were shed throughout her last few weeks of cheerleading displayed her affection and commitment to this team and to this sport. The most committed Varsity cheerleader is Caroline Lewis.
Katherine Marino
Most Improved Player
The most improved Varsity cheerleader is a young lady who has made great strides in her skills throughout this winter season. She gained phenomenal tumbling skills and improved greatly in her stunting ability in only a few short months. She was determined at each and every practice to better herself and did so with a positive attitude and a big smile. We are so impressed with this cheerleader’s drive to succeed and we commend her for her work ethic. The most improved Winter Varsity cheerleader is Katherine Marino.
Mia Quinones
Most Valuable Player
The most valuable cheerleader for this Winter season is a young lady who proved to be a true asset to this team. Her cheerleading skills did not always come easily, she worked tirelessly to improve herself in her stunts, tumbling, and jumps. As a flyer, this cheerleader managed to remain calm under pressure and acted as a leader to her teammates. We were so proud to see this cheerleader’s true value at the State Championship and at Nationals where she executed all of her stunts to perfection. We are happy to acknowledge Mia Quinones as the Varsity cheerleading MVP.
All-League Athletes
Jackie McCarthy, Mary Whidden, Brianne Zaremba
Michelle Coakley Newsday All Long Island Nominee
Varsity Dance
Gabriella Lorusso
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This year’s Most Committed Award goes to a dancer who is an integral and influential part of the team. She has been invested in making our team better throughout the season. Her commitment to the team was most apparent not only on the dance floor, but in practice sessions as well. She is always willing and ready to try new dances and works well with others to perfect her skills. Even when under pressure, she was always able to give her all to her team. She has shown throughout the season that her enthusiasm for the team is unwavering and she continues to push herself to be better. If she is given criticism, she takes it appreciatively and works on whatever skill needed to improve her craft. We know we will continue to see fantastic things from this dancer as she continues her journey in the Kellenberg Dance Program. We are very proud to have her as a member of the Varsity Dance Team. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Junior, Gabriella Lorusso.
Olivia Montoni
Most Improved Player
This year’s Most Improved Player Award goes to a dancer who continually developed her technique, performance skills and tricks throughout the season. She is a valuable asset and incredible addition to the Varsity team. Though we may have lost a year, as a junior she worked hard to become ready for her senior year. She was persistent in developing new skills for the varsity team. Now a senior, she continues to perfect her moves and adjust her own dancing style to dance as one with her team members. She is always looking to improve, and we have seen her become a developed and gifted dancer. Her facial expressions and upbeat attitude continuously uplifted her teammates. With her hard work ethic and practice, it has been an absolute pleasure to have her on the team. This year’s Most Improved Player Award goes to Senior, Olivia Montoni.
Patricia Rood
Most Valuable Player
From the start of the season, we knew this young woman would be one of our most dedicated and strongest dancers. Her technique is always impressive and as the season progressed, it continued to mature. As an incoming 9th grader, she was eager to join the dance team and continue to perfect her abilities. She shows unwavering commitment at all practices and was always willing to go above and beyond, especially to help her team and coaches. She is always there for her team, no matter the situation and continuously wants to improve her skills. Throughout her years in the Kellenberg Dance Program she has proved that she is an important and skilled dancer that will be remembered after she graduates. Her personality and demeanor have made it a pleasure to have her on the team. This year’s Most Valuable Player Award goes to Senior, Patricia Rood.
Varsity Ice Hockey
Michael Nutley
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Michael Nutely has skated on the Varsity Ice Hockey team for his entire high school career. I have had the pleasure of coaching him since he was freshman and watched him develop as a hockey player and more importantly as a teammate to his fellow players. Michael was chosen as this year’s Captain of the team based on his character and his commitment to the team. It is only fitting that he is this year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award recipient. Congratulations Michael Nutely.
Michael D’Alessandro
Most Improved Player
Michael D’Alessandro is not receiving this award today because his level of play has gone from weak to strong. He has always been a strong player. I have had the pleasure of coaching Mike for the last four years. He was a small freshman defenseman who played with the intensity and heart of a player a foot taller and a hundred pounds heavier. He never shied away from a larger player and when the opportunity allowed he would always choose to check his opponent. Michael’s hockey sense, physical style of play and leadership skills have all improved and he is now one of our best defensive players on the team. Congratulations Michael.
Nicholas D’Alessandro
Most Valuable Player
Nicholas D’Alessandro, like his brother Mike, started playing Varsity Hockey his freshman year. And like his brother over the last 4 years, he has improved and grown into a well rounded hockey player. This was Nick’s year, he was one of our top goal scorers and a points leader on the team. His offensive play was stellar, winning races to the puck, creating opportunities and break aways – where he scored most of his goals. With his brother on defense feeding him passes they were a tough duo to play against. I over heard Mike on one occasion talking to Nick on the bench during a game, “it’s not your job to hit the guy, I’ll hit him, then pass you the puck. Your job is to score goals.” And that’s what they did.
Congratulations Nick, share this MVP award with your brother.
On another note: Mike and Nick have a younger brother, Christopher D’Alessandro who is a sophomore and made the varsity squad this year. I look forward to watching him grow as a player over the next couple of years.
Varsity Swimming and Diving
Emmet Griffin
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Emmet was relentless in his pursuit of self-betterment to benefit the team. He was always looking at practices, meet line ups, and his teammates saying “we could do this better”. Emmet exuded leadership, ensuring the younger teammates were doing what was asked of them, and encouraging them to do more by example. Emmet swam multiple practices on his own, embracing the challenge of pushing himself alone rather than complaining. Emmet was always one of the first people on the deck, and one of the last to leave the pool. Emmet’s commitment to this team began his freshman season and only grew since then. Emmet was determined to make his team better, but also to ensure that the teams to come after him succeeded even more.
Vincent Franco
Most Improved Player
Vincent did the most with the least. He has always had a great talent for swimming since his freshman year, but being an excellent cross country runner pushed his season to start much later than everyone else. Vincent didn’t let that stop him from attacking each practice and race. He acted as if he was playing catch up, and soon began blowing by his teammates and his competition. Vincent gave his all every time he got in the pool, even continuing to swim long after our practice ended to ensure he got the work in. Vincent dropped time in all 4 of his races that he swam at Championships, and he did that two days in a row. Vincent shattered his times from every prior year making successive year’s times look like a warm up for him. Vincent was a model of how a love for one’s team can force excellence in the individual.
Ryan Nunez
Most Valuable Player
Ryan is by far the most gifted swimmer I have ever witnessed. Ryan pairs that gift of talent with a relentless work ethic, a passion for the sport, and a willingness to exceed. Ryan lost 1 individual race the entire season, and has state cuts in 7 of the 8 individual races. I believe his is the only one in the CHSAA with that resume’. Ryan was the 100 butterfly champion, posting the 3rd fastest time in the state in that race, has the 2nd fastest time in the state in the 200 freestyle, the 3rd fastest time in the state in the 100 freestyle, and the 5th fastest time in the state in the 100 backstroke. Even with all of these accolades, what earns Ryan the MVP is that he has never once swam a Kellenberg race for himself. His only interest is what’s in the best interest for the team. Ryan will never question a coach’s decision to put him in a race, his only question ever is “will it help us win?” Ryan is the most humble, selfless, and team-oriented athlete I have ever met. He will make a great leader next year as a senior, and will surely leave his impact on the CHSAA and Kellenberg as one of the greatest swimmers to ever be a part of them.
All-League Athletes
Ryan Nunez
Ryan Nunez (CHSAA Champion)
Boys Varsity Winter Track
Tristan Socias
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Tristan Socias, over the last few years, has become the foundation for this team. It goes without saying that the past few years have been a rollercoaster for these athletes. It would be very easy for any of these young runners to lose motivation and begin to slack off with their training. A significant reason that this has not happened to this team is the leadership and work ethic that Tristan has brought as captain. He has fully embodied what a leader should be, organizing meet-ups, waking people who maybe slept in a little too late, picking up and driving teammates to practice every morning. He has set a standard of what a teammate should be, and everyone has followed him without question. On the track, Tristan has been the most consistent runner, providing us with confidence that and relay we put him on, we know he will perform to the best of his ability while also ensuring his teammates rise to the occasion. That is why Tristan is this year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award recipient.
Jeremy Martinez
Most Improved Player
Jeremey Martinez has been a part of the Track and Field program for four years. He has been a top performer in both seasons of track and cross country through it all. However, this season Jeremy became the true example of what happens when you put in the same level of dedication and training over these four years. Jeremy had become the first athlete in over five years to run a mile in under four minutes and thirty-five seconds when he ran at this season’s Intersectional Championship at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex. In possibly the most clutch performance this season, Jeremy anchored the team’s Sprint Medley Relay’s most crucial leg, the 800m, in a time of two minutes and three seconds. This time led the team to qualify for New Balance Nationals by .01 seconds. We are excited to see what Jeremey can do as he enters his final season as a Kellenberg Firebird.
Jaden Lyons
Most Valuable Player
In a very short time, Jaden Lyons has made himself not only one of the best athletes to compete for this team in recent years but one of the best runners in the school’s history. He is currently ranked third in New York State and tenth in the nation in the 300m dash. In doing so, he broke a twenty-year-old school record held previously by Russel Stevens since 2002. Jaden also became the first individual Kellenberg boy to be invited to the prestigious Millrose Games for the invitational 300m, where he placed 4th.
It would be easy to continue and list his accomplishments this season. However, this award is a team award. And Jaden has put his teammates first at every step of the way. It would be easy for him to focus on his individual events and work on getting an athletic scholarship for college (which he will). Instead, Jaden has insisted on doing what is best for the team, even if it gets in the way of what’s best for him as an individual. That is more impressive than anything he has done on the track. It has been an honor to coach him, and we wish him luck in his final season as a Firebird.
All-League Athletes
Jaden Lyons 300m, Jeremy Martinez 1600m,
Jaden Lyons “MVP of the Stanner Games”
Girls Varsity Winter Track
Ella Lapham
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Runner Steve Prefontaine famously said, “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” Ella Lapham never gives anything less than her best in her spiritual, academic, and athletic life. She balances all the above with sacrifice and discipline. Spectators learned of the mettle of this hard-working, courageous young women at the NSCHSGAA Championship meet. Lapham got pushed and knocked down by a rival runner, bruised, but not unbound, she got up, and ran to her personal best race. That was what this commitment award winner really is made of. We are honored to bestow the Bernie Ward Commitment Award to junior Ella Lapham.
Chrystelle Senatus
Most Improved Player
This young woman also balances a high achieving schedule of devotion to her academic work, service to her community, and dedication to her rigorous training for competition in hurdling and jumping. That dedication helped her improve in her key event, the 55 meter high hurdles in which was named “All-League,” attain a lifetime best in the long jump, and be a valuable member in the 4×200 relay. We are honored to bestow the Most Improved Award to senior Chrystelle Senatus.
Olivia Spirakis
Most Valuable Player
Renowned track and field coach Vincent Lananna says, “you can’t coach desire, it must come from within, an athlete either has it or does not.” Olivia Spirakis has it. Olivia wants to excel.
She works diligently at all components of her skill-centered events- running, sprint-training, plyometric training, weight training, jump training, and competing, all to be better. She has improved every season, and this season, as a junior, it culminated in her winning both the triple jump and long jump events at the NSCHSGAA Sectional Track and Field Championships, and being named “The Field MVP of the Meet.” We are honored to bestow the Most Valuable Award this season to the deserving Olivia Spirakis.
All-League Athletes
Allison Abrahams, Isabella Espina, Caleigh Hopkins, Alicia Caracciolo, Isabella Coschignano, Martine Demesyeux, Maeve Duggan, Saniya Hayden, Kelsey Nichols, Chrystelle Senatus, Olivia Spirakis, Danielle Tercynski
Varsity Wrestling
Jack Ligarzwski
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Jack Ligarzwski was the ultimate team player in what most consider an individual sport. Jack exemplified all the qualities one needs for the Bernie Ward Commitment Award, extremely hard working, dedicated, willing to do whatever the coaches asked and go the extra mile. Also, Jack was willing to do whatever the coaches asked of him. He would sometimes wrestle up a weight class in dual meets for the team without hesitation providing an example to all the wrestlers what it means to put the good of everyone first.
Justin Gedeon
Most Improved Player
If this award was to be named after a wrestler in the history of the firebird wrestling program it would be named after Justin Gedeon. Justin came into the wrestling program as a young freshmen with a desire to learn the sport and work hard. After falling up short last season to qualify for the Catholic State tournament, Justin worked extremely hard in the weight room and in the wrestling room to get ready for his senior season. Justin went on to be one of the most important members of the wrestling team over the course of season wrestling at several different weights for the team in dual meets. By the end of the season Justin recorded over twenty wins in his senior campaign and earned a 3rd place finish at the New York CHSAA championships in Buffalo.
Ryan Paladino
Most Valuable Player
Ryan Paladino is one of the most talented wrestlers to come through the wrestling program. He progressively got better every year by wrestling in the offseason at clubs and competing in some of the toughest national tournaments. Ryan started off his senior campaign winning the Long Beach tournament in a dramatic finals match. On his way to claiming the title Ryan defeated two All County opponents. This was the first title at the “Battle at the Beach” for a Kellenberg wrestler since 2012. Over the course of the season, Ryan beat several ranked wrestlers on Long Island and in the the state. He started of his postseason winning the 132 pound title at our League championship. Then at the NY Catholic State tournament Ryan became a Catholic State champion. Ryan always would outwork his competition staying after practice every day for extra work there is no secret as to how Ryan was able to accomplish all that he did, just hard work.
All-League Athletes
Paul Anderson, Freddy CiFuentes, Elijah Carrington, John Dilena, Michael Fuentes, Justin Gedeon, Cornelius Griffin, Garrett Wolff, Nori Henry, Jonathan Hoffman, Jaiden Jorglewich, Jack Ligarzewski, Brendan Martin, Timothy McGrath, Dylan Page, Ryan Paladino, Thomas Pasqua, James Perrotta, Kevin Reyes, John Reynolds, Vito Scaglione and Robert Serviss