SOUTH PORTLAND – Andy Martel of Bonny Eagle and Bobby Begin of Thornton Academy are two of six finalists for the Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Award, given each year to one offensive lineman and one defensive lineman “who epitomize the character, leadership, and perseverance of Gaziano. Recipients will be selected by the awards committee based on their strong leadership on the field, in the classroom, and in the community,” according to award organizers.
The award and scholarship presentations to the Gaziano Award winners will be announced at a banquet brunch on Sunday, Jan. 27, at 9 a.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. Former NFL player and University of Maine star John Huard will speak at the event.
The two winners will each receive $5,000 and the four runners-up will receive $1,000 each. The increase in the amount doubles the scholarship from previous years.
Martel and Begin are among the finalists for the offensive lineman award, along with Jack Lucy of Orono. On the defensive side, the nominees are Greg Duff of Bangor, Zachary Kendall of Mt. Blue and Kurt Massey of John Bapst.
For more information on the banquet or the scholarship program, go to www.gazianolinemanawards.org.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
