Don O’Connell Scholarship Announces Recipients OF 2026 Awards

Congratulations to the local 2026 graduating seniors who received the Donald O'Connell scholarship at their school’s award ceremonies. Don was a player in the Marco Island Senior Softball League who passed away in 2023. The Don O'Connell Scholarship was created in 2024 in his memory and is awarded to those student athletes who exhibit the values Don was known for: good sportsmanship, respect, and kindness to all.  

On Monday, May 11, Judy O’Connell and Marcy Marinelli went to Lely High School to award Alessandra Alber the Don O'Connell scholarship in memory of former player John Hollerbach in the amount of $1,000. On Tuesday, May 19, Judy, Marcy, and Marco Island Senior Softball League Commissioner Tom Polston attended the Marco Island Academy award ceremony to present four scholarships. Bianca Fernandes received a scholarship in the amount of $ 2,000 in memory of former player Ernie Famiglietti. Ernie’s wife Karen was in attendance. Melanie Zarate – Centeno received a scholarship of $2,000 in memory of former player Herm Griffith. Aidan Karl received a $3,500 scholarship in memory of former player Jimmy Vitas. Finally, Veleon Nazarko received a $3,500 scholarship in memory of former players Jim Conway and Angela Polizzi. Jim‘s wife Trish attended the award ceremony. Congratulations to these great student-athletes and their families. Sincere thanks to all who generously donated to the scholarship fund this year.