By Bill O’Brien
Special to the Voice
The 59th anniversary of the Casey-O’Brien Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete awards dinner will be Friday, March 29 at Fantasia Banquet Facility, North Haven at 6:30.
This year’s recipients from West Haven and Notre Dame high schools, respectively, are Joe Manning, and Kamron Bell. In all 29 athletes will be honored for their academic and athletic excellence, leadership and citizenship.
“Once again we will be honoring an outstanding group of young men,” said Bill O’Brien, chapter president. “Their accomplishments in the classroom, on the field, and in the community bring honor and distinction to their parents, their schools and their communities.”
In addition the chapter’s Distinguished American Award will be presented to Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano of North Haven. He has served as a state senator, representing the 34th Senatorial District since 2003. A partner in the law firm of Fasano, Ippolito, Lee & Florentine in New Haven, he graduated from Hamden Hall in 1977 and was chosen as a scholar-athlete by the chapter before entering Yale, where he lettered .
The chapter’s Award of Merit will be presented to Southern Connecticut Conference Commissioner Al Carbone as theSCC completes its 25th year. Other award winners include Sheehan coach John Ferrazzi, who was chosen Chapter Coach of the Year, and former WHHS athlete and Milford resident Scott Kelly, an 18-year member of the New haven Football Officials Association, who has officiated in eight state playoff games.
Tickets may be purchased for $50 by calling Donna Limone, (203) 481-8375.