Arthur L. Johnson football dinner awards are presented

The Don LaPenna Leadership Memorial Scholarship recipient receives a scholarship and plaque. It is presented to the senior football player who, in the same manner as Don, overcame odds and had a true love of Crusader Football. The athlete must be a great role model who displays excellent leadership qualities and has been dedicated to his team. The 2023-2024 Don LaPenna Leadership Memorial Scholarship goes to Mark Hansen.

Officer William Waterson made the ultimate sacrifice. He gave his life in the line of duty. He was brave, honest and devoted to the job. Tom Maye, owner of Station Cab, presents this award to be displayed in the main trophy case and a scholarship to the senior who most exemplifies the character traits of Waterson. This award speaks to sacrifice and commitment. The recipient set a new standard of leadership and character in our school and community. He has the innate ability to impact all students in our school. He is well liked and respected by his peers. The 2023-2024 William Waterson Memorial Scholarship goes to Emilio Menicucci.

Henry R. Varriano presents this award to a senior player who displays determination and a never-give-up attitude. The recipient of this award always puts team above self, sacrificing individuality for the team, pushing himself to achieve greater heights, overcoming adversity and displaying perseverance. The Varriano Award is for a scholarship and plaque. The 2023-2024 Varriano Award winners were Aaron Tapia and Vittorio DeMartinis.

The Most Improved Player Scholarship recipient receives a scholarship and plaque. It is presented to the senior football player who through dedication, hard work and perseverance has shown a tremendous improvement in the sport of football throughout their high school career. The 2023-2024 Most Improved Player Scholarship goes to Sean Asgaralli and Stephen Ciccotelli.

Clark Youth Football annually presents the Clark Youth Football Scholarship to a senior football player who played youth football in Clark and then at Arthur L. Johnson High School. The award includes a scholarship and plaque. This year’s 2023-2024 Clark Youth Football Scholarship recipient is Sebastian Perez.

The Collegiate Athlete of the Year honors a former Crusader who has gone on to succeed both in the classroom and on the athletic fields. The 2023-2024 recipient was Nicholas Fischetti, who played collegiate football and lacrosse.

The 2023-2024 Unselfish Contributions to JFB goes to Uros Nikolic.

The Dennis Carpini Memorial Scholarship recipient receives a scholarship and plaque. It is presented to the senior football player who, in the same way as Dennis, overcame odds and had a true love of Crusader Football. The athlete must be a heart and soul competitor, a unifier and a positive role model. The 2023-2024 Dennis Carpini Memorial Scholarship goes to Sean Joy.

The loss of Thomas Santaguida was devastating. A man was lost who everyone loved and admired. When Santaguida came to Arthur L. Johnson High School in 1993, he had to replace one of the most respected and loved men in school history in Lou Paragallo. He won everyone over with his dignity, professionalism, confidence and, most of all, sense of sportsmanship and fair play. He was a mentor to everyone and helped them become stronger from the experience. As a high school player at Plainfield, Santaguida played football and basketball. His coaches and teammates say his fiery style and zest for competition stood out even then. Those are the qualities that are celebrated in naming the 2023-2024 Arthur L. Johnson Football “Saint of the Year.” The 2023-2024 “Saint of the Year” is Brandon Brown.

The Sanguliano family annually presents the Century 21 JRS Academic Achievement Award to the senior football player with the best grade-point average. The award includes a scholarship and plaque. This year’s 2023-2024 Academic Achievement Award winner is Mark Hansen.