Varsity Athletic Award Ceremony 2025

Daaron Harrell and his sibling holding up athletic awards

Congratulations to all of our student-athletes who earned well-deserved recognition at our Varsity Award Ceremony on June 3!

And a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the night a success, and for your continued support of our athletic program throughout the year – especially our dear friends at the Albany Booster Club! 


Scholarship & Recognition Awards


Outstanding Athlete of the Year Scholarship

Azera Gates & Samir Gardner 

Sponsored by the Albany Booster Club

This $500 scholarship is awarded to the top male and female athletes in the Albany athletic program, as selected by the athletic administration. These student-athletes have demonstrated exceptional athletic skill, unwavering focus and relentless dedication throughout their high school careers – qualities that have led their teams to numerous victories and set a high standard for excellence. Both recipients are committed to continuing their athletic journeys at NCAA Division I colleges, a testament to their talent, discipline and drive. Their legacy as student-athletes at Albany will be remembered for years to come, as they have made an indelible impact on their teammates, coaches and the entire school community.


Champions of Character Scholarship

Jasanii Francis-Torres & Gavin Fitzpatrick 

Sponsored by the Albany Booster Club

This $500 scholarship is awarded to two graduating seniors who have demonstrated the highest levels of teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance and dedication to Albany athletics. Eligible students must have participated in high school-level athletics and must have served as a team captain. Recipients are selected by the coaching staff and endorsed by the Athletic Department administration.


Student-Athlete Booster Club Service Scholarship

Karly Grant & J'Anni Elfridge

Sponsored by the Albany Booster Club

This $500 scholarship is awarded to two graduating seniors who have demonstrated sustained and meaningful service to the Albany Booster Club. Recipients of this award have shown a strong commitment to supporting Albany athletics through consistent volunteer work, particularly in the concession stand, active participation on the Booster Club board and a deep dedication to advancing the club’s mission. These student-athletes exemplify the spirit of community involvement and service that lies at the heart of the Albany Booster Club. Awardees are selected by the Albany Booster Club in recognition of their outstanding contributions and lasting impact on the school’s athletic community.


Richard Robelotto Outstanding Senior Bowling Award

Aiden Kelly

Named in honor of Mr. Robelotto, a proud 1961 graduate of Albany High School who returned to serve as a dedicated teacher and coach for over 40 years. As the head coach of the varsity bowling team for 25 years, Mr. Robelotto made a lasting impact on the lives of countless student-athletes through his passion for the sport and his unwavering commitment to excellence. This award is presented annually to a senior bowler who has made an outstanding contribution to the varsity bowling team. The recipient exemplifies the dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship that Mr. Robelotto championed throughout his career. Their commitment to the program reflects the legacy of a coach who gave so much to the Albany athletic community.


Larry T. O’Neill Memorial Award

Nicholas Caesar & Bryasia Nixon

Awarded to one male and one female varsity football player who embody the outstanding qualities of leadership, self sacrifice, hard work, determination, dedication and discipline –values taught and exemplified by Mr. O’Neill, former Director of Health and Physical Education, coach and teacher. These athletes uphold the legacy of excellence and integrity that Mr. O’Neill instilled in generations of students.


Alex Sokaris memorial Award

Elana Temple & Kalel McCargo-Miller 

Awarded in memory of Alex Sokaris, former Albany High football coach. This honor is presented to one male and one female varsity football player who embody Coach Sokaris’s legacy of dedication, hard work and passion for the game of football. The recipients demonstrate a strong commitment to academics, personal growth, and maturity, and have clear plans to pursue higher education at the collegiate level. 


Frank Restifo Memorial Award

Jose Munoz Pastrana

Awarded in memory of Frank Restifo, a former Albany High boy's basketball coach. The recipient of this award is an Albany High basketball player who demonstrates the qualities of leadership, dedication, citizenship and exemplary sportsmanship. 


Leslie S. Bogucki Basketball Award

Al-Lexis Johnson

Established in honor of Ms. Bogucki, a beloved and long-serving physical education teacher and multi-sport coach, this award recognizes her enduring legacy of excellence and the profound impact she had on generations of student-athletes. The award is presented annually to an underclassman on the varsity girls' basketball team who exemplifies exceptional dedication and demonstrates outstanding character, a relentless work ethic, and a genuine passion for personal and athletic growth. This athlete not only contributes meaningfully on the court but also shows a strong commitment to continuous improvement and possesses the potential to compete at the collegiate level. She represents the future of the program and the enduring spirit of Ms. Bogucki’s teachings


Raymond Leigh Award

Karly Grant & Daaron Harrell 

Mr. Leigh was a community member and avid supporter of all things Albany athletics. This award is given to one male and one female who exemplify the spirit of Mr. Leigh through selfless dedication, a consistent willingness to volunteer, deep love for the community and unwavering enthusiasm. Above all, this award honors the athlete whose actions reflect genuine desire to see Albany High School thrive and succeed. 


Ray Colucciello Award

Gavin Fitzpatrick & Rose Madden 

Mr. Colucciello, former Superintendent of Schools for the City School District of Albany, played a pivotal role in the advancement of our district's athletic offerings. He was instrumental in spearheading the development of the lacrosse program, leaving a lasting impact on student athletics and the broader school community. This award is given to one male and one female varsity lacrosse athlete who exemplify excellence on the field, outstanding sportsmanship and a strong commitment to team spirit. These athletes lead by example, inspire teammates and represent the best of what it means to be a Falcon. 


Team Awards

SPORT MVP COACHES AWARD MOST IMPROVED
Baseball Gavin Cramer Isabelle Scandurra Alexander Rizzo
Basketball (B) Sincere Allah Richard Wright Rasahn Johnson
Basketball (G) Azera Gates  Mia Corazzini  Janae Byrams 
Bowling Colin Paulsen Roman Philpot Declan Paulsen
Cheer (fall) Andrew Fish Nalina Charles Saray De La Cruz Mejia
Cheer (winter) Elana Temple Kalina Rodriguez Tayasia Branch
Cross Country (B) Noah Bizer Cameron Volk Gabe Bryer
Cross Country (G) Annabelle DiStefano Annabelle Clemens Jillian Colley
Flag Football Azera Gates Zeta Schofield Briana Perez
Football Daaron Harrell  James Murphy  Kahlil Beckett 
Indoor Track (B) Samir Gardner Daaron Harrell Nasief Smith
Indoor Track (G) Madeline "Madge" Penna Maliyah Williams Juliana Mullin
Lacrosse (B) Jack Colman Pearse Sagaas Angel Duran-Martinez
Lacrosse (G) Grace McDaniel GiGi Jineyshka Johnson Eliana Rojas
Soccer (B) Christian Bermejo Charlie Bromirski Max Hoey
Soccer (G) Amani Waxman  Zeta Schofield  Rose Madden 
Softball Julia Seniw Kyleigh Stumon Jade Breland
Swimming (B) Cooper Sullivan Daniel Levy Ywahai Blut
Swimming (G) Sarah Carroll Maya Colman Abigail Scaringe
Tennis (B) Stanley Cornell Abdulsobur Fagbenro Ethan Ceniza
Tennis (G) Maggie Cruz Azia Barao Audrey VanAmburgh
Track & Field (B) Rohan Edwards-Grant Javion Gaddy  Daaron Harrell 
Track & Field (G) Trinity Grant Ma-Naiyah Simmons Franchesca Peavy
Volleyball Mia Corazzini Sienna Stewart  Payton Fitzpatrick 
Wrestling (B) Santiago Maxwell Mar-Quez Rouse Khadavier Farmer
Wrestling (G) Harriet Westin Lily Graber Zeta Schofield

Scholar Athletes

Congratulations as well to all our scholar-athlete teams, and our scholar-athletes who earned invididual recognition! For a full list from each season, please see the news stories we shared throughout the year for the fall, winter and spring seasons.