Hewlett High School senior Ian Panzarella was awarded the Dr. James Tolle Unsung Hero/Heroine Award for his demonstrated excellence in sports, on May 20.
This honor places value on characteristics that are often undervalued in the competitively charged environment of athletics. More specifically, the award recognizes the athlete who makes a significant contribution to the team while also bringing joy to teammates.
The five qualities for this award include: courage, selflessness, humility, patience, and caring. David Viegas, the director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics at Hewlett, noted that Panzarella fit those attributes perfectly. The award is accompanied by a $1,000 scholarship, Viegas added. SCOPE Education Services sponsors the scholarship.
Bill Dubin, who coaches basketball at Hewlett High and the school’s unified basketball team, explained what makes Panzarella exceptional. “Whether it was during drills, helping them get game uniforms or just being a role model, he did it all,” Dubin said. Ian is a hard-working conscientious student-athlete. He always did what was best for the team. He is a true team player!” Panzarella served as an assistant coach for the unified squad.
Panzarella has played multiple sports and has had substantial influence in all of them, especially at the varsity level playing soccer and basketball. The award recognizes his talent and dedication during the entirety of his high school career.
His impact on the teams he played on is immeasurable and also made an overall positive contribution to the community. His participation in unified basketball truly showed why he was chosen for the award.
“This award means so much to me,” Panzarella said. “Knowing that I am the only male student athlete to win this award this year is crazy to think about and I’m very grateful to have been chosen.”
He will graduate along with the class of 2022 this month and will be attending Binghamton University in the fall. When looking back on his high school career now that it is coming to a close, he notes, “Without sports in high school, I wouldn’t have been as successful as I am today. They kept me on track and I loved being around my teammates as well as my coaches.”
