Friday sports: award winners

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Some prestigious high school awards were handed out this week.

The event at the Italian American Club honored five high school student-athletes.

From Watertown High School, Mallory Peters and Alexandra Macutek shared the William I. Graf Award for the top girls performer.

”I think being a recipient of the Graf award is a great honor. And getting to share it with one of my best friends Alex is great too,” Peters said.

“We’ve worked so hard our whole lives and playing three sports; I play three sports this year and through my high school career. So I think it’s well-deserved and I’m very grateful.”

Like Mallory, Alexandra said she was “super honored to win this award” and to share it with one of my best friends Mallory.”

“We’ve known each other since day care so it was a great way to end our senior year,” Macutek said.

“And I’m super thankful and I’ve had amazing support system my whole life. Yes, this is very special and I’m super honored.”

Also, Watertown High School Senior Jack Rathbun, was named as the boys winner of the Graf Award.

”This is a great feeling, very special, Rathbun said. “I mean, I worked hard my whole life for this. I’ve had some great coaches and some great experiences, and this definitely tops it off,” he said.

From Immaculate Heart, the Clarence Boots Gaffney Award was presented to the girls winner, Gianna Richards.

“Thanks to them, my coaches, my parents. It wouldn’t have happened without them,” she said.

And the Gaffney boys Award was presented to Jack Charlebois.

“I know Mr. Gaffney has always been a big supporter of IHC and it means a lot to be able to win this award. I’ve been swimming for as long as I can remember. Sports is a very big part of my life. and it’s a good way to end my high school career,” Charlebois said.

The Italian American Civic Association was happy to put the spotlight on the five deserving student-athletes.

“It’s been about raising good citizens, good student athletes. It makes good people,” said Jim Scordo from the Civic Association.

“We’ve got many past recipients that have gone on to be leaders in their community. and we’ve got an elite group of five individuals who are receiving the Graf and Gaffney awards tonight.

“And we’re very proud to be associated with giving these awards out tonight,” Scordo said.

For these outstanding performers, Wednesday night was a capper on what have been outstanding high school careers.

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