Elwood-John H. Glenn High School sophomore and New York State wrestling champion Thomas Aiello was honored by the Elwood School District Board of Education at its April 13 meeting.
Aiello defeated Tioga’s Logan Bellis in the finals to win the Division II state title at 102 pounds at the 2023 NYSPHSAA wrestling championships on Feb. 25 at MVP Arena in Albany. His 2022-2023 perfect 36-0 season also included victories at the Doc Fallot Memorial Duals at Hampton Bays on Dec. 10, Rick Herrmann Memorial Tournament at Bellport on Dec. 17, Michael O’Connell Tournament at Pearl River on Dec. 27, Raider Invitational at Patchogue-Medford on Dec. 30, Smithtown Tournament at Smithtown West on Jan. 7, Kris McDonald Islip Cup Duals on Jan. 14 and the Suffolk County Division II Dual Meet Individual Championship, and helped Glenn’s varsity wrestling team to win the Suffolk County Division II Dual Meet Championship on Jan. 21.
“Winning championships just doesn’t happen,” Athletic Director Dave Shanahan said. “They are earned. Tommy is an exceptional young man who is only a sophomore. We congratulate him, his family and his coaches on this amazing accomplishment.”
Additionally, the Board presented a new recognition, honoring James H. Boyd Intermediate School 2022-2023 JMVPs. The 18 outstanding students – third graders Elizabeth Arana, Jameson Koch, Elizabeth Lyons, Frank Ofrias Andrew Senatus and Sakina Shazad; fourth graders Casey Curran, Molly DeMarco, Colton Gillis, April Knox, Mosa Mosa and Gabrielle Smith; and fifth graders Emma Barzilai, Stelios Giamos, Kalina Jasinska, Arden Moshos, Braelyn Pribyl and Abby Zbytniewski – had been recognized during monthly JMVP celebrations at Boyd. This award was created in honor of longtime Boyd teacher and John Glenn varsity boys golf coach Joe Pace, who died last July after a courageous battle with cancer.
“For those of you who did not know Mr. Pace, he was a very special person to his family, colleagues, friends and students,” Principal Elissa Millan said. “Some of the special characteristics that Mr. Pace showed were compassion, thoughtfulness, helpfulness, sincerity, loyalty and kindness. He was considerate, respectful, caring, positive and humble.
Each of these students that we recognized tonight exemplified these special qualities that Mr. Pace exhibited regularly and they always follow the three Rs: respect, responsibility, and forming and keeping great relationships. I congratulate all of them and their families.”
“Congratulations to all the JVMPs,” Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bossert said. “They represent themselves and their families very well and exhibit the qualities that Mr. Pace would be been very proud of.”
“Mr. Pace was a wonderful man who touched many lives, and by embodying the qualities in which the JMVP award stands for, you too will continue to touch lives around you,” Board of Education President James Tomeo said. “Keep up the great work.”
Date Added: 4/24/2023