This past weekend, the National Football Foundation Suffolk Chapter recognized several of the top scholar-athletes and football standouts from the most recent season during a special awards brunch celebrating excellence on and off the field.
Among those honored were members of the Ward Melville Patriots program, which continues to build a strong reputation for both athletic success and academic achievement.
Hudson Philbrick and Joe Benedetto were recognized after earning Player of the Week honors during the season. Their performances on the field helped highlight the strength and competitiveness of the Ward Melville football program throughout the year.
Also honored was Angelo Sorbera, who received recognition as a scholar-athlete. The award celebrates student-athletes who excel not only in competition, but also in the classroom and within their school community. Balancing athletics with academics is no small task, making the honor especially meaningful.
The brunch served as a chance to celebrate the many talented football players across Suffolk County while also shining a spotlight on the dedication, discipline, and hard work required to succeed academically. Events like this remind communities that high school sports are about much more than wins and losses.
Ward Melville’s athletic department also shared its appreciation following the event. In a social media post, the district thanked James Metzger, the foundation, Newsday, and Orlin & Cohen for supporting the gathering and helping honor football players from throughout Suffolk County.
For Ward Melville, having multiple players recognized at such a respected event reflects the continued success of the program and the character of its student-athletes. It was a proud morning for the Patriots and a memorable celebration of football and academic excellence.