Each year, the Caldwells Athletic Club, along with James Caldwell High School, honors a player at the Jr. Chiefs A-Team Football & Cheerleading Dinner with the Kevin Collis Award. The 2011 award was presented to Matthew Maddaloni, an eighth grader at Grover Cleveland Middle School, at the dinner on Friday, Jan. 6.

The inscription engraved on the plaque reads, “The Kevin Collis award presented to…an athlete who exemplifies a Junior Chief with Hard Work, Positive Attitude, Dedication to the Game and Service to His Friends and Community.”

The award is given in memory of Kevin Collis, who a little over 19 years ago succumed to injuries sustained in a car accident. Kevin was on his way home from a Jr. Chiefs football game in Fairfield when the accident happened. He died six weeks later. Kevin was a senior student-athlete in JCHS's Class of 1993.

This year's award was presented to Matt by his coaches, Frank Laratta Sr., Carmine Scaglione, Mike Dalla Riva, Marty Powers, Joe Dente Sr., Tom Senif, Dave Norton, Joe Dente Jr. (who made the presentation), Gus DelVecchio, Kevin Cavallo, and Frank Laratta Jr.

“Congratulations Matt. Thank you for carrying on the honorable standards that made Kevin such a memorable person,” states a release from the Caldwells Athletic Club. “Anyone who knew Kevin is reminded what a special young man he was and for those who did not know him get insight into his character each year through the recipient of this award.”

For more information about the Caldwells Athletic Club, visit their website.