YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Mark Vincent Pelini Foundation has announced the finalists for its second annual MVP Center of Excellence Award, which recognizes a senior center from Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Summit or Stark counties.
The award honors the life and values of Mark Vincent Pelini, a former Cardinal Mooney High School and University of Nebraska center who died in a car accident in 2022.
“As a teammate, he was a leader, a challenger, a fierce competitor, and a friend. As a son of God, he was spiritual, fair, kind and inquisitive. As a son and brother, he was loyal and loving and invested,” the foundation said in a news release.
The award celebrates individuals who excel in athletics, academics and community service – upholding the leadership, courage, compassion and integrity that defined Pelini, the release states.
High school coaches were invited to nominate one senior center for the award, and the nominees were considered by a selection committee, which includes Bo Pelini, Carl Pelini, Michael Zordich, Alex Zordich, Donald D’Alesio, Zach Larson, Tom Velasquez, Tim Marlowe, Nico Mancuso and Mike Tucci.
This year’s 11 finalists are:
- Dewey Heard, Cardinal Mooney.
- Noah Bolen, Austintown Fitch.
- Jude Corallo, West Branch.
- Dominic Gagliano, Boardman.
- Tre-Sean Jones, Buchtel.
- TaRaylen Sadler, Chaney.
- Dominic Higgins, Norton.
- Cody Ewert, South Range.
- Rocco Ruggiero, Walsh Jesuit.
- Jamarice Owens, Canton McKinley.
- Cole Cappelli, Jackson-Milton.
The award winner will be announced at the MVP Center of Excellence Award breakfast, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at St. Luke Roman Catholic Parish, 5225 South Ave.
For more information and tickets, click HERE. Sponsorship information is available HERE.