As the spring season winds down, Peekskill Athletics celebrated the 2024-25 school year with its annual Varsity Awards Night on Monday, June 2. Student-athletes from across all sports, along with their families and friends, gathered in the Peekskill High School auditorium for an evening of recognition. Athletes were acknowledged for their accomplishments with postseason and district honors. 

In total, 15 district awards were presented to student-athletes in recognition of their contributions to Peekskill varsity sports. The recipients were chosen by Peekskill Athletics.

The Matt Moore Award

Matt Moore served as a Physical Education teacher in the Peekskill City School District. In 1991, Moore sustained a neck injury that left him paralyzed. Despite his injury, Moore continued to teach Health Education and remained a dedicated coach and mentor for the school’s wrestling program. 

Each year, the Matt Moore Award honors student-athletes for displaying courage and hard work on the field under difficult circumstances. The 2025 recipients are Jasmine Oliva, Ajani Brown, Marquette Webster, and Roy Escobar. 

Entering his senior soccer season, Escobar suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and was unable to compete during the team’s historic run to the sectional semifinals. After months of rehabilitation, Escobar is nearing full recovery. Escobar is the younger brother of the late Liony Santos, a Peekskill soccer star.

This past winter, Webster missed six weeks of the varsity basketball season due to a foot injury. He returned in time for the team’s quarterfinal matchup against Poughkeepsie in February, helping the Red Devils advance behind a 14-point performance.

Panzanaro Family Award 

For decades, the Panzanaro family has been a constant support for the Peekskill community:  on the sidelines, benches, and in the stands. Lou Panzanaro Sr. was a positive presence for both students and coaching staff. Bryan Panzanaro contributed as a coach at multiple levels within Peekskill Athletics. Hall of Famer Lou Panzanaro Jr., not only led the boys basketball team but also truly cared about all students on and off the court. 

Each year in Panzanaros’ honor, an award is presented to students, coaches, teachers, administrators, community members, and/or parents for their dedicated service, hard work, and time to Peekskill High School’s athletic program.

This year’s recipients are: Raul Ortiz, Yolanda Guardino, Nelly Cross, Jennifer Meza, Arisa Specce, Zachary Ninan, and Juan Ventura.

Shakira Wilson (James) Award

Shakira Wilson (James) was an outstanding student-athlete at Peekskill, known for her passion and commitment to sports. A recipient of the Con Edison Scholar-Athlete Award, she successfully balanced academics while competing in two sports at both the high school and collegiate levels.

In her honor, an award is presented annually to senior female athletes who embody leadership, dedication, teamwork, and perseverance – both on and off the playing court/field – as well as maintain excellent attendance for their sport. This year’s honorees: Brynne Barros, Brianna Zhunio, and Imani Felder.

Walter Corney Award

Walter Corney was a leader on and off the playing field during his time as a multi-sport athlete in track, football, and basketball. He later went on to serve as a coach and mentor for the Peekskill community. 

In his honor, an award is presented annually to senior male athletes who have exemplified leadership, dedication, teamwork, and perseverance on and off the playing court/field and maintained excellent attendance for their sport. This year’s winners: Josiah McLean, Jermaine Carter, and Tony Monchinski.

Edward “Pete” Peterson Award

Edward “Pete” Peterson was a beloved security guard in the Peekskill City School District and a consummate professional, known for dedication to helping everyone he encountered. He was deeply committed to the success of all students and continues to support Peekskill Athletics. 

Each year, the Edward “Pete” Peterson Award recognizes male and female senior athletes showing dedication, devotion, hard work, commitment, loyalty, and respect to their team, coaches, opponents, and their school. The 2025 recipients: Marcus Pruitt, Jazlynn Parra, Dayle Morataya, Nyla Tisdell, Charles Berardi, and Cristopher Chunchi-Morocho.

Gary “Porky” Male Award

Gary “Porky” Male was the definition of a team player and a reliable asset within Peekskill Athletics. He dedicated his time and energy to supporting student-athletes and coaches throughout the district.

In his honor, an award is presented annually to senior male athletes who demonstrate dedication and full commitment to their team. This year’s winners: Isaiah Crawford and Jaden Chavis. (Read more about their journey here.)

Dana Dapson Award

Dana Dapson was a two-sport standout athlete during her high school years, known for her dedication, commitment, and passion for sports. Today, she continues to support Peekskill’s athletic community through her work with Peekskill City Parks and Recreation.

In her honor, an award is presented annually to senior female athletes who embody the same dedication and commitment to their teams as Dapson once did. The 2025 recipients are Kelly Pacheco and Jemell Acosta. 

Derek Dennis Rookie of the Year Award

Derek Dennis was a first time football player his senior year. His passion for the game earned him the opportunity to continue his education and athletic career at Division 1 Temple University. Since then, he has built an impressive professional football career. Dennis remains a committed supporter of the Peekskill community and its athletic programs. 

The Derek Dennis Rookie of the Year Award is presented annually to seniors who had strong seasons as first-time varsity athletes in their sport. This year’s honorees: Ramses Perez and Joceline Diaz.

Carlos Butler Award

Carlos Butler was a cheerleading coach and director of the Black Culture Club, known for her strong support of the arts in Peekskill. She dedicated her time and resources to many students and community members. 

The Carlos Butler Award is presented annually to seniors who have actively participated in music, arts, and/or theater programs while also excelling in athletics. This year’s award winners: Phurious Ellis, Jeannine Brown, and Skyla Houston.

Omarion McKenzie Comeback Award

Omarion McKenzie, who was tragically killed in 2020, was known as a remarkable teammate that radiated positive energy towards his team. 

In his honor, an award is presented annually to male and female athletes that have overcome obstacles and been a good teammate. This year’s honorees: Mirian Bonilla and Daniel Farez-Sierra. 

James Robinson Award

James Robinson knew what it meant to be a team player. As a coach of a National Championship college team, he demonstrated full dedication to his sport. He continues to give back to the Peekskill community through his zeal.

The James Robinson Award is presented annually to a coach who shows dedication and full commitment for their team and program. This year’s recipient: head soccer coach Jonathan Iasillo, who led his team to their best season since taking the helm a decade ago –  an impressive 14-3-2 record and a run to the sectional semifinals. (The Herald covered Iasillo’s athletic journey last year. Read here.)

Elton Brand Scholastic Athlete of the Year Award

Elton Brand exuded academic and athletic success when he was a Peekskill High School Player of the Year, National Player of the Year and NBA All-Star. Today, he continues to impact the game as an NBA General Manager. 

Each year, an award is presented to a male student-athlete who has achieved the highest academic average in the classroom. Winner: Tommaso Sodano. 

Sheila Wagner Scholastic Athlete of the Year Award

Sheila Wagner demonstrated impressive academic and athletic achievement during her time at Peekskill, paving the way for many future athletes. She earned a full scholarship to play Division 1 basketball at Georgia Tech.

The Sheila Wagner Scholastic Athlete of the Year Award is presented annually to a female student-athlete who has achieved the highest academic average in the classroom. Winner: Hannah Iddir. 

Peekskill City School District Athletes of the Year

Each year, one male and female student-athlete are honored with the Peekskill City School District Athlete of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding excellence, sportsmanship, and leadership on and off the field and/or court. This year’s recipients are seniors Jealina Searight and Umaru Conteh. 

Jealina Searight was a multi-sport athlete throughout her time at Peekskill High School. In her senior year alone, she competed and excelled in volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and flag football in the spring.

Umaru Conteh, a soccer standout, was featured in the Herald in November for leading his team to the Class AA sectional semifinals, finishing the season with an impressive 25 goals. In the winter, he played on the boys basketball team, which came within one game of reaching the sectional finals. This spring, Conteh joined the varsity track team for the first time and quickly made his mark in the high jump, capturing both the league and Westchester County titles. On May 28, Conteh placed second in the high jump at the Class B championships with a leap of 1.75 meters.

Postseason Honors

Nearly 60 postseason awards were distributed at the ceremony, recognizing accomplishments at the league, conference, Hudson Valley, sectional, and state levels. They include:

Girls Swimming: Lily Counts (All-League), Paula Pauta (All-League), Katherine Alvarez (All-League), Olivia Kravitz (All-League), Miranda Berger (All-League).

Volleyball: Jealina Searight (All-League), Camila Torres Crespo (All-League Honorable Mention)

Girls Soccer: Valeria Otavalo (All-League), Kimberly Alfaro (All-League Honorable Mention), Brianna Zhunio (All-League Honorable Mention), Jozelyn Zhinin (All-League Honorable Mention). 

Boys Soccer: Umaru Conteh (All-League, All-Section, All-State), Juan Salazar (All-League, All-Section), Daniel Farez-Sierra (All-League, All-Section), Christopher Chalco (All-League), Ariel Tenezaca (All-League).

Football: Tony Monchinski (All-Hudson Valley), Tommaso Sodano (All-Hudson Valley), Darnell Hinton Callanan (All-Hudson Valley).

Cross Country: Jermaine Carter (All-League)

Bowling: Kimberly Alfaro (All-League)

Boys Swimming: Zachary Ninan (All-League)

Indoor Track & Field: Jermaine Carter (All-League Honorable Mention), Arissa Specce (All-League Honorable Mention 

Girls Basketball: Jealina Searight (All-League)

Boys Basketball: Jaden Chavis (All League, All-Section, All-State), Isaiah Crawford (All-League, All-Section, All-State), Darius Smythe (All-League, All-Conference), Joseph Walker (All-League).  

Wrestling: Tony Monchinski (All-League), Ramses Perez (All-League)

Track & Field: Umaru Conteh (All-League), Tony Monchinski (All-League), Jermaine Carter (All-League), Imani Felder (All-League), Arisa Specce (All-League).

Baseball: Jayden Bradby (All-League), Elijah Resendes (All-League), Dillon Sniffen (All-League), Rocco D’Elia (All-League), Mathew Minaya (All-League). 

Softball: Mikayla Gonzalez (All-Hudson Valley), Jenna Shurak (All-Hudson Valley), Jazlynn Parra (All-Hudson Valley), Ariannah Oviedo (All-Hudson Valley), Audrina Mendez (All-Hudson Valley).

Flag Football: Jealina Searight (All-League, All-Section), Kimberly Alfaro (All-League), Zinnia Quinlan (All-League), Brynne Barros (All-League), Mirian Bonilla (All-League), Jackelin Alfaro (All-League).