As the spring sports season comes to a close, Peekskill Athletics marked the end of the 2025-26 school year with its annual Varsity Awards Night on Monday, June 1. Student-athletes representing all varsity sports, joined by family members and friends, filled the Peekskill High School auditorium for an evening dedicated to celebrating their achievements.

Throughout the ceremony, athletes were recognized for earning section and league honors. In addition, 15 district awards were presented to student-athletes whose contributions to Peekskill varsity athletics stood out during the year. The following recipients were selected by Peekskill coaches: 

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 were Melvin Criollo, Odali Alfaro, Carl Rodriguez, and Alexander Bello. 

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: Peekskill Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Mauricio, Special Education Teacher Rebecca Miller, Athletic Trainer John Scivoletto, Custodial Worker Michael Holliday, Oscar Curillo, Aiden Walker, Dillon Sniffen, Tyler Dwyer, Mikayla Gonzalez, and Jenna Shurak.

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. This year’s honorees: Natalie Foster, Ariannah Oviedo, and Adrienne Copeland.

Walter Cornery 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: Darnell Hinton, Darius Smythe, and Christian Smith.

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 athletes showing dedication, devotion, hard work, commitment, loyalty, and respect to their team, coaches, opponents, and their school. The 2026 recipients: Rocco D’Elia, Justin Vizhnay, Josiah Jones, Rossy Nivecela, Audrina Mendez, and Kinte Santiago-Carter.

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: Gregory Tompkins III and Titus Matthias. 

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 2026 recipients are Inara Concepcion and Katherine Alvarez.

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 honoree is Erick Lojano-Arias.

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: Miranda Berger, Honalee Monchinski, and Erick Quinche-Juela.

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: Elijah McKenzie and Nina Ijiogbe.

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: Peekskill wrestling head coach Andre Lee. 

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: Elijah McKenzie.

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: Jackelin Alfaro-Guzman

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 Jackelin Alfaro-Guzman and Joseph Walker. 

Alfaro-Guzman was a key defender on the Peekskill varsity girls soccer team, helping lead the Red Devils to a 15-2 record this season. A three-sport athlete, she also competed in indoor track and field during the winter and played flag football in the spring.

Walker distinguished himself as one of the varsity football team’s top performers, playing a major role in the program’s second Hudson Valley championship in three years. He also made significant contributions on the hardwood as an integral member of the boys basketball team.

Postseason Awards

Nearly 70 postseason awards were presented during the ceremony, honoring athletes for their achievements at the sectional, league, and Hudson Valley levels. Additionally, several athletes earned honorable mention recognition. The complete list of award recipients is as follows:

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

Girls Soccer: Valeria Otavalo (All-Section, All-League), Kimberly Alfaro (All-League), Brianna Tuba (All-League), Dayana Sari (All-League), Jozelyn Zhinin (All-League), Jackelin Alfaro (All-League), Shantal Naulaguari (All-League), Natalie Foster (All-League), Victoria Jovel (All-League), Kayla Songor (All-League Honorable Mention), Ashlee Ordonez (All-League Honorable Mention), Shea Rekeda (All-League Honorable Mention).

Boys Soccer: Jonathan Farez (All-Section), Maddox Lozada (All-Section), Erick Lojano (All-League), Melvin Criollo (All-League), Alejandro Montano (All-League). 

Girls Volleyball: Nina Ijiogbe (All-League), Audrina Mendez (All-League).

Football: Darnell Hinton (All-Hudson Valley), Darius Smythe (All-Hudson Valley), Joseph Walker (All-Hudson Valley), Craig Jacobs (All-Hudson Valley), Christian Preston (All-Hudson Valley).

Cross Country: Oscar Curillo (All-League Honorable Mention), Gavin Tobey (All-League Honorable Mention), Anna Jervis (All-League Honorable Mention), Trinity Hardy (All-League Honorable Mention). 

Boys Swimming: Alex Ninan (All-League Honorable Mention).

Boys Basketball: Darius Smythe (All-League), Joseph Walker (All-League).

Girls Basketball: Nai’lah Smalls (All-League), Riley Jenkins (All-League).

Wrestling: Stephen Cordero (All-Section, All-League), Yamliel Casiano (All-League), Rocco D’Elia (All-League), Juan Naranjo (All-League).

Bowling: Odali Alfaro (All-League), Kimberly Alfaro (All-League), Dillon Sniffen (All-League).

Flag Football: Malaiya Farmer (All-Section), Tylah Grant (All-League Honorable Mention), Annette Smith (All-League Honorable Mention), Briannah Faican-Fajardo (All-League Honorable Mention), Alani Jacobs (All-League Honorable Mention).

Baseball: Jayden Bradby (All-Section), Dillon Sniffen (All-League), Trevant McAllister (All-League), Carter Ojeda (All-League), Rocco D’Elia (All-League), Elijah Resendes (All-League).

Softball: Mikayla Gonzalez (All-League).