Special to the Times-Free Press
The East Boston Athletic Board (EBAB), celebrating 75 years, will hold its annual 72nd Banquet of Champions to honor student-athletes this Monday, June 23, at 6 p.m. at Spinelli’s, 282 Bennington Street.
The EBAB’s Banquet of Champions is one of the oldest awards programs in Boston, having begun in 1950. A total of 35 awards and 16 scholarships totaling $17,000 will be presented.
They will honor East Boston Athletes, East Boston High Athletes, athletes whose roots can be traced back to East Boston, and community leaders, along with little league championship teams.
For the first-time EBAB will honor organizations in East Boston who have served the youth and community for many years,” said President James Geraci, adding, “This will be one of the biggest turnouts in years,” with around 240 attendees expected to be on hand.
The community leaders, coaches, and former great athletes to be honored will be:
Humanitarian Award: Joe Ruggiero
Special Achievement Award: Robert Lewis
Special Recognition Award: Joe Mario
Coach of the Year: Jayson Smith EBHS
Flashback Award: Vin Schettino
Flashback Award: Joe LoConte
Hall of Fame Award: Anthony “Unky” Geraci
Institutional Award: EBYBL Johnny Forbes and Mike Gaeta
The officers of the EBAB organization are:
President James Geraci
Vice President Nicole McCormack
Treasurer Dave Arinella
Secretary Liz Ahern
“Our motto is, ‘Dedicated to a program of youth betterment’,” said Geraci.