The Copiague Public School District was proud to honor more than 135 student athletes of Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School for their achievements both on and off the playing field. The school's Spring 2006 Sports Awards Dinner was a huge success, with special appearances by Town of Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone, and by the high school's namesake and former principal, Walter G. O'Connell, who presented a special baseball award in honor of his son, Daniel O'Connell, who was killed in the Vietnam War. The family of former student athlete Jared J. Pennington was also in attendance, and presented an award to the lacrosse player who embodied the characteristics and sportsmanship Jared possessed in life. In addition to the presentation of awards, the evening included a full buffet dinner and desert, and a special slideshow presentation of highlights of the season put together by Board of Education Trustee, Brian Sales.

Copiague's Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Charles Leunig opened the evening by extending a special thank you to the parents of the honored athletes, and the Booster Club for hosting the awards dinner, and their support throughout the Spring season and all year long. Athletic Director Peter Cesare also noted, "The Booster Club is behind the scenes all year long, and we thank them for all they do."

In addition, High School Principal Michael Hodgkiss thanked Copiague's many dedicated coaches for giving of their time everyday to produce athletes that demonstrate "dedication, sportsmanship, and a strong work ethic." Town of Babylon Supervisor Steven Bellone also addressed the crowd, congratulating parents, staff, and most importantly, the proud athletes. "You have represented yourselves, your families, your school, and your Town extraordinarily well," stated Supervisor Bellone.

Walter G. O'Connell presented the annual Daniel O'Connell Award to Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School senior and baseball player Joseph Mazzarese at the Spring Sports Awards. Shown, left to right: Walter G. O'Connell, varsity baseball head coach Ben Bonaventura, Joseph Mazzarese, varsity baseball assistant coach Ken Rittenhouse.

Shown in top photo, Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School girls lacrosse team was honored at the high

school Spring Sports Awards for completing their first year as a varsity team.

Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School seniors Danny Schneider and Matthew Raber were awarded the

Second Annual Jared J. Pennington award for excellence and sportsmanship in lacrosse. Shown, left to right Matthew Raber, Varsity Lacrosse Coach Jim Konen, and Danny Schneider.