COMMACK MIDDLE SCHOOL

A pair of CMS eighth graders have been awarded a college scholarship because of their character while involved in youth basketball.

The awards were presented to Sophia A. and Nicholas D. on Tuesday morning in memory of lifelong Commack resident John Newman, a parishioner of Christ the King parish for 67 years.

Newman’s wife Donna and daughter Gabriella — herself a CMS student — were on hand for the ceremony.

Newman was a St. Anthony’s High School Hall of Fame inductee, who coached baseball and basketball for 35 years. He was the coordinator for the Christ the King CYO program for more than a decade.

Newman received the CYO role model award recognizing his impact on hundreds of children.

To honor is legacy, Christ the King Parish has created the award for an eighth grade boy and girl who participated in the Christ the King CYO program.

Sophia and Nicholas have exemplified the award’s values — faith, good character and fair play. The students also have supported their teammates, treated the other team with respect and always have a positive attitude.