The Southeastern Connecticut Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame will hold its annual awards banquet on Sunday April 21 at Lake of Isles Golf Club and Resort beginning at 5 p.m.

The National Football Foundation Chapter Network, spread across 120 outposts in 47 states, encourages leadership, sportsmanship and academic excellence among America's high school football players.

"Our chapter's eleven recipients represent some of the best and brightest from more than 5,000 high schools covered by the national football foundation chapter network,’’ said Southeastern Connecticut Chapter Vice President and Ledyard High School Athletic Director Jim Buonocore.

“We are very proud of our local award winners for their hard work and success on the football field and in the classroom. These young men are outstanding representatives of their school communities and this honor represents all that is great about high school football. We look forward to recognizing our scholar-athletes and adult award winners.’’

Local scholar-athlete winners are Kevin Claffey (Bacon Academy), Bryce Manwaring (East Lyme), Gianni Drab (Fitch), Sam Martin (Griswold), Devin Exarhoulias (Killingly), Ben Rusczyk (Ledyard), Jack Bubucis (Montville), Masyn Smith (New London), Simon Loewenstein (NFA), Ethan Torres (Stonington) and Noah Westkott (Waterford).

Others awards being given out are Officials Award: Jon Crowley (Eastern Connecticut Football Officials), Active Coach: Mike Ellis Jr. of Fitch, Dick North Administrator Award: Ellen Turner of Wheeler High School; Distinguished American: Brooke Janney of the United States Army; Bill Cawley Media Award: Erik Dobratz and John Pierson of WTNH Channel 8. For event information or to purchase tickets, please contact Jim Buonocore at jbuonocore@ledyard.net