The City of Monessen Celebrates Its Winning Young Athletes

Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 April 2015 01:30

By Jill Brown

On April 18, 2015, the city of Monessen hosted a parade and honorary event with a platform and festivities. It was a proud day for the city, according to all the honored speakers, and it was indeed.

State Rep. Ted Harhai took the podium, saying, "Always a Greyhound. Coaches, family, friends, you guys did a great job. Congratulations... The kids are our future."

It was Sammy Vasquez Jr. Day for the second annual time, and the parade recognized him, the champion undefeated welterweight fighter. He shared the honor with the 2015 WPIAL Class A Champion Monessen boys' basketball team, and the boys' soccer team, who won the WPIAL Section 4-A Crown. Also, with them was Gina Naccarato, the school's all-time leading all-section and girls' basketball coach, who was inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame.

The parade began in the Westgate section of town on Schoonmaker and ended on Eastgate 15, and included the Monessen teams, bands, cheerleaders, firefighters, police, and, of course, Sammy Vasquez Jr. Then, a special proclamation ceremony was held outdoors at the Fireman's Social Hall. Thanks went to Del Rosa's Pizza and Foodland for refreshments and food afterwards served in the hall.

Sammy Vasquez Jr. spoke, stating, "[It's] not really about me, but about these over here and over here," he said pointing out the teams. "I commend both of you. I will be selling autographed posters for $20 for the Civic Center, and for the kids. All the proceeds from selling my t-shirts will go towards the 2 Sweet Foundation." He ended by saying, " If I could say one thing: Don't let anything change who you are. Try to inspire young kids, because that's our future."

Dr. Leanne Spazak said, "Today's celebration of Monessen...You are the example of what can be achieved with hard work...Go, Greyhounds."

Monessen Principal Eric Manko spoke next and said, "The coaches make my job easy...I want to thank everyone who made this possible."

Monessen Mayor Lou Mavrakis ended the celebration, commenting, "It's a good day for Monessen. That's something for the kids. I've been a Greyhound all my life."

Click on "gallery" for more photos of this event by Jill Brown.