Nutley HS Football Player Earns ‘Most Valuable Teammate’ Award

NUTLEY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of a Patch Belleville-Nutley community member. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Nutley High School senior football player Gerald Santangelo has been named the 2025 Diane Greco Sajle Scholarship award recipient. This award is given annually by the Greco family to the football program’s “Most Valuable Teammate” who exemplifies leadership and compassion both on and off the field, in memory of the late 1974 Nutley High School graduate. The annual $5,000 scholarship is funded by members of the Greco family and close family friends, including Glenn Villacari, Ralph Greco, Gloria Greco Smith, Ralph S. Greco, Christy Van Saders, Michael Greco, Anthony Greco, Dan Greco, Lauren Greco, Alex Greco, Kate Rose, Dan Sajle, Michelle Greco and Joe Greco.

Nutley High School Football Coach Chris Helm praised Santangelo for his deserving recognition. “He truly merits this award. Gerald has always gone above and beyond as a player, embodying more than just the game of football. Being an athlete is one thing, but being an outstanding person is another. He leads by example, gives his all, and pays attention to every detail. He serves as a great role model for the younger players and encapsulates the values we strive for in our football program.”

“I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this scholarship,” said Santangelo, who plans to attend Rutgers University in the fall to study exercise science. “It’s a privilege to represent Diane, and I’m thankful to the Greco family. I also appreciate my coaches and teammates who have supported me throughout my four years at high school.”

This is the seventh consecutive year the Greco family has awarded the scholarship to a Nutley High School student football player. The scholarship was established in 2019 by former Nutley High School Head Football Coach Steve DeGregorio and Thomas Greco to honor Diane’s memory to recognize student athletes who show compassion, dedication and selflessness toward family, friends and community – qualities she was most known for.

“It is a privilege to keep not only my sister Diane’s memory alive through this scholarship but also to honor our dear friend Coach Steve DeGregorio,” said Thomas Greco, co-founder of the scholarship.

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