Raio, Stroman, McDaid Honored with Dellecave Scholar-Athlete Award

Three of Suffolk County’s most exceptional student-athletes — Anthony Raio of Half Hollow Hills High School West, Jayden Stroman of Patchogue-Medford High School, and Erin McDaid of Smithtown West High School — were honored with the prestigious Butch Dellecave Award at a ceremony held Sunday, June 8, at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook.

The award, now in its 25th year, recognizes students who exemplify excellence in athletics, academics, and community service. In celebration of this milestone anniversary and the exceptional caliber of this year’s nominees, organizers selected three winners rather than the traditional two.

Named in memory of the late Gaetano “Butch” Dellecave — a legendary educator, coach, and official — the award is a collaboration among the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc., the Butch Dellecave Foundation, and Newsday. The program is built on a 25-year partnership with Suffolk County school districts.

Each high school in the county is invited to nominate one male and one female member of its senior class. Finalists must demonstrate a rare combination of athletic prowess, academic achievement, and meaningful civic involvement.

“This award is about more than trophies,” said Adrian Fassett, President and CEO of the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk. “It’s about investing in the next generation of community leaders — young people who show us that success means being strong on the field, sharp in the classroom, and generous in community spirit. We’re proud to be part of a program that lifts up all of these remarkable nominees.”

Anthony Raio – Half Hollow Hills High School West

A record-breaking two-sport athlete, Raio is a force in both football and lacrosse. He set the Long Island career record for goals scored in lacrosse with 282, and also holds the Long Island single-season record for football receptions with 85. Off the field, Raio gives back through regular volunteer work with the Lions Club and a local giving pantry. He will attend the University of North Carolina, where he plans to major in business and finance and compete in Division I lacrosse.

Jayden Stroman – Patchogue-Medford High School

Stroman is one of the top high school baseball prospects in the nation. With a fastball that touches 98 mph, he posted a 5-0 pitching record, allowed just three hits across 20 innings, and struck out 50 batters this past season. At the plate, he hit .456 with five home runs and 41 runs scored. A full-scholarship recruit to Duke University, Stroman is also headed to this month’s invite-only MLB Combine in Arizona and is expected to be selected in the early rounds of the July draft. He credits his work ethic to his family and his older brother, Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman, a past Dellecave Award winner himself.

Erin McDaid – Smithtown West High School

One of Long Island’s most dominant softball pitchers, McDaid completed her five-year varsity career with 774 strikeouts and 50 career wins, both school records. She helped lead Smithtown West to key wins over top-ranked teams and anchored the team with her consistent performance and leadership. Off the mound, McDaid volunteers at Accompset Elementary School, supporting events like the school’s Winter Olympics and carnival days. With a 4.3 weighted GPA and 1,260 SAT score, she will attend the College of Charleston on a softball scholarship, where she plans to study political science.

About the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc.

The Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. — a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community-based organization — has been serving Suffolk County since 1967. As the county’s federally designated Community Action Agency, EOC works to help low-income individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency through educational opportunities, family services, and community revitalization programs.