Danbury’s Rosetti, Rockville’s Bannon and their unique stories featured at CIAC Scholar-Athlete Awards
DANBURY, Conn. (BVM) — The 2021 CIAC Scholar-Athlete Awards banquet premiered virtually in early May to wrap up the year for high school athletes. The CIAC recognized those whose academic and athletic careers have been exemplary and those who possess high levels of self-discipline and courage both on and off the court.
With 360 scholar-athletes recognized, there were two who were featured with more unique stories of ‘courage.’ Over this past year in particular due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more was required from these athletes to stay motivated and energized.
Danbury High school senior Patrick Rosetti, who was a starting QB with a severe speech impediment, was officially given his Michael H. Savage Spirit of Sport Award. On top of receiving the highest award of the evening, Rosetti was also awarded the National High School Spirit of Sport Award. As a Section One winner, he was recognized out of New England high school athletes plus those from New York and New Jersey.
Rosetti played the most demanding position on the football team even though he has trouble saying complete sentences as quickly as most can. But, he doesn’t let his stutter dictate his athletic, academic or personal life.
“My greatest accomplishment is not letting [my speech impediment] impact who I am as a person,” Rosetti said in his feature package for the virtual ceremony. “It’s all about perseverance, ever since middle school I pushed through all my challenges. Coming into high school I was nervous, but I am so grateful to have the community that I have at Danbury High School. They treat me as if I’m like everybody else.”
Now Rosetti is preparing for graduation and hopes to become a surgeon one day.
Rockville High School senior Charles Bannon also shared his story during the event. Bannon during his sophomore year had to give up football after he lacerated his spleen during a game. After giving up all contact sports, Bannon took on flag football, but one day was hit by a teammate and got a concussion.
“They did a scan and found a tumor, so if I didn’t get hit that day, they would have never found out that I had that in my brain,” Bannon said in his feature package.
Bannon’s determination to play sports literally saved his life. On Feb. 25, 2020, he underwent brain surgery to remove the mass. But an even more unfortunate series of events was about to unfold just one month later with the lockdown. Bannon had to recover mostly by himself since he wasn’t allowed visitors.
“It made me have a second take on my life and the world around me,” Bannon continued. “I’ve seen how bad life can get so fast, I don’t stress about the small things anymore, you got to stay positive.”
These days, Bannon said he’s on his feet again and is still actively playing non-contact sports.
These stories and some more shared throughout the night exemplify what can be done rather than what can’t be done. The world is filled with tough experiences, but anyone can find a solution and have a different approach to the situation.
