GHS Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach, Ryan Deschenes, announced the recipient of this year’s Henry O’Neill Spirit Award is Jack Karlonas, a senior player for the GHS Rams. Each season, Coach Deschenes explains the history of the award to his players, and the significance of “Hank It Up” which is an expression that symbolizes the passion Henry had for his friends, teammates and the game of basketball. Coach reminds his players to enjoy high school sports and to create life-long friendships and memories along the way.

Coach Deschenes says this year’s Spirit Award winner was selected in a unanimous vote by the coaching staff. “Jack Karlonas demonstrates all the qualities Henry would be proud of – and he is a perfect fit for the intent of the award – loyal, hardworking, high character, he leads by example, celebrates others successes on and off the court, he is the ultimate teammate and competitor, a rare 3-sport student-athlete, he was a two-year starter, a strong defender and rebounder, and did all the little things that sometimes go unnoticed, but certainly not unnoticed by the coaches.” Jack will attend Husson University in the fall and play on their baseball team.

The Spirit Award has been presented four times previously, to Bode Meader (2021), Dylan Morrell (2022), Quinn Dillon (2023) and to Izak Young (2024). A scholarship will be presented to the award recipient at the GHS Academic Awards Night in June. Future donations towards this annual scholarship in Henry O’Neill’s memory may be made directly to the Gorham High School Athletics Department. Henry O’Neill, GHS Class of 2019, was killed tragically in a work vehicle accident in September, 2020.