The GHS Varsity Basketball Coach, Ryan Deschenes, announced the recipient of this year’s Henry O’Neill Spirit Award goes to Izak Young, a senior player for the GHS Rams. Coach Deschenes explained the history of the award and the significance of “Hank It Up” to his players, which is an expression that symbolizes Henry’s passion 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. According to Coach Deschenes, this year’s Spirit Award winner was selected in a vote by all the GHS basketball coaches and team captains. The coaches believe Izak is the perfect recipient who represents the intent of the award very well. Young, described by his coaches, added, “Izak is a wonderful young man, and a supportive teammate who keeps things fun.”

The Spirit Award has been presented three times previously, to Bode Meader in 2021, to Dylan Morrell in 2022, and to Quinn Dillon in 2023. 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 tragically killed in a work vehicle accident in 2020.