Author: Manuel F. Simoes

Michael Joseph Cody almost received his Sawyer Medal November 14, 2012. 

His great grandfather, Freddy Ercolani, received the Sawyer Medal in 1935.  Michael had the double honor last night of wearing his great grandfather’s Sawyer Medal when he almost received his own. The Sawyer Medals were  not present last night, as they come from New Jersey and were not ready for delivery.

The ceremony was no less than fantastic as the hearts of Moms, Dads, Grandmothers,  Grandfathers, Aunts, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters and friends of those being honored for Scholarship excellence were bursting with love and pride. The students will receive their awards from the principal of the High School when they arrive.

Michael was awarded the JJ Nicastro Foundation Award Athletic Scholarship earlier this year. This will afford Michael the benefit of four years of  Gloucester High School sports, benefit of this Scholarship.  

Michael earned these awards through diligence and hard work. Situations were quite different in 1935. We were in the midst of the Great Depression.  Freddy Ercolani was the second oldest in a family of 5 children. His Mom was left with 5 children to raise alone. The benefits we have today were non-existent in 1935. Freddy worked to help support his family while earning top honors. He had a Gloucester Daily Times paper route that encompassed his Derby Street neighborhood and worked at a local bakery on Saturdays and Sundays.  We learn through situations and experiences in our lives, perseverance is often the measure of greatness.

RoseAnne Ercolani Cody, proud daughter and even prouder grandmother.