awards

Over seven years, 17 varsity basketball players from Rome Free Academy and Rome Catholic School have received monetary awards from the William A. Valentine League to help with college expenses.

The Barb Swanson Award was established in 2000 to encourage organized play at the introductory level, and to recognize special achievement of those who continued to the varsity level. The presentations are in memory of Barbara J. (Wikiera) Swanson, RFA '77. Mrs. Swanson was a volunteer coach, league officer and referee at the time of her death in a car-pedestrian accident at Wal-Mart in June of 1999. She was 39 and the mother of two daughters and a son. She was assistant coach of the Lake Delta Dolphins in 1996-97; coach of the Stokes White Eagles in 1997-98; assistant coach of Stokes White in 1998-99, and Valentine League referee in 1999.

Selection for the awards of $250 each is based on community service, leadership and scholarship among girls who played basketball in the Valentine League, then rose to the varsity level at Rome Free Academy or Rome Catholic High.
Contact your varsity coach, guidance office, or league President James P. Ryan, 8319 Greenview Drive, Rome, N.Y. 13440
The trust in Mrs. Swanson's memory is held and administered by the William A. Valentine Girls' Basketball League. Tax deductiible contributions are welcome and may be sent to: The Bar Swanson Memorial Award C/O Paul Paytash, treasurer, 803 Turin Street, Rome, N.Y. 13440.