Volunteer Service: Scranton Receives Alice O’Neil Award

Challenger Little League President Steve Scranton, second from right, was the recipient of the Alice O’Neil Volunteer Award Saturday at the awards banquet at the Lynn Housing Authority. Making the presentation was board member Donley Cennami Sr. Also pictured are Mr. Scranton’s wife, Jean Scranton, daughter, Melissa Carter, who is the league secretary, and son, Steve Scranton Jr., a graduate of the league.

Steve Scranton Sr. received the Alice O’Neil Volunteer Award Saturday at the Alice O’Neil Challenger Little League Banquet.

Board member Donley Cennami presented the 55-year-old league president the prestigious award that is named in memory of O’Neil, the former District 16 administrator who founded the Lynn Challenger Little League 22 years ago.

Cennami said that Scranton has worked tirelessly during his 20 years of service to the organization and has helped build it in to one of the most outstanding leagues in the region for baseball players with physical or mental challenges.

“The players enjoy themselves and when they go home they say, ‘I want to come back next week,’’’ said Cennami. “It gives me great privilege to honor this man. He cares about these kids and this league and he doesn’t expect anything in return. I think he’s a special person and he deserves this award.”

The players, coaches, parents, and friends inside the Lynn Housing Authority function room gave Scranton a standing ovation.

“Thank you very much,” Scranton told the gathering in a brief but poignant acceptance speech.

Scranton, a St. Mary’s Class of 1975 graduate, has been a leadder in the league for 20 years. His son, Steve Jr., is a graduate of the league and his daughter, Melissa Carter, is the secretary.

“I love this league – it’s great to see the kids get to play baseball and have those big smiles,” said Scranton, who is a machinist at General Electric.

Carter said she was proud of her father’s contributions to the league. “My dad is amazing,” said Carter. “He is the most unselfish person I have ever met. He is so giving and so patient and I just hope I can carry it on when he’s done.”

Scranton said the league had four teams and 50 players from Lynn and surrounding communities. The league holds games on Sundays at East Lynn Little League’s Volunteer Field.

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