BURRILLVILLE – A wide receiver/safety on the Burrillville High School varsity team was among those named to the Emo DiNitto Rhode Island chapter of the National Football Foundation’s “Golden Dozen.”
Elijah Diallo was selected for the elite award in recognition of outstanding achievements both on the gridiron and in the classroom.
The Bronco senior topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark in a single season last year, a feat achieved by Diallo in November during a win against Ponaganset. A recommendation was submitted for the annual scholar-athlete award on the player’s behalf.
“Eli is described by faculty as one of the most hardworking and determined students in the Class of 2023 both academically and athletically,” noted a post on the high school’s social media recognizing the honor. “We have no doubt he will be successful in his future beyond BHS.”
The new Golden Dozen honoree also played on the Bronco boys varsity basketball squad as captain and guard, helping to lead the team to the playoffs this year.
Others named to the 2023 list include Huntley Almeida of Portsmouth; Marcus Chung of Cranston West; Andrew Ciarniello of North Kingstown; Jamezell Lassiter of La Salle; Alexander Morin of Bishop Hendricken; Jacob Poore of East Providence; Benjamin Sowa of Tiverton; Phoenix Sward of South Kingstown; Dylan Walker of Rogers; Luke Webster of Narragansett; and John Wiest of Middletown.
The winners will collectively receive $9,000 in scholarships and will be honored in a ceremony at the foundation’s annual banquet on Monday, May 8 at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. Seventeen players will also be recognized at the ceremony with the Silver Scholar Athlete Award.
