Pope John senior named Young Man of Year finalist

Quinn Muli, a Pope John XXIII Regional High School senior in Sparta, was named a Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Award finalist.

Each year, each North Jersey Super Football Conference (NJSFC) team nominates a player for the award. The NJSFC represents the largest high school football conference in the United States, with 112 public and non-public teams in six counties.

The award highlights traits of its namesake, Steve DiGregorio: community service, passion for learning, and strength of character. DiGregorio coached at the former Paul VI High School in Clifton Paramus Catholic High School, Nutley High School, and Princeton University.

“It’s a massive compliment to be selected in the first place and get to this point,” Muli said. “It means the world to me to see that the people around me think highly of me.”

Muli was one of seven finalists. He was nominated for his service to Pope John and the local community. He sings with Pope John’s American Spirit Performers during visits to nursing and veteran homes. Before shows, the performers talk with residents. By singing patriotic music, they bring joy to isolated or lonely people.

Laurie Lynch, a Pope John history teacher, praised her student Muli in her recommendation letter to the NJSFC.

“Quinn puts the scholar in scholar-athlete,” said Lynch. “He is a unique personality that can combine the arts with academics and sports. He takes that same tenaciousness into everything he does. Everything he does is with a kind heart.”

The Young Man of the Year finalists were invited to an award presentation at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 7, hosted by the New York Jets and Gatorade. They visited the Jets locker room and received personalized plaques, personalized Jets jerseys, a signed Aaron Rodgers football, and a $1,000 scholarship.

Henry Struble of Pequannock Township High School was named the Young Man of the Year Award winner during the Jan. 7 award presentation.

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