Citing lasting memories, friendships and perseverance in their days playing Little League softball, Gabriella Sferra and Jaelyn Cicchillo have been awarded a 2026 Chuck Schafer Memorial Scholarship from Boardman Community Baseball.
      “Playing at BCB was some of the best years of my softball career. I was so excited for each of the years I made All-Stars and was proud to represent my community,” said Sferra. “BCB was the place to be every summer.”
      Cicchillo noted “I looked forward to my aunt and cousin picking me up for practices or games because it was a time I could forget about everything else and enjoy myself. I created long lasting memories, friendships and bonds.”
      “A lot of my childhood memories occurred at the Field of Dreams. Little did I know that my ultimate dream of playing college softball would come true, and I have to thank my beginnings at BCB for that,” said Sferra, who earned a 4.0 GPA at Boardman High School, was a member of the softball team. She was also active in many school activities including Spanish Club, Medical Careers Club, and Student Council, while volunteering time at many local charities including Salvation Army, Boardman Park and Boardman Rotary. Gabriella plans on majoring in medical imaging sciences and continuing her softball career at Clarion University in the fall.
      “The time I played softball I was taught resilience, responsibility, dedication, dignity and humility.” said Cicchillo.
      Cicchillo was a 4-year letter winner in both soccer and track, while being named captain of the Boardman High soccer team. In addition to sports, she was also in Student Council, Vice President of Student Government and a member of the Spanish Club, while volunteering at many local charities, including Oktoberfest and Camp Fitch. Jaelyn graduated with a 4.0 GPA and will be attending Liberty University and plans on obtaining her orthodontist degree.
      “The most important lesson I learned from Little League softball was that effort is more important than wins or losses. It taught me to play fair and always respect the game,” said Sferra.
      Cicchillo noted, “Through my participation in Little League Softball, my life has been forever transformed. To me softball was more than just the sport, it was a commitment, a passion and a time where I could have fun without stress.”
      Boardman Community Baseball honors its children who have shown that lessons learned on the ballfields can be carried to the classroom and throughout life, with the Chuck Schafer Scholarship.
      Chuck Schafer was a past coach, volunteer and league President who used his skills as a talented architect to design the Fields of Dreams Complex to cater to families who love Little League as he did. He believed in giving back to his community and paying it forward. The 23rd Annual Chuck Schafer Scholarship Tournament will be held the weekend of June 27th – 28th at the Field of Dreams Complex to raise funds for the scholarship. The award winners will be honored during a short ceremony at noon on Sat., June 27.
      This year will mark the 22nd year of providing scholarships. During this time, Boardman Community Baseball has awarded over $105,000 in scholarships to former BCB ball players