Big oak trees start as tiny acorns.

35 years ago, an award began at Scarborough High School to encourage graduates to go into the journalism (Write complete sentences; be the public’s eyes and ears; don’t work for supermarket tabloids!).

The award was named after Harold J. Boyle, the former Grand Old Man of Maine newspaper columnists. It is now one of 10 Scarborough community/neighborhood/sports awards a group of us presents each year.

2014, the envelope, please:

1.) HAROLD J. BOYLE STUDENT JOURNALISM AWARD

Matt Aceto, SHS 2014, self-described “hip hop journalist;” has online readers only; “New school!” Millions of “hits!” Matt Aceto, our new frontier!

2.) GEORGE BEATTIE LEGION BASEBALL ALUMNI “GIVE-BACK” AWARD

Libby-Mitchell American Legion Post 76 in Scarborough believes in thanking people for good deeds. Commander Bob Coulthard, Treasurer Shawn Babine, and Past Commanders Dave Dolloff and Duane Jutting exude: “Do good things. Thank others who do good things.” George Beattie was a stud athlete in South Portland in the l960s and ’70s. He got married and moved to Scarborough. Coached, volunteered, umpired, sold raffle tickets. He passed away in 2013. This 7-year-old award now honors him and recognizes a Legion alum who comes back to help. (One year, it went to a guy who raked fields daily in July). This summer, Conor McCann, SHS 2012, and Boston College 2016, returned as a Legion coach. Thank you, CMack!

3.) KENNETH DOLLOFF MEMORIAL LEGION BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP

Ken Dolloff, SHS 1940, was a D-Day veteran, and came back from the war to BEGIN a life of public service, not saying his service was over. He was active in everything in 04074 land for 65 years. He passed away two years ago. He was a rock with Legion baseball in Scarborough since l946. Libby-Mitchell baseball awards a $l,000 scholarship to an SHS senior each year. Justin Reynolds will take the funds – and the responsibility – to Roger Williams University. Good luck, J.R!

4) DINO GIAMATTI COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Dino used to run the beloved country inn, The Atlantic House, on the ocean at the end of Kirkwood Road (now, a condominium complex). The brother of former Major League Baseball Commissioner and Yale President Bart Giamatti, Dino is both a lover of baseball and also Scarborough. Retired in Florida now, he was once a fixture in a flock of 04074 activities – library board, conservation organizations, business associations. The winner of the Giamatti award this year volunteers at Maine Medical Center; Ronald McDonald House; Key Club; Student Government; and was at Dirigo Boys State. (I had to recuse myself on this vote; the coaches ended up deciding my son, Sam Warren, a pitcher on the team, was a worthy recipient (key decider – he also raked and “prepped” the fields this summer for all 20 Senior and Junior Legion games. Coaches like that!).

5.) GENE HUNTER YOUTH BASKETBALL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Legendary hoops coach Gene Hunter had a world-class career at Morse High and South Portland High. He then retired to the easy life in Scarborough, or so he thought. He agreed to coach middle school on one condition – the “system” let him focus on fundamentals – and “not trophies, and pizza parties.” The coach winner this year, Chris Hayward. Like Coach Hunter, his idea of a good time is 50 layups done correctly. Young player Lindsay Fiorillo “just wants to get better each day,” said the coach who nominated her. Coach Hunter, though deceased, just said, “Amen!”

6.) SONNY NOEL MEMORIAL LEGION BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP

Sonny Noel, another D-Day veteran, returned from the war and gave 60-plus years to Maine baseball coaching, umpiring, administrating, then the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. Sonny, Umpire in Chief at four different College World Series, also told people off-field: “Take care of your personal life” pay your taxes, support your family, obey laws, and – “Go to class and pay attention!” Benito Onorato did. He will head to Colorado this fall, with Sonny’s help and advice. Go get ’em, young man.

7.) PHILIP T. MARTIN YOUTH BASEBALL AWARDS

Established in l997, the awards this year honor their 100th Middle School player. Named after the recently passed away Phil Martin, former 30-year SHS head varsity baseball coach, the awards seek to recognize middle school players who are good teammates. Seventh graders Anthony Burnham and Cam Seymour, and eighth grader Ben Heston all now get their name associated with one of the 25 most knowledgeable baseball people in Maine history, and one of the 10 funniest. Congratulations to Phil Martin Youth Baseball Award winners 2014.

8) RICHARD C. LIBBY OFFSEASON BASEBALL DEDICATION AWARD

Rick Libby was a top SHS baseball player. He returned to his hometown and coached Libby-Mitchell Post for 10 years. He started a winter throwing program in l996 to help kids gain arm strength. This winter, Matt Mogolowitz caught pitchers at the warehouse in a snowstorm. Sam Warren showed up weekly, even after sweaty full-court hoop sessions (Another recusal vote for yours truly…). Goal: Let’s get more kids familiar with the name Richard C. Libby Jr. than with Tommy John.

9.) EDDIE WOODIN YOUTH SPORTS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS

Eight years ago, a group of citizens decided both to reward the outstanding (and sometimes lonely) conservation work of Scarborough philanthropist Eddie Woodin, and encourage copycats. The Woodin Awards are for parents in sports who carpool; engage in “efficient travel,” combine trips to the post office with trips to practices, games etc. (Extra points for those who ride bikes, or walk, to sports events). Kim Littlefield, Jen Martin and Karen Tassie, thanks for making a greener world.

10.) PETER WALSH YOUTH BASEBALL COACHING AWARD

Pete Walsh ran 8 Corners Market for 30 years, until his death several years ago. The store is now run by his son, Pete Jr., and not only still dispenses delicious pizza, but also generosity to kids and teams in 04074 baseball and other sports. Pete Sr. was famous for still being involved long after he had any child involved. This year, Jim Cronin, former SHS varsity baseball coach and father of current Boston College player Joe Cronin, SHS 2012, returned for another year as assistant to new SHS Head Coach Ryan Jones. Always refreshing to see somebody do something for the town when they have zero obligation to do so. Thanks, Coach Cronin!

Have a great school year, everyone.

Dan Warren is a Scarborough lawyer who can be reached through private Facebook message at Jones & Warren Attorneys at Law, or by email at jonesandwarren@gmail.com.