Dr. Larry Palko entered the grand ballroom of the famous Waldorf Astoria in New York City feeling a rush of excitement and honor.
To be considered for the Chapter Leadership Award from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame is a feat in and of itself.
To win the award puts Palko in a league of his own.
“I never thought a national award would come to the Schuylkill Chapter just because it’s a small chapter that doesn’t have as many resources,” Palko said.
“It’s certainly a distinguished honor to be recognized.”
The 66-year-old from Pottsville was presented with the Chapter Leadership Award on Dec. 9, 2014, at the 57th annual Chapter Awards Luncheon, where he was among many other honorees.
Palko serves as the vice president for the Schuylkill/Pottsville Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame and has headed the Schuylkill Scholar-Athlete Executive Committee for the past 25 years. The chapter is in its 54th year of operation and held its 53rd Scholar-Athlete Banquet last spring.
“I was proud to accept an award like that, both personally and for the Schuylkill Chapter,” Palko said. “Especially in a beautiful showcase like that, surrounded by prestigious people that I admire and respect.”
A selection committee at the national office determined the Chapter Leadership Award. One winner was chosen from each of the five regions, with Palko representing the East Region.
The awards dinner is one which Palko will never forget. He was able to meet and speak with many men and women who have made an impact in some aspect of the National Football Foundation.
“I was able to see people like Don McPherson, Roger Staubach, Rece Davis and Frank Beckmann, but one of the highlights of my experience was meeting the recipient of the 2104 Gold Medal Award, Dr. Thomas Catena,” Palko said.
“He was an outstanding football player at Brown University and went on to become a doctor. He gave up a life of comfort in order to fulfill his passion for helping others in places like Sudan. It was an honor to meet him and something that I didn’t expect.”
Palko, now retired, worked for 35 years in the Minersville Area School District as a teacher, coach and principal. He continues to work in several roles, including as an adjunct professor at Wilkes University, and is heavily involved in his role with the Schuylkill/Pottsville Chapter.
Chapter President Dave Holley, a previous recipient of the Chapter Leadership Award, stated the Schuylkill/Pottsville Chapter would not have achieved its success without Palko’s leadership.
“The Schuylkill Chapter Scholar-Athlete program has been a part of my personal and professional life for a long time and is an important part of the Coal Region sports story,” Palko said. “I’m grateful for the
opportunity and the privilege to be a part of it.”
The scholar-athlete program is the oldest in the country, as each year 14 Schuylkill County-area high school football players are recognized at a banquet for their achievements both on and off the field.
This year’s banquet is April 12 at Hillcrest Hall in Minersville.
“This program honors something that we look for, which is the balance of athletic ability, academic achievement, leadership qualities and community service,” Palko said. “It takes a lot of work by the committee to put together this banquet and it’s all volunteer work.”
In his acceptance speech, Palko spoke about the army of people who have founded and sustained the organization to make a significant impact to young people in Schuylkill County. His hope is for the chapter to grow larger and have a strong connection with the school districts and football coaches.
“As much as I appreciate the award and am grateful to have received it, the real reward is watching young lives change,” Palko said. “That’s what the program is all about.”