In a life that was tragically cut short, Stephen O’Grady had a huge impact on young people in Salem and at St. John the Evangelist School.  During his school years, Stephen was President of Salem High’s student council and of Immaculate Conception Parish’s youth group.  Starting at age 16, Stephen became involved with the Salem Little League, first as a coach (his beloved team was the Reds), then became the league’s Vice President.  The baseball diamond at Salem’s Forest River Park is named after Stephen O’Grady.  Starting at age 19, Stephen spent 7 years at St. John the Evangelist School, serving as a basketball coach, physical education teacher, athletic director, and middle school wellness teacher. Stephen started the girls’ basketball program and the ski program during his time as AD. Even after moving on, he filled in as a physical education teacher when needed.  At age 26, Stephen took on the role of Executive Director of the Salem Boys and Girls Club, which had recently been forced to shut its doors. He built it back into a thriving Club for the kids of Salem.  In September 1999, less than a month after his 30th birthday, Stephen was killed by a drunk driver.  Quote by Peeta Mellark “Our lives are not measured in years, but are measured in the lives of people we touch around us." 
"On a personal level, I have always thought the winners of the O’Grady award represent the type of young people we hope to produce at SA."~ Mr. Walsh
The Stephen O’Grady Award celebrates a Saints Academy student-athlete’s determination, dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship.  Congratulations to this year's award winners!