Julio O. Encarnacao Sr.

Julio Encarnacao immigrated to this country at the age of nineteen from Cape Verde eventually making Wakefield his home. He raised 12 children, eight boys and 4 girls, and enriched his family with the ethic and attitude by which he lived. From early morning to late at night Julio worked hard every day but somehow he always found the time to teach his children different aspects of life. He encouraged their school participation and attended their sporting events. He stressed the importance of citizen involvement and taught them the basics like how to plant, harvest and preserve the output of a garden for the winter months. All along his sound advice was stated in simple terms: ‘If a job is worth doing - it’s worth doing to the best of your ability.’ Mr. and Mrs. Julio Encarnacao’s children believed their parents to be ‘the hardest working people ever.’ Although the times were tough in the era in which they were brought up, the large Encarnacao family was a success by working together as part of the family team.

The current contact and administrator of this award, Mr. John Encarnacao, the son of Julio, demonstrates the success and achievement the Encarnacao work ethic produces. From Captain of the 1955-56 Wakefield football team to graduate of The Massachusetts Military Academy, to logistics officer, to retired full Colonel of the National Guard of 36 years; from 1956 Wakefield Class President to member of The Wakefield School Committee for 21 years, to current Wakefield Selectman approaching 12 years; from construction company owner to civilian construction project manager for the National Guard; from 1 of 12 children encouraged to participate by his parents to father of 5 outstanding children. It is clear the ‘Team’ Encarnacao concept works. Once in charge of 900 men and millions of dollars in construction equipment John Encarnacao modestly states, ‘I was and am only as good as the people around me.’ But one cannot overlook the leaders and team players that are crucial for any successful organization.

There are not many, if any, family names who appear more throughout the history of Wakefield High School. Just in Wakefield Football history you can see four former captains, two former recipients of this award, and many more Encarnacaos’ who dot the rosters of yesteryear. Established in 1979, The Julio O. Encarnacao Award is the longest running honor of distinction given by the Warrior Football program. It is designed to memorialize a man by recognizing a player for his leadership, citizenship, team spirit and dedication. However, the award also allows an accomplished family to give back to the community in the same manner by which they were taught; by rewarding and encouraging the recipient to continue to live as he plays within the same traditional hard work ethic reminiscent of Julio Encarnacao.

Julio O. Encarnacao Sr. Memorial Award

Awarded to a Wakefield High School Varsity Player who best exemplifies citizenship, leadership and dedication to the football team, and the spirit of Wakefield High School.

1979	James Buonopane	1980	Joseph Amyouny	1981	Mark Marino	1982	William Tucker
1983	Kenneth Ingersoll	1984	Brian Bisacre	1985	Richard Phipps	1986	David Healy
1987	John Encarnacao	1988	Matthew Chase	1989	Anthony Encarnacao	1990	Christopher Defeo
1991	Paul Moccia	1992	Patrick Killkelly	1993	Brenan Callahan	1994	Michael Agri
1995	John Pace	1996	Matthew Mahoney	1997	Richard Barbaro	1998	David Forster
1999	Richard Heimbecker	2000	Gregory Marullo	2001	Eric Sterite	2002	Richard Bruno
2003	Christopher Fiore	2004	Michael Flynn	2005	Marc Fiore	2006	Chris Roberto
2007	Cliff Pebley

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Or contact a coach or Wakefield Warrior Club Member

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1979 Julio O. and Olivia Encarnacao Citizens’ Scholarship Fund of Wakefield Established