Some outstanding students were recognized recently as this year's recipients of the Concord Firefighters' Relief Association and the Concord Carlisle Youth Baseball and Softball organization scholarships.

The Concord Firefighters' Relief Association, along with the Concord Carlisle Scholarship Fund, announced their first scholarship, awarded to Sean P. Dalton, class of 2011.

The scholarship was founded this spring, and is awarded to a graduating senior who plans go into the field of public safety.

“We have started this scholarship to give back to the community we are proud to protect," Firefighter Sean P. Murphy said in a statement. "What better way than to provide educational assistance to local students hoping to continue our commitment to the public good? We hope to permanently continue this relationship of giving back.”

Dalton, a fifth generation Concordian, and the grandson of a Concord Firefighter, is headed to Plymouth State University this fall to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice with a goal of becoming a Massachusetts State Trooper, according to Mary-Beth Jones, Trustee of the Concord Carlisle Scholarship Fund. In high school, Dalton was a member of the CCHS football team and volunteered regularly with Concord youth.

For more information on Firefighters' Relief Association events, including the Sept. 24 Firefighters Ball, call (978) 318-3488.

The CCYBS also announced the CCHS class of 2011 recipients of the Kathleen C. Healy Scholarships — Brandon Napolitano and Gayle Miner.

Napolitano's coach, John Kelly said the three-year varsity player's toughness is what makes him a role model to other student athletes. In the span of a year, Napolitano suffered a knee injury and a torn labrum, which required surgery to repair.

"After months of dedicated physical therapy he was able to get back on the mound and just one year after surgery, Brandon began showing signs of former dominance," Kelly said in a statement. "The mental toughness required to come back from any type of arm surgery is not to be under estimated and Brandon worked as hard as anyone I have seen. As a result of his efforts, dedication and skill, Brandon earned a position in the starting rotation for his junior and senior seasons.

"Brandon is a good confident role model. He showed great leadership by committing to a long and painful rehab after multiple injuries to come back and be a key member of our team," Kelly added.

Napolitano will attend Dean College this fall and will continue to play baseball.

Miner, who pitched two perfect games over her softball career, finished high school with .97 ERA and 357 strikeouts despite missing almost an entire season due to injury.

"She is one of the best role models Concord Carlisle Softball has ever had," Coach Lisa J. McGloin said in a statement. "So many players lead by pure ability and statistics and Gayle has plenty of those."

Even after a torn ACL took her off the field, Miner continued to support her team, and volunteered her time to help young athletes in the community.

"Although Gayle could not play, she attended every high school practice and pre-season youth league clinic sharing her knowledge, love, commitment and passion for softball with those around her," McGloin said. "Gayle volunteered her time on nights and weekends to work with several of the rookie league teams instructing on pitching and hitting. In a season that she should have dominated softball in the state, not to mention the mark she would have made on Concord-Carlisle softball, she willingly and enthusiastically served as a community role model instead."

This fall, Gayle is headed to Boston University.

Click here for more information on the CCYBS.