North Branford High School's Nicholas Salvati Nominated For Heart Of Giant Award

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — A North Branford High School student and athlete who battled cancer for several years has been nominated for a Heart of a Giant Award.

The USA Football Heart of a Giant award, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants, recognizes high school students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut who demonstrate an unparalleled work ethic and passion for the game of football.

The award showcases the Tri-State high school tackle and flag football athletes, student managers, student mascots, or other designated student team members who demonstrate that extra something special—in the classroom, out in the community, or on the field.

One of those students who demonstrates that "extra something special" is Nicolas Salvati of North Branford High School.

Salvati, the captain of the NBHS football team, was at age 11 diagnosed in 2020 with Burkitt lymphoma. He had tremendous community support, including from football teams throughout North Branford who "came together to support me through gifts, drive-by parades, and countless acts of kindness." That support showed him "that football is about much more than what happens on the field—it creates a community." Salvati underwent three years of chemotherapy and had setbacks that kept him from the football field, but he was motivated to heal and come back.

Salvati is a nominee for the Heart of a Giant program award.

The Heart of a Giant program promotes equity in football by rewarding students of all ability levels with a chance to receive a $10,000 equipment grant.

Vote for Nicolas Salvati here.

Here's his bio and his story.

Name: Nicolas Salvati

High School: North Branford High School

Bio:

What Heart of a Giant characteristic best describes you and why?

Courage (Team Leadership or Achievement Despite Adversity)

I chose the courage category because I believe I best exemplify team leadership within my school community. I am a captain of my football team this year and have served as captain of both my indoor and outdoor track teams during my junior year. Under our leadership, both track teams placed at states, with some athletes advancing even further. I also serve as my school’s Student Council President, a position I was elected to at the end of my sophomore year. In this role, I take pride in bringing our school community together by organizing events such as Homecoming, spirit weeks, and fundraisers supporting both our school and charities like the Tommy Fund Foundation. Through these experiences, I have learned that strong leadership means setting an example, bringing people together, and making a positive impact.

How do you demonstrate leadership in football?

I like to believe that I am always being observed, whether by someone who expects something from me or someone who sees me as a role model. To me, a truly good leader is someone who lifts others up when the score is against them, keeps the team motivated, and refuses to give up or resort to complaining when things aren’t going our way.

How do you demonstrate leadership in your community?

Before I was elected Student Council President my sophomore year, I approached my school administration to advocate for activities that my peers otherwise would not have had the opportunity to experience, including a Homecoming dance. At the time, a Homecoming dance was considered non-negotiable, but I was able to help change that decision.

How do you demonstrate leadership in the classroom?

In the classroom, I hold myself to those same ideals. I strive to be a motivator and source of support for my peers, whether we are in a friendly competition or preparing for a stressful final exam. No matter the situation, I want the people around me to know that I am always in their corner.

Academic Achievements

Completed and passed 4 AP course classes

Athletic Achievements

Ted Netcoh Award recipient

Personal Accomplishments

Bringing back the schoolwide Homecoming dance is a personal accomplishment because it showed me that speaking up and advocating for others can create meaningful change. It also taught me that there is always a better future to work toward, and I should never be afraid to push for it.

What are obstacles you’ve faced?

In 2020, at age 11, I was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma. During that difficult time, the football teams throughout my town came together to support me through gifts, drive-by parades, and countless acts of kindness. Their support showed me that football is about much more than what happens on the field—it creates a community. Three years after chemotherapy, I had to sit out my entire freshman season because of a side effect from the chemotherapy. I developed a platelet disorder that made me especially susceptible to injuries. Rather than letting that setback define me, I used the time to get faster and stronger. My love for football motivated me to make the sacrifices necessary to return to the field and taught me the dedication and resilience it takes to succeed.

How did you first get involved in football?

My dad grew up loving football and eventually became a high school coach, so I was surrounded by the sport throughout my childhood. At seven years old, he signed me up to play, and I have loved the game ever since.

Vote for Nicolas Salvati here.