It Starts With ME

05/12/2026

We are honored to announce this year’s recipients of the Jason “Bones” LeBlanc Memorial Scholarship:

Jack Fabiano and Owen Hanson.

Jason was known for his humor, loyalty, and a kindness that touched so many—especially within the Salem community. This scholarship was created to keep his memory alive by supporting a deserving student who demonstrates personal integrity and a genuine drive to succeed.

This year brought one of the strongest applicant pools we’ve ever seen. After careful review, the selection committee found themselves tied—a rare occurrence and only the second time in the scholarship’s history. Even after meaningful discussion, we could not choose just one recipient. Because of that, we are proud to award two scholarships this year.

Congratulations to Jack and Owen on this well-deserved recognition. We are truly impressed by your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments, and we are honored to support you as you continue your academic journey.

We would also like to thank all the other students who took the time to apply. We truly appreciate the thought, effort, and care that went into every application. Thank you for sharing your stories and please know this decision was not easy. You were all exceptional and deserving applicants. Best wishes for all your future.

Thank you,
Melanie & Scholarship Committee

Send a message to learn more

05/01/2026

Thank You to All Who Applied

Thank you to everyone who applied for the Jason “Bones” LeBlanc Memorial Scholarship. This year marked our most successful year to date, with an exceptional number of applications and many truly outstanding candidates. Given the level of interest and the quality of submissions, we felt it was important to share some background on how the scholarship recipients are selected.

The scholarship committee uses a structured, point-based voting system, with 50% of the total score based on the personal essay, which reflects on adversity the applicant has overcome. Essays are evaluated for depth, clarity, thoughtfulness, and reflection. The remaining points consider academic effort and community involvement.

To ensure fairness and avoid any conflict of interest, all applications are reviewed anonymously. Names and identifying information are withheld from the committee during the evaluation and scoring process.

All applicants must submit all four required components to be considered:

*Confirmation of the college or vocational program the applicant plans to attend
*An official academic transcript
*A list of community activities and/or community service
*A typed personal essay (at least one page) describing adversity the applicant has overcome

While no points are awarded based on the specific college or vocational program selected, confirmation of continued education is required. Applications missing any required component are automatically removed from consideration.

With so many deserving applicants, the selection process is never easy. You didn't make this year easy.

This year's recipient has been submitted to Salem High School and we will announce the winner in May, once Salem High completes its award preparation process.

We are grateful to each student who took the time to apply and for helping us continue to honor Jason’s legacy.❤️

Thank you!!

Send a message to learn more

04/14/2026

Photos from The Sweetness 16 event thank you to the amazing Elvis Perez!

Shared album · Tap to view!

04/13/2026

Hello Everyone,

Just a friendly reminder that the deadline to apply for the Jason Bones Memorial Scholarship is quickly approaching—April 20th.
Please remember that any senior from Salem High School, or any senior with a parent who is an alumnus of Salem High School, is eligible to apply. This is a $1,000 scholarship that can be used toward college or trade school expenses.

The qualifications are simple. Applicants may email the four required items directly to [email protected]. Once received, all applications will be submitted to the scholarship committee for review and voting.

We’ve also received some questions about the personal story portion of the application. Adversity means something different to everyone—and it doesn’t have to be traumatic. Everyone faces challenges as they grow into adulthood, and those challenges are unique. We ask that applicants share something they’ve faced and how it changed them, how they overcame it, or even something they may still be working through. Tell us your story.

Jason had a story too—and we will continue to share it. The good, the difficult, and so many funny moments. This scholarship honors someone who was truly loved by so many in our city, and through this award, his story lives on.

We encourage all eligible seniors to apply and take the opportunity to represent a remarkable legacy.

Thank you, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

04/05/2026

Where to begin?

As I sit here thinking about what we accomplished in just three weeks with The Sweetness 16, I am truly in awe. It’s amazing what can happen when everyone comes together for a great cause—and, most importantly, for our kids. Creating an event that celebrates the game of basketball while also honoring Autism Acceptance Month made this day even more powerful and meaningful.

My first instinct is always to think, I wish I did this better, or I forgot to do that, or next year it would be even better if I changed this (and yes, I did say next year). But the truth is, there wouldn’t be a next year of The Sweetness 16 without the incredible support from everyone who made this day a success—from my family to every single person sitting in the stands cheering on their favorite player.
________________________________________

Thank You to the Organizers

A huge thank you to Payton’s family, friends, and coaches who helped organize The Sweetness 16 and answered what felt like endless calls and texts:
• Jamie Campbell
• Jason Glick
• Eric McKinnon
• Katie Nieves
________________________________________

Thank You to Our Volunteers

This tournament would not have been possible without our volunteers who showed up, stepped in, and kept everything running:
• Natalie Campbell
• Luke Campbell
• Roseann Campbell
• Evie Delikat
• Scott Grimes
• Camryn Jalbert
• Hannah Lausier
• Olivia Lausier
• Cierra McKinnon
• Liz McKinnon
• Thomas McKinnon
• Catalina Nieves
• Juan Nieves
• Brian Parsons
• Jen Parsons
• Madeline St. Pierre
• Fausto Taveras
________________________________________

Community Support That Meant Everything

Thank you to everyone who donated food so we could sell concessions and raise funds, and to all who contributed financially to support The Sweetness 16 and its mission during Autism Acceptance Month. Your generosity, time, and belief in what we’re building meant more than words can express. Every donation—big or small—helped turn this vision into something real, meaningful, and memorable for our kids and families. We are beyond grateful for your support.
________________________________________

Honoring the Players

And to the 33 ballers who were drafted into 8 teams and absolutely lit up the gym—THANK YOU! From the opening tip to the last second buzzer beaters, you brought nonstop energy, fierce competition, and pure love for the game. Big shots, clutch moments, lockdown defense, fast breaks, and a crowd on its feet—you made the gym LOUD and every game feel like a championship. You didn’t just play basketball—you put on a show. Because of you, the atmosphere was electric, the competition was intense, and this tournament was fun, competitive, and unforgettable. We are beyond proud of every single one of you.
________________________________________
🏆 First Year Champions
A huge CONGRATULATIONS to the first year winning team of The Sweetness 16: Coach Nate Lane, Jaxcyn Dejesus Hughes, Ronny Hernandez, Xander Richard, and Payton Parsons.
You battled every game, rose to the moment when it mattered most, and showed what teamwork, toughness, and heart look like. Champions from Day One—well deserved!
________________________________________
🌟 Sportsmanship Award
A special congratulations to Sportsmanship Award winner Nate Eddy. Nate consistently showed respect, positivity, teamwork, and class both on and off the court. He truly embodied the core values of The Sweetness 16 and what this event stands for. Well deserved.
________________________________________
Special Thanks
Thank you to my friend Elvis Perez, who surprised me by showing up to shoot the event. Elvis stayed the entire day capturing moments, emotions, and memories from the tournament. His talent and commitment mean more than he knows.
________________________________________
A Truly Special Day
What made The Sweetness 16 even more special was the presence of so many local basketball leaders giving back to the next generation.

Salem High School boys basketball has won four State Championships—1926, 1990, 1995, and 2026—and we were honored to have representatives from three of those championship years in the building.
Special Guests
• Zach Zegarowski, Salem High alumnus, exceptional player, elite coach, and five time state champion coach at Charlestown High School, volunteered his time to warm up players and support the event. Zach currently trains Payton and continues to help him grow both on and off the court.
• Jamaal Camah, Salem High alumnus and member of the 1995 SHS State Championship team, assisted with warm ups and refereeing. A three year standout who went on to play at Providence College, Jamaal is now the principal of Salem’s New Liberty Innovation School and a proud Salem High Hall of Famer.
• Coach Tom Doyle and Assistant Coach Ethan Doyle stopped by to show love and support. Coach Doyle represented both the 2026 and 1990 state championship teams. With over 23 seasons and 300+ career wins, he continues to be one of the most respected high school coaches in Massachusetts.
• Guest Star Coaches — The 2025 Salem High School Boys Basketball State Champions: Nate Lane (Captain), Matt Kenney, Jeyren Estevez, Jamison Hanson Armstrong, LJ Gonzales, and Darren Taku. Their surprise appearance for the boys and hands on engagement with the kids made the day even more special—future ballers learning from local heroes.

Salem Showing Up
And an enormous shout out to the Salem High School boys who came back to the gym to volunteer, mentor, and bring the energy. High fives, encouragement, coaching moments, cheering from the sidelines—you turned the gym into something powerful. You showed these boys what leadership, community, and giving back truly look like. Salem showed up, and the impact will last far beyond this tournament.
________________________________________

Closing Paragraph

At the heart of The Sweetness 16 is Payton’s journey—a journey that reminds us what’s possible when athletes are supported, believed in, and coached to their strengths. Payton has shown us that autistic athletes don’t need to change to fit the game—the game grows when we adapt, understand, and meet athletes where they are. Seeing Salem High players come back to volunteer, mentor, and uplift these boys showed exactly what inclusion and acceptance look like in action. Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month through The Sweetness 16 is about creating spaces where differences are embraced, strengths are highlighted, and confidence can grow. When coaches lead with patience and athletes lead with heart, we don’t just build better players—we build self belief, opportunity, and lifelong love for the game. That is the true meaning behind The Sweetness 16, and that will always be its purpose. 💙🏀
It Starts With ME

Send a message to learn more

04/01/2026

Sweetness 16 Tournament – Event Details & Schedule

Signups were a great success! We had 33 kids sign up from 6 different cities/towns—including an amazing 26 Salem kids! We also have a great mix of 5th and 6th graders, with 21 boys and 12 girls entered to compete.

This Saturday, we will create 8 teams to compete in The Sweetness 16 – 3v3 Tournament!

🏆 Trophies will be awarded to:
The winning team and the player who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship!

Event Schedule

8:30 AM
*Player check-in begins
*If you have not yet turned in your waiver, please bring it
with you or be prepared to complete one upon arrival.
(Plenty of copies will be available.)

8:45–9:30 AM
*Warm-up clinic with local all-star coaches and players

9:30 AM
*Team and coach assignments announced

9:45 AM
*Welcome & event introduction

10:00 AM
*Tournament officially begins
(All teams are guaranteed at least three games)

12:00 PM
*Championship game and awards ceremony

Additional Reminders
*All players should bring proper footwear.

Refreshments will be available for purchase (cash and Venmo accepted). We are still accepting donations, including drinks and food, for the event.

Please let us know if you have any questions—we’re looking forward to a great day of basketball!

Thank you,
Payton & Melanie

03/26/2026

Any player who signs up before Saturday will be entered into a drawing to win prizes! Deadline to sign up for tournament is March 31st.

Form 1 – Event Flyer
Includes event details and the Venmo QR code for registration and payment. Please submit payment at the time of registration so we don’t need to track payments afterward. Be sure to include your child’s name and grade in the Venmo comments.

Form 2 – Waiver
Provides consent for participation and permission for photos. You may return the waiver ahead of time, or have your child bring it on game day.

11/02/2025

The City of Salem is launching a relief effort for residents displaced by a house fire on Felt Street in the early morning hours of November 2. Donations are now being collected to support them as they begin to recover from the fire.

Additionally, if you know of apartments for rent in Salem that may be available for these displaced individuals, please contact [email protected], and we will share the information with the victims.

Donating Funds

Donations may be made online at https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx, or by check at any Salem Five bank branch. Donations may also be mailed to:
Salem Relief Fund
c/o Salem Five
71 Washington Street
Salem MA 01970

Please make your check payable to “Salem Relief Fund.” Donations are tax deductible, and all donated funds will be divided among the victims to help them secure a new place to live, purchase food, home goods, and clothing.

Donating Items

In lieu of donating items, those who would like to help the victims recover are encouraged to give cash donations, so individuals have the most flexibility in rebuilding their lives. Cash and gift cards may be dropped off at the Constituent Services Office of the Mayor, Salem City Hall, 93 Washington Street (2nd floor), during regular business hours.