By Rich Fisher, Contributing Editor
In a span of four years, Dominic Cuniglio moved exactly one seat to the right at the George Wah Scholar-Leader-Athlete dinner sponsored by the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame.
While that is not a great distance physically, it represents a huge, positive jump in the grand scheme of Cuniglio’s life.
In 2022, as an eighth grader at Our Lady of Sorrows School, Hamilton, Dom received the chapter’s Little Scholar Award given to an outstanding youth football scholar-athlete. Fast forward to March 8 of this year, and Cuniglio was the Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, recipient of the Scholar-Leader-Athlete Award, which comes with a $1,000 college scholarship for winners from 19 high schools in Mercer County and surrounding areas.
When Cuniglio attended the dinner at Princeton Marriott at Forrestal as a Little Scholar winner, he gave no thought to a return trip in 2026.
“I don’t really think I put that much thought into it back then,” the Our Lady of Sorrows parishioner said just after the dinner. “But to actually get to do it, let alone sit in the seat right next to the one I sat in the first time, that means a lot. I didn’t imagine I’d be back here, but knowing that I am shows how far I’ve come and how impressive my journey has been.”
On a trail lined with success so far, Cuniglio was a two-year starter at center and a senior captain. This past year he was the 12th Man TD Club’s Lineman of the Week and earned West Jersey Football League first-team All-Division honors.
In the classroom he has a cumulative grade point average of 95.4 (out of 100) while taking numerous honors and advanced placement courses. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Italian Honor Society and is a member of Notre Dame’s Catholic Athletes for Christ and Peer Leadership clubs. For good measure, he also makes the school’s morning announcements.
Through it all, faith has served as his guide.
“Throughout my life I’ve been going to Catholic school, and it’s really had an impact on me,” Cuniglio said. “Coming to Notre Dame really strengthened the faith. Getting to be involved not just in church but community organizations, and people giving back to the community. We do a lot at Notre Dame, especially Catholic Athletes for Christ, which is led by (former football coach) Sean Clancy. He does a lot; he makes sure it all counts.”
Just as Cuniglio makes sure everything he does counts thanks to clutching his faith.
“It’s given me a lot, it’s really something that brings meaning,” he said. “Whether you’re having a good day or a bad day, there’s always someone behind you. Even if you can’t see them, they’re there. You know they’re helping you and guiding you. (Faith) means a lot to push yourself, especially playing at Notre Dame, where putting your faith in front of you has really helped us a lot, and me, specifically.”
Cuniglio’s parents made sure he understood the importance of academics. As a former high school and college player, his dad, Dom Jr., knew exactly what it took. And now it has taken Dom III to Gettysburg College, where he will play next fall.
“My parents always told me to make sure you’re paying attention, make sure you do well in your academics because that’s really gonna take you farther than any sport,” Cuniglio said. “I take that to heart.”
His pre-calculus teacher, Cheryl Harris, confirmed just how intense he is in the classroom.
“Dom is a very diligent, curious, and meticulous student as well as a friendly individual,” Harris said. “He has proven himself as a well-rounded, motivated student. He has made the most of any learning situation set in front of him. I admire Dom for never giving up, for keeping a positive attitude when things get difficult, and for taking responsibility for his learning.”
Clancy, for whom Cuniglio has nothing but admiration, noted that Dom helps others during difficult times as well.
“As the leader our football team, Dominic has experienced both success and challenges,” Clancy said. “This year we had an inauspicious season, yet the team stayed focused and united due in large part to Dominic’s leadership over the last few months.”
Cuniglio credits is parents, coaches and teachers for much of his success, and also praised his “anonymous eight.”
“There are eight really special people to me that have helped me to grow,” he said. “It’s them that I’m up here trying to represent as well, and Notre Dame has allowed me to bond with them. I don’t need to give their names, but they know who they are, and they mean so much to me.
“When I was sitting on this stage, it wasn’t just for me. This award was for all of them. Everyone who’s worked hard, contributed to me, believed in me, just getting this trophy is the payoff for what they’ve done.”
