by VDC staff

In major league baseball, the award for the best pitcher is named after Cy Young, regarded as the best pitcher of all time. In this spirit, the Vermont GOP has named its inaugural Legislator of the Year Award after Rep. George Schiavone of Shelburne, who served the people of Shelburne and part of Williston in the House and a GOP National Committeeman.

When Schiavone died in 2020, leaving his dear wife Linda who is still active at GOP events, he left a legacy as a true public servant who loved people, loved listening to them, loved serving them. Never an ambitious political ‘climber,’ he was a wise gentleman who could always be counted on to do, say, and vote the right thing as he saw it.

This morning the VTGOP announced the finalists for this evening’s Awards Night at the Delta Hotel in South Burlington. The winner in each category will be announced at tonight’s event. Below are the four categories and their respective finalists:

Rookie of the Year Award
This award is given to a freshmen legislator who has made significant contributions to the caucus

George Schiavone Legislator of the Year Award
This legislator is acknowledged by peers for significant legislative achievement

Sen. Sam Douglass

Sen. Russ Ingalls

Rep. Pattie McCoy

Rep. Mike Morgan

Rep. Chris Taylor

Rep. Jim Harrison

Schiavone was elected in 1992 by the people of Shelburne and served until he stepped down in 2005 to better fulfill his duties to the Republican Party as their National Committeeman, a position he held until 2012. Considering George’s service as a model legislator for Vermont Republicans he was a natural and fitting choice for the annual George Schiavone Legislator of the Year Award.

George was a down-to-earth, eager-to-laugh friend to everyone he met, on both sides of the aisle. He was always one of the Republican Party’s biggest cheerleaders who found himself attending nearly every pancake breakfast and spaghetti dinner hosted by any Republicans within driving distance.

He also served as the Town Chair for the Shelburne Republicans and was involved as a regular member until the day he died.

In addition to serving his party, George was also a devout servant of his community. He was an active member of the Shelburne Rotary club where he often volunteered to varying degrees on several projects.

Don Turner “Local Leader” Award
This award is given to an individual at the local town, city or municipal level who has demonstrated leadership in their community.

People’s Choice Award
This award goes to a current legislator who receives the most votes from Republicans across the state

The evening’s guest speaker will be nationally syndicated radio show host Erick Erickson who is based out of Atlanta. Prior to starting his own radio show and podcast Erickson also served as the CEO and Editor-in Chief at RedState.com.

Doors open at 6 pm with the program set to start at 6:30 pm.

Tickets available at the door.