Wareham High School’s small cafeteria was packed with students, parents, and teachers Monday night for the school’s athletic awards ceremony.

“They need to be recognized,” Wareham High School Athletic Director Ed Rodrigues said of the student-athletes. “These kids work hard all year for four years. They should get something at the end.”

There were three kinds of student awards given that night, and one kind of special award. In addition to the Student Captain’s awards and Multiple Sports Athlete awards, eight students received Major awards. In total, 75 students received awards.

One of the Major award categories was the male and female Unsung Hero award, given by individual coaches for athletes who give their all, and then some. Nathaniel Moore and Kia Fernandes won the Unsung Hero awards.

“Nate embodies what it means to be a leader, but also embodies that unsung hero mentality,” coach John Sousa said.

Coach Dave Brogioli remembered Kia Fernandes’ gumption.

“She’d be sick -- she’d practice,” Brogioli said. “She’s just 100 percent reliable, all the time.”

Another was the Sportsmanship award, given to athletes who displayed exceptional teamwork, and good nature. The two athletes who won the award were Eoghan Neely and Ariel St. Germaine.

“He doesn’t say much, but, when he does talk, the whole team listens,” Sousa said of Neely.

Coach Janine Enos said St. Germaine embodied the award.

“She leads by example, and is someone I, as a coach, can consistently count on,” Enos said.

A third category was the male and female Outstanding Athlete award, for exceptional athletic performance. These were given to Andrew White and Madison St. Julien.

Coach Cindy Sylvia gave another Major award, the Arthur Luce Award for dedication, loyalty, and citizenship, to Brianna Williams.

“I said, ‘I will teach you how to be a leader,’” Sylvia said. “And she looked at me all wide-eyed, and said, ‘I want to learn how to be a leader.’”

The final Major award, Joe Cafarella AD’s award for the athlete who contributed most to Wareham Athletics, was given to Andrew Tricker.

“He honestly progressed more than any other kid I have ever coached,” Coach Evan Willis said. “He was fast. He was quick.”

Three retiring coaches also received special awards for their time with the school. Cheerleading coach Madeline Silvia, who had been with the school for 32 years, boys basketball coach Kevin Brogioli, with the school for 30 years, and Cindy Sylvia, the soccer, softball, and basketball coach of 19 years, all received plaques for their service.