Student of the Month – Joseph Veneziale

At just 16 years old, Joseph Veneziale of the Quakers 16U A National team is showing that leadership, creativity, and community impact can extend well beyond the rink. A sophomore at Bishop Shanahan High School, Joe has earned recognition as the DVHL Student-Athlete of the Month, honoring not just his commitment to hockey, but his dedication to academics and giving back.

Joe’s favorite class is Italian, and he takes pride in managing his workload efficiently. “I do a great job working on assignments in class to minimize homework,” he said. “Playing hockey helps me in class by working with others, team building, and coming up with strategies.” That same teamwork and discipline he applies on the ice help him stay focused and successful in the classroom.

When asked about what this honor means to him, Joe reflected, “Being named Student-Athlete of the Month is a great honor and shows that hard work pays off. It’s great to be recognized for my hard work.”

Joe credits much of his success to the people around him. “My parents are an inspiration to me both on and off the ice. Through their support, dedication, and understanding, I can be a creative thinker who can run with my dreams,” he shared. He also emphasized the lessons he’s learned from his teammates and coaches: “They’ve taught me that hard work and perseverance go a long way.”

But Joe’s story doesn’t end with hockey and school. He’s also the creative mind behind The Veneziale Manor, a haunted house attraction he designed to benefit the Spirit of Children organization — a cause that supports children and families coping with illness through hospital Child Life departments.

“I’ve loved Halloween for as long as I can remember,” Joe said. “When I saw the popularity my haunted house was getting, I decided it was time to give back and partnered with my favorite Halloween-themed charity.”

Joe takes his role as creator and organizer seriously, attending haunted attraction conventions and connecting with other haunt owners to spark new ideas. What began as a passion project has grown into something much bigger — a community event that combines fun, fright, and philanthropy.

“I’ve had multiple guests come through talking about their experiences with Nemours Children’s Hospital,” Joe explained. “To see real-life examples of where that money is going makes all the difference. That’s why it’s so important that the name of our haunt is The Veneziale Manor — it’s a family effort and a community mission.”

For Joe, the best part of running The Veneziale Manor is sharing the experience. “I love working with my family and friends to complete it every year,” he said. “It’s fun to build it together and see everyone enjoy it. The whole purpose is to have a great time and raise money for a good cause — so I hope everyone who comes out can enjoy themselves, get a good scare, and leave knowing they helped contribute to the Spirit of Children.”

From his discipline on the ice to his creativity in the community, Joseph Veneziale exemplifies what it means to be a DVHL Student-Athlete of the Month — a young man driven by passion, teamwork, and purpose.

Don’t miss your chance to experience The Veneziale Manor!
The haunted house opens its doors to the public on October 24 & 25. Tickets are just $5.00, with 100% of the proceeds going to Nemours Children’s Hospital through the Spirit of Children organization. Come out, get a good scare, and support a great cause!