The Joseph T. Stoico Hall of Fame Coaches Scholarship Fund, in conjunction with the Milford High School Athletic Hall of Fame, strive to annually award a total of twenty (20) individual $ 1,000 scholarships to members of the Milford High School graduating class to honor, and in memory of, the following individuals. All of the scholarships will be presented at the Dick Corbin Senior Athletic Awards Ceremony. Graduating seniors are encouraged to apply for these awards through the MHS Guidance Department.

The Joseph T. Stoico Memorial Scholarships are given in memory of former Milford High School Special Education teacher, Varsity Football, Head Varsity Basketball, and Head Varsity Baseball Coach, Joe Stoico. They are awarded to graduating seniors who have earned a varsity letter(s) and/or have been participants in the Milford Special Olympics program as either an athlete or as earnest, involved mentors and who have made significant contributions to the program through their leadership, sportsmanship and determination. In addition, these athletes must have demonstrated respect and empathy for their fellow competitors. These are the traits that were stressed by Coach Stoico.               (Three  Scholarships)

The Charles H. Espanet, Jr. Scholarship is given in memory of former Varsity Football, Head Varsity Basketball, Head Varsity Baseball Coach, and Guidance Counselor, Charlie Espanet. It is awarded to a graduating senior athlete who has earned varsity letters in more than one sport, and who is ranked in the top 10% of the class. In addition, this athlete must have demonstrated outstanding citizenship and character by his/her participation in other aspects of student life at Milford High School.

The Michael J. Brita Scholarship is given in memory of former, teacher, coach and Administrator, Mike Brita. It is awarded to a senior who will further his/her education in any of the following areas: Theatre, Music, Art or Journalism. The recipient must have exhibited good behavior while a student at Milford High School and have been a committed participant in the Theatre , Music or Art programs.

The Nicholas P. Zacchilli Leadership Awards are presented in honor of former Football Coach, Head Varsity Wrestling Coach and Director of Athletics, Nick Zacchilli. The recipients must have earned varsity letters in more than one sport and must have demonstrated outstanding character and leadership in both the athletic and school community throughout their careers.               (Three Scholarships)

The Coach John Dagnese Scholarship is presented in honor of former Head Varsity Football and Head Varsity Track & Field Coach John Dagnese. It is awarded to a senior member of the football team who has shown the utmost commitment to the program, has displayed an unselfish attitude and is respected by his teammates and coaches.

The Coach Stephen Manguso Scholarships are presented in honor of former Varsity Boys’ Basketball and Varsity Baseball Coach Steve Manguso. The first scholarship is presented in memory of Dr. Michael Laramee, PhD, Class of 1998, Tri-Captain of the 1998 Division 1 Central Basketball Championship Team. Two scholarships are awarded to senior members of the Boys’ Basketball Team who has demonstrated commitment to the program, leadership, and competitive attitude.               (Three Scholarships)

 The Coach Linda Zacchilli Memorial Scholarships are awarded to a senior member of both the Girls’ and Boys’ Volleyball Teams in memory of the founding coach of both programs. The recipients must display the qualities that Coach Zacchilli expected of all her players: commitment to the program, willingness to work hard, a team-first attitude, respect for his/her coaches, teammates and opponents, and outstanding citizenship in the Milford High School community.               (Two Scholarships)

The Coach Charles Stand Memorial Scholarship is given to a senior member of the Baseball Team in memory of former Coach Charlie Stand. The recipient must demonstrate dedication, an exemplary work ethic, and be respected by his teammates and coaches. 

The Coach David Chaplin Scholarship is given to a male or female member of the Swimming and Diving  Team in honor of Coach David Chaplin. The recipient must possess the qualities of perseverance, versatility, sportsmanship and team spirit.

The Dennis Breen Memorial Scholarship is presented to a senior athlete in memory of former Head Varsity Football, Head Track & Field Coach, and Assistant Principal Dennis Breen. The recipient must display outstanding citizenship, integrity, character and leadership both on and off the field

The Coach Stephanie Slack Scholarship is awarded to a senior member of the Softball Team in honor of former Head Varsity Softball and Field Hockey Coach Stephanie Slack. The recipient must demonstrate team spirit, sportsmanship, and leadership within the Milford High School athletic community.

The Milford High School Athletic Hall of Fame Coaches Scholarships are awarded to two members of the graduating class who have participated in, and contributed to, Milford High School Athletics by displaying personal qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit.                   (Two Scholarships)

In conjunction with this ongoing effort, the Joseph T. Stoico Hall of Fame Coaches fund host an annual Testimonial Sports Roast to raise the necessary funds for the scholarships. Below is the information for the 2025 Roast. Please consider contributing as a sponsor for this event.

7^th Annual Milford High School Testimonial Sports Roast

Supporting the Joseph T. Stoico Hall of Fame Coaches Fund

You are cordially invited to an evening of laughs, great food and great friends at our annual Testimonial Sports Roast. Our committee has selected this year’s honoree- John “Dagga” Dagnese. John is a retired educator, coach and outstanding citizen, and an inductee in both the Milford High School and Massachusetts State Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

Since our inception, we have funded 60 scholarships to deserving Milford High School students and hope to be able to award $ 20,000 worth of scholarships again this upcoming year.

This year’s event will be held at the Hoboken Citizens Club on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The evening will begin at 6:00 PM and the ticket price is $ 40.00. Tickets can be purchased from any of the Committee members listed below.

Suggested levels of sponsorship for this year’s roast honoring Dagga are:

            Sponsorship                                                Suggested Donation

            Platinum Plus                                               $ 1,000 plus

            Platinum                                                       $    500

            Gold                                                               $    250

            Silver                                                              $    100

            Bronze                                                           $      50

We will accept and acknowledge any other donation that is offered. We are an IRS 501 (c) (3) approved Public Charity and will forward documentation to you upon request.

All sponsors will be recognized during the course of the evening. Please make checks payable to:

                                    The Joseph T. Stoico Scholarship Fund

                                    4 South Central Street

                                    Milford, MA 01757

Thank you in advance for your consideration and support of our efforts!

Sincerely,

The Joseph T. Stoico Scholarship Fund Committee

Co-Chairmen: Allen Alves and Nick Zacchilli

Secretary/Treasurer: Frank Tieuli

Members: Dick Pilla, Art Siipola, Lou Piazza, Dave Cavazza, Dana Stoico, Steve Manguso, Tony Chinappi, Charlie Tomaso, Joshua Lioce, Paul Pellegrini, Carl DeIeso, Andy Anderson, Paul Mazzuchelli, Mike Walsh, Peter Filosa, Chris Alves