Brighton, Milton, Oxford and Pathfinder were named the 2016 recipients of the Silvio Cella Family Foundation Scholarship. Each school received $3,000 to help give these teams the tools needed to be successful on the gridiron and, more importantly, to prepare young men for college, careers and life ahead. Grant monies have been used to purchase needed equipment, uniforms and helmets, renovate locker rooms and increase player safety and participation.
“This much needed grant money will help these football programs to improve player safety and upgrade facilities and equipment, and build a sense of teamwork and community in these schools,” said Michael Cella, president, Silvio Cella Family Foundation. "We are honored to carry on my Dad’s legacy and support high school football in Massachusetts.”
Previous recipients of the Silvio Cella Family Foundation grants: Medford High School, Weymouth High School, Bartlett High School, Hoosac Valley High School (2015); Greater Lowell Technical High School, Cathedral High School, Doherty High School, Monument Mountain Regional High School (2014); Northeast Metro Tech, Randolph, Blackstone-Millville Regional, Smith Vocational & Agricultural (2013); Lawrence, Jeremiah Burke (Boston), Millis, Ware (2012); Framingham, Fitchburg, Pioneer Valley Regional (2011); as well as special donations to Revere High, where Coach Cella served as athletic director and head football coach for 49 years.
"Silvio Cella was an innovator on the field, and a champion for athletes and coaches. He motivated his players and those around him to give 100%, not only in football but especially in the classroom, at home and in the community,” Cella added. “The Silvio Cella Family Foundation is committed to player safety, and to preserving the integrity of high school football for generations to come."
Silvio Cella spent nearly 50 years as head football coach and athletic director at Revere High School, leading his teams to five Greater Boston League (GBL) championship titles, two undefeated seasons (1963 and 1973) and a Div. 2 Super Bowl berth (1973). An All-American football standout at Boston University, Cella was also an active-duty Marine during World War 2 and decorated veteran.
The Silvio Cella Family Foundation was established in April 2010 to carry on his legacy, to help give high school football programs the support needed to be successful on the field and to prepare young men for college, careers and family. Each year, the Foundation awards grants to high school football programs in Massachusetts demonstrating need. For more information visitwww.silviocellafoundation.org.
Blog: