Branford High School Names Press Box in Honor of Longtime Announcer, Community Volunteer Paul J. Criscuolo

BRANFORD, CT — Branford Public Schools honored longtime announcer and community volunteer Paul J. Criscuolo on
September 25, 2026, with the naming of the Branford High School press box in his honor.

Known for decades as the voice of Branford athletics, Criscuolo was recognized for his dedication to student-athletes and his extensive service to the community.

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The celebration included a reception and a Branford Board of Education resolution recognizing the naming. Criscuolo was joined by family, friends, and members of the Board of Education. A public announcement followed during halftime of the football game that evening.

"There are people who serve a community, and then there are people who become part of its identity. Paul is one of those people," Board of Education Chair Peter Berdon said.

A 1967 graduate of Branford High School, Criscuolo played football and baseball before continuing his education and baseball career at Bryant University. His connection to Branford athletics grew into decades of coaching, organizing, and volunteering in support of young people. In 1992, he became the official voice of Branford High School athletics, bringing warmth and enthusiasm to games and helping
generations of student-athletes feel recognized.

Criscuolo helped establish Branford Hornet's Nest Junior Football and Branford Youth Basketball, serving in leadership and coaching roles. His contributions also extended to youth baseball, the Branford Gridiron Club, basketball boosters, and efforts supporting high school softball and athletic programs.

Through this work, he helped create opportunities for young people to participate, develop their skills, and build lasting connections to their community.

Inducted into the Branford Sports Hall of Fame in 2006, Criscuolo has received numerous honors for his service, including the Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance's John Wentworth Award and the Elizabeth Bush Award for Leadership in Volunteerism.

"Paul, this community is stronger because of your generosity, your kindness, and your unwavering belief
in our students," Berdon shared in remarks at the event. He also thanked Criscuolo's family for sharing him with Branford over the years.

The Paul J. Criscuolo Press Box provides a lasting tribute to a familiar voice and a lifetime of service to Branford's students, families, and athletic community.