School Committee Honors National Champions, Volunteer of the Year, Coaches of the Year

A team of national champions, a volunteer of the year, and a pair of MIAA coaches of the year were all honored last week during the April 30 meeting of the Milford School Committee.

The cheerleading squad took first place in the Advanced Varsity Cheer Division at the COA Ultimate International Championship in April. During the meeting, the team showed video footage of their winning routine, impressing the members of the committee.

“We always say you can do anything and that is such a wonderful example. You obviously did that with so much practice and so much work and collaboration. You deserve it, that was amazing,” committee member Jennifer Parson said.

Also honored was Milford High School senior and United Way Youth Metrowest Volunteer of the Year award winner Victoria Williams.

In a video, Williams chronicled her life through nine moves, sometimes living in foster care or shelters.

She said that volunteering at the Milford Youth Center gave her purpose and a chance to make an impact on a young person.

Superintendent Robert A. Tremblay asked her to come to the meeting after attending her award ceremony and being moved by her story.

Many of the committee members thanked her for her work with kids at the center.

“Obviously helping make a great difference in the community and we appreciate it. You’re a great role model for theses kids and I think a shining example of how important the youth center is to our community,” committee member Joseph Morais said.

Committee member Patrick Holland added, “You said you don’t have to be defined by your history. When I was your age, I don’t know if I had the strength or vision to articulate that. We are so proud to have students like you making a difference in our community.“

In a rare situation for a school, two Milford coaches received coach of the year honors. Boys volleyball coach Linda Zachilli and boys swimming coach David Chaplin both received the award from the MIAA.

“In each sport, one person rises to the top. There are literally 80-100 people put forward for this award. To have two in one school is pretty spectacular, to be honest,” Athletic Director Peter Boucher said.

In addition to praising the success of the teams in competition, the committee commended the coaches for their team’s character outside of contests and practice.