James Caldwell High Students Gray, Milano Named Col. John McHugh Award Winners

James Caldwell High School seniors Lauren Gray and Cooper Milano were recently named the winners of the third Colonel John McHugh Memorial Award. 

Gray and Milano were given the award at the annual Colonel John McHugh Soccer Saturday event on Sept. 28. The awards recognize one male and female athlete who represent the highest levels of service, such as putting the team first, leadership, soccer ability and dedication. 

“The award is based solely on the input from fellow student athletes,” said Richard Porfido, director of athletics at the high school.

“Each student anonymously nominates two athletes that they feel best exemplify the criteria and specify to what degree each of the criteria is met.”

McHugh was a 1982 graduate of James Caldwell High School and captain of the state championship soccer team that year. He attended West Point where he was the starting goal keeper and captain of the West Point Soccer Program. He served in the armed forces for years and became the highest ranking member of the military to be killed in action in May 2010.

In 2011, to honor his dedication and sacrifice, the annual soccer event was renamed to Colonel John McHugh Memorial Soccer Saturday.

Past winners of the award were: James Sweeney and Emily Banasynski in 2012, and Henry McCoy and Annie Mergner in 2011.

For more information on the James Caldwell High School athletics program, visit www.cwcboe.org/athletics.