McNeil, Milne and Machuga shine at Hock Scholar Athlete Banquet

AD Danny Erickson and Principal Derek Folan with Chris
Milne, Andrea McNeil and their parents
Photo by Ryan Lanigan- Hockomocksports.com

Each May, the Hockomock League celebrates educational athletics by honoring a male and female graduating senior from each of our 12 schools.  These 24 graduating seniors represent the best from their collective schools when it comes to excelling both in the classroom and on the field.  Last week, our league's principals, athletic directors, honored student athletes and parents, gathered in Wrentham for a banquet celebrating not only this special two dozen students, but all students who value and understand the responsible balance between academics and athletics.

Canton's recipients of this year's Scholar-Athlete awards are Andrea McNeil and Christopher Milne. McNeil has been a standout Field Hockey and Girls Hockey player here as well as Spring Track while Milne has been a key member of the Boys Soccer, Swim and Track teams during his time here. Both have managed to excel on the field/ice/track/pool, while also being among this highest achieving academically in their class.  Canton High School is very proud of both of them.

Xavier Machuga with his coach Ryan Gordy and his family
Photo by Ryan Lanigan- Hockomocksports.com

The evening was especially special for Bulldogs as it was Canton's turn to host the event. With the honor of hosting comes the responsibility of setting the night's featured speaker.  Principal Derek Folan knew exactly who was the perfect person to speak to this audience- CHS junior- Xavier Machuga. Machuga.  Machuga- a member of the CHS Boys Basketball team- had suffered a brain aneurysm in May of 2017.  Click here for story in the Canton Citizen published last fall. 

Surrounded by his teammates, Machuga addressed the Hockomock audience.  You truly could hear a pin drop as he talked about his ordeal, his fight back and his advise on "honoring the process."  Having his coaches and teammates there supporting him that night was incredibly powerful for all in attendance.  I can truly say- after attending 14 of these banquets- Xavier's speech was more powerful than any message before it.

CHS is proud of all 3 of these incredible young Cantonites.