AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - An education scholarship program at Austintown Local Schools is celebrating a new milestone after awarding over $100,000 since its beginning in 2006.

The Zoccali Memorial Scholarship was founded in 2006 in remembrance of cherished teacher, coach and principal Anthony "Zoc" Zoccali of the Austintown School District. The scholarship program aims to support future teachers in their pursuit of a higher education.

Following Anthony's 1998 retirement and his passing in 1999, his son Mike Zoccali and Dr. Jim Shina spearheaded the event as a spirited golf outing with the intention of giving back to the community, and raising funds to support aspiring educators.

The first year, the event raised and awarded $1,500 to Austintown students. Since the scholarship's inception, it has grown into a well developed community event, bringing together sponsors, teachers and those involved in the local Austintown community.

Zoccali Memorial Scholarships are awarded yearly to students who maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and are pursuing a career in education.

"We never imagined it would grow to this extent," said Mike Zoccali. "It's hard to believe that, 19 years later, we've been able to award over $100,000. It's a testament to my dad's legacy and to the continued support from so many people who believed in what he stood for."

This year's 2025 Anthony Zoccali Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing will be held on August 9 and is predicted to draw a gathering of both golfers and supporters.