FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Patriots Hall of Fame LB Steve Nelson, CB Roland James and other Patriots alumni will carry on the memory of their teammate, former Patriots RB Mosi Tatupu, during a scholarship presentation on Monday, June 27 at 11:30 a.m. at The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon.
Nelson, James and other former Patriots will present two $5,000 scholarships in Tatupu's name to local high school seniors Joseph Berkowitz of Stoughton High School and William Greene of Oliver Ames High School. Berkowitz and Greene were both awarded a scholarship in a tie for first place. The Mosi Tatupu Memorial Scholarship provides tuition assistance to young athletes with learning challenges who exemplify the outstanding qualities that characterize the heart and soul of Tatupu.
"There is no better way to honor Mosi, than to help these students pursue higher education through these scholarships," said Patriots Hall of Fame linebacker and Patriots Alumni Club member Steve Nelson. "Mosi was second to none and was passionate about giving back through initiatives like these. One thing about him was that whenever you needed something on or off the field, Mosi delivered."
Monday's event also launches ticket sales for the Patriots alumni's popular Mosi Tatupu Comedy Benefit, which will take place on Aug. 23 in the Fidelity Investments Clubhouse at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. General admission tickets are $55 and VIP tickets are $300. Last year's event sold out, and the public is encouraged to secure their tickets early at www.patriots.com/team/alumni.
This year's benfit will feature comedians Steve Sweeney, Lenny Clark, Paul D'Angelo, Paul Nardizzi and more. The evening will include live and silent auctions and special appearances by Pro Football Hall of Famers John Hannah and Andre Tippett. All proceeds will benefit the Mosi Tatupu Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
2011 Mosi Tatupu Scholarship Winners:
Joe Berkowitz, Stoughton, Mass., Stoughton High School
Joe is a model student proving time after time he has the ability and attitude to be successful through hard work and dedication. He achieved honor role every term in his high school career, and is ranked in the top 20 percent of his class. He is a four year member of Stoughton High School's football and track teams. He has volunteered as a camp counselor and tutored while working three jobs. His character clearly demonstrates Mosi Tatupu's hard work ethic and dedication to anything he pursues.
William Greene, North Easton, Mass., Oliver Ames High School
William has demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity despite his learning disability, excelling both in academics and athletics during his four years at Oliver Ames High School. He has participated in football for four years and was named senior captain and League All-Star. He has tremendous desire and drive to succeed on and off the football field, winning numerous awards, including the Brockton Enterprise All Scholastic, the Hockomock League All-Star and the Shriner's All-Star Team Selection.
