The Gaziano Family, National Distributors and KeyBank expand support for Maine student-athletes through enhanced Gaziano Awards program
August 06, 2026
The Gaziano Family and National Distributors today announced a significant expansion of the Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards, increasing scholarship awards for Maine's top high school offensive and defensive linemen and reintroducing the annual awards and recognition ceremony sponsored by KeyBank.
Beginning with the 2026 awards, the scholarship awarded to each of the two winners will increase from $5,000 to $7,500, while the scholarship awarded to each runner-up will increase from $1,000 to $2,500.
The enhancements reinforce the program's longstanding mission of supporting Maine student-athletes who demonstrate excellence on the football field, in the classroom and within their communities.
"Frank Gaziano believed deeply in hard work, perseverance and giving back to others," said Tony DiSotto, President of the Frank J. Gaziano Lineman Award Scholarship Board. "By increasing these scholarships, we are investing even more in the future of Maine's student-athletes and helping them pursue their educational goals while honoring the values Frank championed throughout his life."
Established in memory of the late Frank J. Gaziano, a collegiate All-American, professional football player and founder of National Distributors Inc., the Gaziano Awards have become one of Maine's most prestigious honors for high school football linemen. The program recognizes student-athletes whose achievements extend beyond athletics to include academic performance, leadership, character and community service.
In addition to the increased scholarship funding, the program will now feature an annual Gaziano Awards and Recognition Ceremony, sponsored by KeyBank. The event will bring together finalists, families, coaches, educators, sponsors and community leaders.
The Gaziano Awards remain dedicated to recognizing offensive and defensive linemen who exemplify perseverance, discipline, integrity and leadership. The increased scholarship funding ensures that the program continues to provide meaningful support to deserving students as they pursue higher education and future success.
For more information about the Frank J. Gaziano Memorial High School Scholarship and Awards program, visit gazianolinemanawards.org.
Beginning with the 2026 awards, the scholarship awarded to each of the two winners will increase from $5,000 to $7,500, while the scholarship awarded to each runner-up will increase from $1,000 to $2,500.
The enhancements reinforce the program's longstanding mission of supporting Maine student-athletes who demonstrate excellence on the football field, in the classroom and within their communities.
"Frank Gaziano believed deeply in hard work, perseverance and giving back to others," said Tony DiSotto, President of the Frank J. Gaziano Lineman Award Scholarship Board. "By increasing these scholarships, we are investing even more in the future of Maine's student-athletes and helping them pursue their educational goals while honoring the values Frank championed throughout his life."
Established in memory of the late Frank J. Gaziano, a collegiate All-American, professional football player and founder of National Distributors Inc., the Gaziano Awards have become one of Maine's most prestigious honors for high school football linemen. The program recognizes student-athletes whose achievements extend beyond athletics to include academic performance, leadership, character and community service.
In addition to the increased scholarship funding, the program will now feature an annual Gaziano Awards and Recognition Ceremony, sponsored by KeyBank. The event will bring together finalists, families, coaches, educators, sponsors and community leaders.
The Gaziano Awards remain dedicated to recognizing offensive and defensive linemen who exemplify perseverance, discipline, integrity and leadership. The increased scholarship funding ensures that the program continues to provide meaningful support to deserving students as they pursue higher education and future success.
For more information about the Frank J. Gaziano Memorial High School Scholarship and Awards program, visit gazianolinemanawards.org.
Contact:
Michael Conlin, Regional Communications Consultant
michael_p_conlin@keybank.com, (207) 945-0600
