Trustees Approve Creation of Kevin Sze Scholarship
In his 16 short years, Kevin Sze touched many people and inspired fierce loyalty. So strong were some of the bonds that a group of family, friends and Huntington School District staff members are now creating a scholarship in his honor.
After battling an insidious disease since the fifth grade, Mr. Sze passed away April 22. “Kevin was a true inspiration to all who knew him, always looking toward the positive side of things, and he overcame many obstacles along the way,” wrote Martha Ironman, Woodhull Intermediate School nurse, in a letter to district officials that outlined the scholarship proposal.
The Huntington School Board approved creation of the new scholarship fund on July 1. The scholarship committee includes Mrs. Ironman, Jennifer Finnegan, Deidre Meyer, May Sze, Janny Chen, Suzanne Kirkpatrick and Marilyn Youngquist.
“We would like for this scholarship to begin in June 2009 and continue for a period of six years,” explained Mrs. Ironman. “If at that time there is continued interest for raising the funds needed, we would like the option of extending the scholarship for an additional six years.”
The goal of the scholarship committee is to raise $9,600 during the coming school year. This amount will finance a $1,600 annual award in each of the six years of the scholarship’s initial lifespan. “Our hope is to continue the fundraising efforts, and to extend the scholarship for a longer period,” Mrs. Ironman said.
Scholarship applicants must be college-bound Huntington High School seniors. Students will be required to submit an essay to the scholarship committee no later than May 1 each year describing a personal obstacle s/he has overcome in life and how that obstacle proved to be life changing. Students must also submit a letter of recommendation from a staff member or community or religious leader.
The scholarship committee will read the applications “blind,” with the names of students blacked out. One scholarship recipient will be chosen each year with a check for $1,600 being presented at the annual Senior Academic Awards Night. “We have selected that amount because we feel that Kevin gave 100 percent for each of his 16 years,” explained Mrs. Ironman. “So, we have multiplied 100 by 16.”
In addition to helping a deserving senior, the goal of the scholarship is simple: “To keep the memory of Kevin Sze alive,” Mrs. Ironman said.
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