Dr. Ricky V. Papandrea Jr. with NY Benefits for Educators & Students Trust Scholarship winner Griffin Kanzer
Dr. Ricky V. Papandrea Jr. with NY Benefits for Educators & Students Trust Scholarship winner Griffin Kanzer 

Griffin Kanzer Claims Benefits for Educators Trust Scholarship


July 28, 2025


Griffin Kanzer has claimed the New York Benefits for Educators and Students Trust Scholarship. The 2025 Huntington High School graduate plans to attend the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

District Director of School Counseling and Testing K-12 Dr. Ricky V. Papandrea Jr. presented the scholarship to Mr. Kanzer at senior scholarships and awards night ceremony in the high school auditorium before a crowd of 300.

“The key to my success has been the support of my teachers, coaches, family and friends,” Mr. Kanzer said. “One of the most meaningful aspects of my high school experiences has been my time on the Blue Devil baseball team as well as the connections I’ve made with people from every stage of my journey; from Washington to Woodhull to Finley and finally, to the high school.”

An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Mr. Kanzer was named to the Academic All-League baseball team. A member of multiple academic honor societies, he plans to study for a career in sports management at UMASS Amherst.

During his 13 years in Huntington UFSD, Mr. Kanzer became widely known as a good and loyal friend with a marvelous intellect and an engaging sense of humor.

Honored as a Distinguished Senior last spring, Mr. Kanzer compiled a splendid academic record over the past four years while completing many of Huntington High School’s most highly regarded and challenging courses.