Ruggiero and Forster Win Ray Deren Scholarships
Ray Deren holds a special place in the annals of Blue Devil history. It was his innovative ways and determined leadership that resulted in an explosion of opportunities for Huntington student-athletes. He pioneered the use of an athletic trainer in a high school setting and set in motion a stunning array of initiatives. His influence is still apparent today, even though he retired 20 years ago.
At last week’s 41st Blue Devil senior athletic awards banquet, which Mr. Deren created in 1969 to recognize and honor senior students who have participated in athletics, SUNY Albany-bound Julie Forster and Brian Ruggiero, who is headed to Tufts Univ., were presented with scholarships and handsome plaques in honor of the longtime district director of physical education and athletics.
“My dad believed that students who participated in athletics would have the most success in their careers and relationships,” said Mr. Deren’s daughter, Georgia McCarthy who now fills the same position as her father once did. She was joined for the award presentation by her mother, Carol and son, Kenny.
The Deren Scholarship recognizes athletes who have consistently showed dedication to their academic and athletic programs and are determined to complete a college education while participating in athletes.
Mr. Deren so strongly believed that athletics encompass so much that is good in this world, that it permeated his very being. Athletes held a special place in his world and Georgia McCarthy listed all the reasons why this was so. “They are obligated to work well with others on a daily basis in some of the most unique situations,” she said. “Athletes have a strong work ethic, can problem solve, be unselfish and manage their time. These are just a few of the skills that are second nature and will help them live happy and successful lives. This banquet is all about you who have put so much time and energy into this strong program,” she told the 108 senior athletes in the crowd of about 210.
Mr. Ruggiero has participated in football, winter track and lacrosse and earned a litany of honors, including a National Football Foundation Golden 11 Scholar Athlete Award. He has served as an inspirational team captain and was garnered all-county and all-division recognition. He even earned a spot on Suffolk’s all-academic football team. He intends to play lacrosse at Tufts.
Ms. Forster earned varsity letters in volleyball, soccer, basketball and lacrosse and she, too, has accumulated a bevy of awards. Talented in all four sports, she especially shined on the basketball court, helping to lead the Blue Devils to three consecutive appearances in the county finals and the 2008 Suffolk crown. The New York State Sportswriters’ Assn. named her to the all-state team as a junior and senior and she intends to continue playing basketball at SUNY Albany.
Mr. Ruggiero and Ms. Forster are also among the top students academically in Huntington’s Class of 2009. “We are very proud of both of them,” Superintendent John J. Finello said.
During Mr. Deren’s tenure the number of athletic teams sponsored by the district skyrocketed from 28 to 70 and the program was seen as a model by districts across New York. A visionary, he spotted the need for a full-time athletic trainer, a first for a Long Island high school, writing the job description for the position. Throughout his career he championed improvements to the district’s athletic program and sports facilities.
Mr. Deren passed away on February 28, 1999, but his memory lives on through the annual presentation of a scholarship created in his honor by his family.
Ray Deren Memorial Scholarship Winners through the Years
- 1999 Jonathan Searles and Alie Madden
- 2000 Christopher Mooney
- 2001 Doug Kocis
- 2002 James Creighton
- 2003 Brandon Logigian and Kathleen Macari
- 2004 Pierre Delva and Emily Sammis
- 2005 Charlie Paar and Jillian Beck
- 2006 Scott Kocis and Erin Turner
- 2007 Zachary Howell
- 2008 Eddie Santos and Casey Scully
- 2009 Brian Ruggiero and Julie Forster
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