Feltman Captures Patrick McCourt Memorial Scholarship
The Patrick Thomas McCourt Memorial Scholarship was born out of heartbreaking circumstances. A member of Huntington High School’s Class of 2006, the 22-year old was killed September 17, 2011 after being struck by two cars while walking on Veterans Memorial Highway in Holbrook at 5:30 a.m.
“As our tribute to Patrick, this scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to a student who we feel embodies his spirit and legacy,” said Michael McCourt, who presented the 2014 award on behalf of his family during Huntington’s senior academic awards night in the high school auditorium. “I am pleased to report we found several deserving students in this year’s graduating class. Each of these individuals deserves recognition.”
This year’s McCourt scholarship was presented to Rachel Feltman, who is headed to the University of Michigan in the fall. “I am very honored to win the Patrick McCourt scholarship,” she said. “I am grateful to Mr. [James] Graber for nominating me. It was my pleasure and privilege to meet the McCourt family. They were all so nice.”
A scholarship in Mr. McCourt’s honor was presented for the first time in June 2012 with Thomas Hardardt winning the inaugural award. Class of 2013 member Daniel Moya captured last year’s scholarship.
“My brother was a serious student, a quick wit, a true friend, a helpful neighbor and a responsible citizen; a young man of solid integrity,” Mr. McCourt said. “Well-loved and admired, he is sorely missed by many.”
“I don’t know what I am going to major in yet for sure, but I just registered for the fall semester during orientation,” Ms. Feltman said. She is enrolled in Economics 101, Biological Anthropology, Introduction to Psychology and Biology Lab.
“I think I might be interested in either medicine or business, so I’m exploring my options,” Ms. Feltman said. This summer the teenager is working in the golf shop at Engineers Country Club on the weekends and in a local doctor’s office three days a week.”
Known for setting goals and working hard in pursuit of them, Ms. Feltman was one of Suffolk’s finest divers while competing with the Blue Devil swimming team. She was also a member of Huntington’s fencing team.
“Perhaps what I will remember most about Rachel is her character,” said Bernadette Walsh, the high school’s college counselor. “She is an honest, caring, noble young woman whom I am proud to have worked with.”
Five candidates were recommended for this year’s scholarship award by Huntington teachers who knew Mr. McCourt, including Joseph Leavy, James Graber, Kelly Krycinski and Michael Schwendemann. The group was later interviewed by members of the McCourt family. Besides Ms. Feltman, the candidates included Timothy Beck, Elizabeth Coneys, Lee Reiver and Michael Stafford.
“Selecting just one of these individuals was not an easy task, but it has been our pleasure and privilege to learn of their accomplishments and contemplate their bright futures,” Mr. McCourt said. Each of the runner-up candidates was given $50 Amazon gift cards “to help defray the cost of their books or other school supplies.
Patrick Thomas McCourt was born October 20, 1988. He was a popular figure around Huntington, performing in the marching band, serving as captain of the Blue Devil fencing team and participating in various school activities.
During his years at Huntington High School, Mr. McCourt was very well-liked and developed close friendships with a core group of friends, along with many others. He graduated from George Washington University after focusing his studies on civil engineering. He quickly found work in the field shortly after his college commencement exercises.
In addition to his brother Michael, Mr. McCourt is survived by his parents, Patrick and Mary and two sisters, Kiera (HHS ’04) and Meredith (HHS ’10).
In the 2006 edition of The Huntingtonian, Huntington High School’s annual yearbook, Mr. McCourt’s photo appears on page 38, along with the senior quote he chose from comedian Steven Wright: “I intend to live forever. So far, so good.”