Jessica Tucker Wins Carmen Rivera-Gotay Scholarship
Nearly two years to the day of a terrible car crash that took the life of Carmen Rivera-Gotay, local attorney Carol Schlitt presented the second annual scholarship given in the teenager’s memory to Huntington High School Class of 2015 member Jessica Tucker.
An incoming senior who would have graduated with Huntington’s Class of 2014, Ms. Rivera-Gotay and Class of 2013 member Ray Vega lost their lives on June 29, 2013 in an early morning car crash on Walt Whitman Road in Melville.
Carmen Melissa Rivera-Gotay was born on December 11, 1995 in Bay Shore. She was popular around Huntington High School. Interested in art and music, the teenager set high goals for herself. She was working hard in school and had taken a job as a bookkeeper at King Kullen on New York Avenue to save money for college. She was thinking about pursuing a career as a psychologist.
“When I received the Carmen Rivera-Gotay scholarship I was so excited because Carmen was a Natural Helper and I am, too,” Ms. Tucker said. “So it really meant a lot to getting the scholarship.”
Well-known as a determined teenager who never gives up, Ms. Tucker has a way of navigating her way to the best outcome in every situation. The new Huntington alum is headed to the University of Alabama to study advertising. “I chose Alabama because I wanted to be in the warm weather and wanted a school with a lot of spirit and big football,” she said.
Ms. Rivera-Gotay once offered advice that summarizes the essence of the scholarship presented in her honor: “Try. Take chances. Make mistakes. Life can be messy and confusing at times, but it’s always full of surprises. The next rock in your path might be a stepping stone.”
“We want to create a stepping stone in Carmen’s honor,” said Carolyn Gotay, Carmen’s mother, during the first scholarship presentation last year. “We want to create something tangible to remember Carmen and all the goodness she brought into our lives. Therefore, we have created this scholarship. We did so to keep her memory alive, to remember the friendship, the joy and warmth that she brought to so many. This scholarship honors Carmen’s memory by recognizing a student who shines because of the fullness of her heart, brightness of personality and willingness to give of herself.”
Ms. Tucker’s well-rounded high school experience included sports and various extracurricular activities, in addition to her work as a Natural Helper helping classmates struggling with personal issues. She won a Best Actor Award in Huntington’s Playfest and garnered the Postive Spirit Award on the track team.
The Schlitt Law Firm sponsors the $500 scholarship. To be eligible for the award a student must:
• Demonstrate community involvement through activities in school or in the community.
• Have been a positive force in school through his/her caring and respectful interaction with his/her fellow students.
• Have been accepted to a two or four year college or university, trade or vocational school.
• Be on track to graduate at the conclusion of the school year.