H-ton Seniors Win Oliva Memorial Scholarships
Billy Oliva will never be forgotten by his classmates and friends at Huntington High School. An easygoing person with a heart of gold, he had a magnetic personality that secured the loyalty and admiration of those around him. His classmates are keeping the alum’s memory alive at his alma mater, where he enjoyed so many happy days.
Marina Siegel and William Harris, two of the top members of the Class of 2015 were honored at Huntington’s senior academic awards ceremony in June as the recipients of this year’s “Let It Begin with Me” – William F. Oliva Memorial Scholarships.
The award honors Mr. Oliva, a 1984 Huntington High School grad who perished in a tragic workplace accident. Ms. Siegel and Mr. Harris received $1,000 scholarships that can be applied towards their college tuition.
This year’s Oliva scholarships were presented by Jennifer Catania-Canino, a member of Huntington’s Class of 1987 who spoke about Mr. Oliva and this year’s scholarship recipients on the high school stage before a crowd of about 300.
Ms. Siegel is known for her perseverance and work ethic. She has a loyal circle of friends and has developed close relationships with her teachers. A member of the Blue Devil marching band throughout high school, she also played in Huntington’s jazz and wind ensembles and held down memberships in a long list of academic honor societies.
The new Huntington alum is headed to Ohio State University to major in either environmental science or data analytics with a minor in American history. She is traveling extensively through Europe this summer.
Mr. Harris is headed to St. John’s University where he intends to study journalism. He played on the Blue Devil varsity football and baseball teams, wrote articles for the high school student newspaper, served as a science lab assistant and participated in numerous activities around the school. The teenager credits hard work, an attention to detail and persistence in completing every task assigned for the considerable success he has attained over the years.
“I was very surprised to have received a scholarship from the William F. Oliva Foundation,” Mr. Harris said. “I am so thankful to the Oliva Foundation for choosing me. It is an incredible feeling to get recognized for all my hard work and encourages me to continue working hard. I hope other students recognize this honor and apply for this scholarship in the future, especially since it honors someone from our high school and community.”
The Oliva scholarship is one of the most prestigious senior awards at Huntington High School. Scholarship officials hope that recipients will possess many of the same character traits Mr. Oliva was known for during his life: A commitment to the overall good of the community, dedication to academics, great athletic skills and sportsmanship and a source of encouragement to other classmates.
Mr. Oliva drowned on October 14, 2004 while sealing leaks in an 18 inch sewer pipe in Waltham, Massachusetts. He had lowered himself into a manhole to coat the walls of the pipe. He used an inflatable plug to hold back water while he sealed cracks.
After completing the work, Mr. Oliva deflated and removed the plug and then stood up so he could climb out of the manhole. However, water unexpectedly and violently burst through and pulled him under and about 160 feet into the pipe. He was severely injured and ultimately drowned. A backhoe was utilized during the more than five hour long extrication of Mr. Oliva’s body.
Known as a “tremendous” athlete and sportsman who loved to compete, Mr. Oliva displayed a sense of generosity along with a good nature that made a lasting impression on his friends. He could quickly win over folks of all ages, from young children to senior citizens. His family owned Renaissance Deli in Huntington village and Mr. Oliva would frequently spread his unbounded joy during the holiday season by distributing gift baskets to those he loved and others in need.
An annual round robin kickball tournament funds the Oliva scholarship. The event is open to anyone who attended elementary school in the Huntington School District. The games have drawn alumni from all the Huntington elementary schools, including some buildings that have since been closed such as Lincoln, Woodbury Avenue, Village Green, Nathan Hale and Roosevelt.