Dan Mollitor Captures Justin Louis Giani Memorial Scholarship
Dan Mollitor and Justin Giani never met, but if they had they would surely have hit it off with one another. Both tough competitors and among the top members of their respective graduating class, they also shared a love for a good laugh and having a good time.
Mr. Mollitor will graduate with Huntington High School’s Class of 2016 next week. Mr. Giani was a member of Huntington’s Class of 2007. The pair will be forever linked now that Mr. Mollitor has captured the first Justin Louis Giani Memorial Scholarship. The award carries a stipend of $1,000.
“It’s an absolute honor to have been awarded this scholarship in honor of Justin Giani,” Mr. Mollitor said. “I did not have the pleasure of knowing him personally, but from what I’ve heard he was tremendous young man who always had a smile on his face and who represented Huntington to its fullest.”
Mr. Giani’s mother, Linda and his older brother, Joseph were on hand in the Huntington High School auditorium for the scholarship presentation, which occurred last week during this year’s senior academic awards night.
An outstanding student, Mr. Giani compiled a 95 academic grade average. He went on to graduate from Drexel University in Philadelphia where he majored in finance and competed on the wrestling team.
Mr. Giani won varsity letters with the Blue Devil cross country and wrestling teams. He earned a record of 118-32 in five years of varsity wrestling, the last four as a Blue Devil. (He competed for Harborfields as an eighth grader.)
As a senior, Mr. Giani went 25-7 on the mat and won the Suffolk League V title. As a junior, he finished with a 28-6 mark and was league runner-up. At the time of his graduation, he was 10th on the all-time Huntington career victory list with 101 wins.
The Huntington alum was killed on March 28, 2015 while crossing US Highway 501 in South Carolina while on a golf vacation with his friends. He was 25 years old. His death was devastating to his family as well as his former classmates, teammates and teachers. A scholarship fund was quickly organized. This year’s award is the first of what family members hope will be many presentations to deserving Huntington seniors
Mr. Giani interned at Philadelphia based film distributor Breaking Glass Pictures before being hired full-time by the company and helping to develop its “financial architecture” and helping steer it toward acquisitions as it went about building its brand.
“Justin was more than an employee; he was a master of numbers, a ball of energy, an even-keeled ray of light that brought smiles to all he crossed paths with, no matter the situation,” the company said in a statement. “As we mourn the loss of a member of the Breaking Glass Pictures family and team, we more importantly celebrate the life of one of the world’s true gifts. Justin was always so full of life and happiness and we will always remember him that way.”
Huntington social studies teacher James Graber, who enjoyed a strong relationship with Mr. Giani, spoke to those gathered in the auditorium about the 2007 alum, who will always be remembered as one of the kindest and most personable young men to ever attend the school. “Justin was only getting started when his life was tragically cut short,” Mr. Graber said.
Mr. Mollitor is headed to Binghamton University. He won varsity letters with Huntington’s varsity volleyball, basketball and tennis teams. Known for his remarkable work ethic and time management skills, the teenager was honored this spring as a Distinguished Senior after compiling a minimum 90 academic grade average during every semester of high school.
The senior captained teams in all three sports he played. President of the Chinese cultural exchange club, vice president of both the Class of 2016 and the Habitat for Humanity club and treasurer of Natural Helpers, Mr. Mollitor is a born leader. He also loves to cook and he whipped up a delicious guacamole and chips dish that was sold last weekend at Relay For Life and produced more than $400 for the American Cancer Society.
Mr. Mollitor’s commitment to public service and his community has been an inspiration for his classmates and teammates. His desire to continually strengthen his mind and body has been unwavering. His efforts to make the world a better place show no signs of abating.
The Justin Louis Giani Memorial Scholarship has taken its place among the most cherished awards presented to Huntington’s top seniors.