H-ton Senior Trio Garners Pettit Scholarships
T. Christopher Pettit’s name is permanently etched in history as one of Huntington High School’s most outstanding scholars and athletes ever.
A member of the Class of 1963, Mr. Pettit captained three varsity Blue Devil teams and went on to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he was a two-time All-American lacrosse player and the team’s captain and leading scorer.
Born in Huntington Hospital on February 18, 1945, Mr. Pettit enjoyed a remarkable career at Huntington High School, serving as captain of the football, basketball and lacrosse teams and being elected G.O. president by the student body. He addressed classmates as the “honor speaker” at the 102nd annual commencement on June 25, 1963 at 8:15 p.m. in the school auditorium.
“Things do not happen in this world; they are brought about by people who are concerned and who become involved,” Mr. Pettit said during his commencement address. “I know that we can have the courage to affirm life by our involvement in living.”
Mr. Pettit’s daughter, Lara Pettit Breingan was on hand for the recent scholarship ceremony in the Huntington High School auditorium. She read an extended portion of her father’s commencement address, which she said was found in the family’s basement, prior to announcing this year’s three honorees.
After graduating from West Point, Mr. Pettit became a battery commander on a missile base in what was then West Germany. He also served in combat as an Army Ranger in the Vietnam War, earning two Bronze Stars and moving up the ranks to captain.
Following his military career, the Huntington alum taught math for two years and coached football and then was in business for four years before he joined Lehman Brothers in 1977, climbing through the commercial paper and bond divisions. Mr. Pettit was named a partner in 1982 and eventually became the storied Wall Street firm’s president and chief operating officer. He left the company on November 26, 1996.
Mr. Pettit was killed while snowmobiling at night on a frozen lake near Windham, Maine on February 15, 1997. He reportedly hit a stump and his helmet dislodged as he was thrown from the fast moving vehicle. He sustained a massive head injury and passed away while being rushed to a nearby hospital. The Huntington grad was 51 years old. He is interred in St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.
In the weeks and months that followed the tragedy, Mr. Pettit’s family created an annual scholarship that currently provides a four-year award worth a total of $10,000 ($2,500 per year) as well as one time awards of $1,000 and $500 to a total of three graduating Huntington seniors.
This year’s top Pettit scholarship of $10,000 was presented to Taylor Moreno, who is headed to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall. The teenager is the No. 1 high school girls’ lacrosse goalie recruit in the nation this year.
“It was an honor to be selected for this scholarship,” Ms. Moreno said. “I’d like to thank the Pettit family for giving me such an amazing opportunity.”
The senior won varsity letters in five different sports, including soccer, basketball, indoor track, lacrosse and football. She completed a credit bearing internship this year with Huntington High School science teacher Edward Florea. While Ms. Moreno is unsure of her academic major in college she has expressed an interest in physical therapy.
Huntington Class of 2016 member Brianna McDonald received a one-time Pettit scholarship in the amount of $1,000 in recognition of her outstanding academic and athletic accomplishments. She will be attending Fairfield University, where he plans to study for a nursing career.
“Receiving a Pettit Award is a great honor,” Ms. McDonald said. “I am grateful that the committee chose me as one of the three finalists. I’m glad I embodied the traits they were looking for in a student and especially thankful for this opportunity.”
Senior Latoya Shand received a one-time scholarship of $500 for her outstanding high school record and future potential. One of the top sprinters in the state, the teenager plans to compete for Binghamton University’s NCAA Division I track team.
The senior hasn’t decided on a college academic major just yet. “I’m really leaning towards studying pediatrics being that I love biology,” Ms. Shand said. “I work over the summer at the Project Play/St. John’s camp and realized my passion and love for working with children. I think being a pediatrician would be a career I would love, especially since it would essentially allow me to combine my love for biological science and children into one.”
In addition to being a leading figure in the international financial world, Mr. Pettit found time to coach youth lacrosse, soccer and basketball. He was one of the founders of the Cold Spring Harbor-Huntington Youth Lacrosse Club. The former Blue Devil star and Army great was inducted into the Long Island Metro Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1994.
In addition to his work at Lehman Brothers, Mr. Pettit was a key contributor to cancer research. He was among those who helped organize the Dorothy Rodbell Cohen Foundation for Sarcoma Research, which has provided millions of dollars in grants over the years.