Nicolas Francis Presented Patrick McCourt Scholarship

The Patrick Thomas McCourt Memorial Scholarship was created following a frightening accident that saddened the community when word of it spread. 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 along Veterans Memorial Highway in Holbrook.

“As our tribute to Patrick, this scholarship is awarded annually to a student who we feel embodies his spirit and legacy,” said Michael McCourt, who presented the 2025 award on behalf of his family at Huntington’s senior scholarships and awards ceremony in the high school auditorium. “The McCourt family is grateful to the Rotary Club for allowing us to maintain this fund under its auspices and for the generosity of donors to the fund.”

This year’s $2,500 McCourt scholarship was awarded to Nicolas Francis, a Huntington High School who plans to study at SUNY Geneseo’s School of Education.

“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher,” Mr. Francis said. “Many members of my family have been teachers, from my mother to four aunts and uncles and three of my grandparents. It’s been my dream for as long as I can remember and I know Geneseo offers me the best chance to make it come true.”

Mr. Francis has worked hard in and out of the classroom. He’s tried his best in every class and joined clubs of interest. He’s also a charter member of Huntington’s first ever badminton team.

“I am super involved with Key Club, where I am a fourth year member and a second year officer,” Mr. Francis said. “I’m also the founder and current captain of the boys’ varsity badminton team and we just got our first win. And I’m the vice president of the debate club that I’ve been a part of for four years. My sister was also the vice president of that club.”

The McCourt family found Mr. Francis to be a completely worthy recipient of the 14th annual scholarship and the Class of 2025 member appeared both happy and proud as he ascended the auditorium stage to accept his award.

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.

“Patrick was a serious student, a quick wit, a true friend, a helpful neighbor and a responsible citizen,” said Michael McCourt at the scholarship presentation ceremony. “Well-loved and admired, he is sorely missed by many.”

At Huntington High School, Mr. McCourt was popular with everyone and he developed close relationships with a core group of friends, along with many others. He graduated from George Washington University, focusing his studies on civil engineering. He quickly found work in the field shortly after his college graduation.

In addition to his sisters Meredith and Kiera, Mr. McCourt was survived by his parents, Patrick and Mary and his brother, Michael.

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.”