DeAndre Simmons Captures Joseph A. Manaker Memorial Award

Joseph Manaker was a very special and uniquely engaging young man with a heart of gold. His larger than life personality filled every corner of Huntington High School. Teachers and classmates adored him and he never failed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

When Mr. Manaker passed away in December 2017 it was a very emotional and truly sad day for the entire high school community. The 16 year old left behind numerous friends and fans. He will never be forgotten for brightening up Huntington’s classrooms and hallways.

This year’s $1,600 Joseph A. Manaker Memorial Award was presented to DeAndre Simmons, an incredibly gifted musician who plans to study at Ithaca College.

The formal presentation of the award to Mr. Simmons was made by Mr. Manaker’s parents, Glen and Anne. The couple stood on the high school’s auditorium stage at Huntington’s senior academic scholarship and awards ceremony and shared with a crowd of 300 a little bit of background about their son and Mr. Simmons, one of the most talented members of Huntington’s Class of 2025.

“Nicknamed ‘The Mayor,’ Joey had a gift and could connect with all,” Mrs. Manaker said. “Joey was known for his big welcoming smile, high five, fist bump or handshake and big ‘Hello, I’m Joey.’ His smiles had the ability to turn any bad day good. There were no games, no false pretenses with Joey. What you saw is what you got. He was genuine, real and quite a character. Able to work a room better than any professional politician, Joey strutted into a room like he owned it and would usually be found in the middle of the action.”

The Manaker’s have created a non-profit organization in their son’s memory named Joey’s Way. “Our mantra is ‘Living Life Joey’s Way’ and our mission is ‘to spread the power of a smile, handshake and hello.’ All trademarks of Joey.

The Joseph A. Manaker Memorial Award is only one of several elements around a theme of social inclusion that Joey’s Way focuses on. To be considered for the award, a student must have exhibited a positive attitude while overcoming adversity or challenge, made a significant impact on the Huntington school community through active involvement in co-curricular and/or non-academic activities and groups and demonstrate high personal standards and values.

Mr. Simmons had a way of capturing the heart and imagination of people, young and old of every color, creed and national origin with music. He has found it to be the international language and he has loved bring folks together, just like Joey Manaker did during his short life.