Mindy Najera Flores Captures Joseph A. Manaker Memorial Award

Joseph Manaker was a unique and wonderfully engaging young man with a heart of gold. His larger than life personality filled every inch of available space at 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 time 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 Mindy Najera Flores who plans to study nursing at Stony Brook University and cosmetology at Brittany Beauty Academy in Levittown. She trained as a medical assistant at Western Suffolk BOCES.

“The key to my success has been my inspiration to become a prepared woman; to be someone who in the future can help her family and others who need it,” the Class of 2026 member said. “Making my parents proud also always inspired me. Over the past three years at school, I’ve truly valued the friendships and camaraderie I’ve built. Most meaningful to me, though, has been participating in United Amigos; both as a member on the dance group and as an active contributor.”

Mr. Manaker’s parents, Glen and Anne announced that Mindy Najera Flores is this year’s award recipient during a ceremony in the high school auditorium.

“I’ve enjoyed every activity and genuinely appreciate being part of such a welcoming community,” Ms. Najera Flores said. “Something that always makes me proud and that my mother knows about me is my involvement in the New World Club, where I developed my skills as a Spanish-speaking class mentor.”

The teenager served as co-president of the United Amigos dance group and was also recognized as a Distinguished Senior after compiling a superb academic record.

“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.

Joseph A. Manaker Memorial Award Recipients

2026 Mindy Najera Flores

2025 DeAndre Simmons

2024 Edwin Marroquin

2023 Ella Kamenstein

2022 Caitlin Murtagh

2021 Johanna Campos-Moreira

2020 Erlyn Flores Reyes

2019 Daniel Thompson

2018 Christina Nigro