Smith & Gerberg Capture Courtney O’Bryan Scholarships

Courtney O’Bryan was a charismatic young woman with a magnetic personality. Super smart, energetic and loyal, she was a kind and considerate friend to so many. She was loved by everyone that knew her.

The 2011 Huntington High School graduate will always be remembered at her alma mater, where her contagious smile and happy personality made a lasting impression.

A starter on the Blue Devil varsity girls’ soccer and basketball teams, Ms. O’Bryan employed a take-no-prisoners tyle of play. Devoted to her studies, she was admired and respected by the high school’s faculty. Her intellect, engaging personality and easygoing nature along with an sometimes hilarious sense of humor came together to win over classmates, coaches and teachers.

Ms. O’Bryan, who moved to Huntington from Lynbrook as a fifth grader, graduated near the top of her class and enrolled in Penn State University, where she embraced campus life, participating in the school’s IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, better known as THON, which raises funds to battle pediatric cancer.

The largest student-run philanthropy in the world, THON has raised more than $272 million since 1977 for The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. A large percentage of the monies have been collected during so-called “canning” weekends, which see Penn State students fanning out into other cities and states to solicit donations for the THON initiative.

After visiting her family in Huntington for Thanksgiving and stopping at the Huntington High School gym to shoot baskets with her former teammates and coaches, Ms. O’Bryan returned to the Penn State campus for a week of classes.

On Friday, December 2, 2011, the Blue Devil alum was a passenger in a car on its way to Buffalo for a canning weekend to raise money for THON and pediatric cancer research. At about 8:30 p.m. the car reportedly hit an icy patch of roadway in Lewis Run in northern Pennsylvania, careening out of control, flipping over, sliding down a highway embankment and crashing into a tree.

Ms. O’Bryan, who was riding in the backseat of the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder, was fatally injured and four other students in the car were hospitalized. The accident occurred on State Road 219, about one mile south of State Route 59 according to the Pennsylvania State Police.

The news hit Huntington like a gut punch. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Ms. O’Bryan’s family created a scholarship to perpetuate her memory and promote the qualities she so spectacularly displayed.

The Courtney O’Bryan Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to senior male and female athletes who are college bound and who participated in more than one team sport “exemplifying character, leadership, strong school spirit and sportsmanship.”

Two Seniors Capture Scholarships

This year, graduating seniors Cameron Smith and Henry Gerberg were chosen by Ms. O’Bryan’s parents, Bill and Lisa and family members as the recipients of twin $1,000 scholarship awards along with attractive plaques.

Mr. O’Bryan was on hand at the 58th Blue Devil senior athletic awards ceremony in the high school auditorium to announce Ms. Smith and Mr. Gerberg as this year’s scholarship winners.

Both of the teenagers were named Distinguished Seniors after compiling academic grade averages in excess of 90 during every semester of high school.

Huntington coaches submitted about two dozen separate nominations for this year’s scholarships. The award is annually held in high esteem.

“The key to my success has been staying actively involved in the school community,” Ms. Smith said. “Throughout high school, I made the effort to participate in as many opportunities as possible, from academics to athletics to clubs. Being involved allowed me to build strong relationships with my peers and teachers. Athletics have been the most meaningful part of my high school experience. Playing varsity soccer and varsity lacrosse helped build a strong sense of community and family among my teammates. The relationships and memories made both on and off the field over the past four years are something I will always value. Throughout high school, I have been involved in a wide range of academic, athletic, and service activities. I serve as president of Varsity Club, while also being a member of Habitat for Humanity and Latin club. I am a representative on the Section XI Student Athlete Advisory Committee.”

Ms. Smith plans to study education at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. She was recognized as a Distinguished Senior earlier this year after compiling a 90 or better academic grade average during every semester of high school.

“The key to my success has been my pure determination to match the achievements my siblings and parents have accomplished,” Mr. Gerberg said. “I’ve most enjoyed participating in a sport all twelve seasons of high school. I’ve enjoyed meeting many new people and making connections with my teachers/mentors. I have been deeply involved in extracurricular activities all four years, serving as captain of varsity baseball, JV basketball and football.”

Mr. Gerberg plans to study at Indiana University in the Kelley School of Business.

Courtney O’Bryan Memorial Scholarship Recipients

2026: Cameron Smith, Henry Gerberg

2025: Kaylee Smalling, Anthony Addeo

2024: Jannel Marroquin, Harrison Baliber

2023: Kathryn Montefusco, Matthew Armstrong

2022: Scholarship not awarded

2021: Alexa Amorison, Joseph Nicotra

2020: Alexandra Gerbavsits, Ulixis Colato, William Burton, Abigail Maichin

2019: Connor Dougal, Alyssa Sorensen, Morgan Minicozzi, Meagan-Elise Malone, Erika Varady, Evelyn Hernandez-Veliz

2018: Luke Eidle, Nicole Leslie

2017: Tara Wilson, Matthew Mattiace

2016: Kelly Palladino, Ethan Dwyer

2015: Caitlin Knowles, Justin Weigold

2014: Joelle Ceide, Alexander Castillo

2013: Maggie Askerberg, Connor Birchard

2012: Laurelle Byrne-Cody, John Deren McCarthy