Alums Create William F. Oliva Scholarship Fund
Billy Oliva was a popular guy and his death in a freak accident five years ago hit his family and friends hard. It’s something they will never completely recover from, but now the group has developed a new memorial scholarship as a positive way to honor the 1984 Huntington High School graduate.
Huntington School Board members recently approved a request to establish the new “LET IT BEGIN WITH ME – William F. Oliva Memorial Scholarship,” which will be privately funded. A minimum award of $500 is expected to be made each spring to a member of Huntington’s senior class.
Mr. Oliva was killed in a work related accident on October 14, 2004. Fellow 1984 alums are the driving force behind the new scholarship and have organized alumni kickball tournaments for April 24 and July 24 at Huntington High School to help raise funds.
“Huntington High School encompasses one of the best educational reputations and its alumni are a close group who honor their own,” states a scholarship overview. “Towards that, the Class of 1984 alumni has established a scholarship tribute in memory of their classmate, Billy Oliva; someone who quickly established himself as a role model among his classmates, teammates and within our community.”
Known as an all-around good guy, Mr. Oliva jumped at the chance to lend a hand to those in need and could always be depended upon to help others. “Billy also possessed great humor and a wonderful smile that could light up a room,” according to the scholarship overview. “Whether in school, sports, his devotion to his family, friends or life in general, it was never about keeping score for Billy. He didn’t help others for special recognition or merits; Billy did it out of the kindness of his soul, he cared about everyone and he truly made a positive difference in our society.”
Scholarship criteria include:
A. Education
• Applicant must be a current senior graduating with his/her class.
• Student must have attended Huntington High School for at least two years.
• The scholarship recipient must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• A realistic future plan for their education must be described in the application.
• Must have a good attendance record.
B. Athletic Skills and Sportsmanship
• Must have participated in a varsity athletic program while attending Huntington High School.
• Priority will be given to a top performer and/or towards the all-around athlete.
• Applicant must have a good personal attitude, be enthusiastic and a leader among their teammates, showing true sportsmanship.
C. Citizenship
• Cooperative attitude.
• Positive (and hopefully humorous) personality.
• Strong leadership qualities.
• High sense of duty and morality.
• Enthusiasm to help anyone.
D. Additional Considerations
• Involvement in additional extra-curricular activities, clubs and groups will also be considered.
• Financial need should and will be a consideration.
• Scholarship money may be used for attendance at any two or four year college.
• Money will be awarded upon receipt of proof of enrollment in college.
The scholarship selection committee will consist of the high school principal, a teacher with a majority of students who are seniors, the athletic director, another high school administrator and a guidance counselor, a coach who is also a high school teacher and an Oliva family member or a representative chosen by them.
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