Bosco Garners Ray Deren
Memorial Scholarship
Ray Deren played a key role in Blue Devil athletic history. It was his innovative ideas and dogged leadership that resulted in the steady growth of opportunities for Huntington student-athletes. He pioneered the use of an athletic trainer in a high school setting and engineered an array of well-received initiatives. His influence is still apparent today, even though he retired more than two decades ago.
At last week’s 42nd Blue Devil senior athletic awards banquet, which Mr. Deren created in 1969 to recognize and honor senior students who have participated in athletics, Lynchburg College-bound Angela Bosco was presented with a handsome plague and generous scholarship in honor of the longtime district director of physical education and athletics.
“My dad believed that students who participated in athletics would have the most success in their careers and relationships,” said Mr. Deren’s daughter, Georgia McCarthy, who now fills the same position her father once did. She was joined for the award presentation by her mother, Carol and sister, Kelly.
The Deren Scholarship recognizes athletes who have consistently showed dedication to their academic and athletic programs and are determined to complete a college education while participating in athletes.
Mr. Deren so strongly believed that athletics encompass so much that is good in this world, that it permeated his very being. Athletes held a special place in his world and Georgia McCarthy listed all the reasons why this was so. “They are obligated to work well with others on a daily basis in some of the most unique situations,” she said. “Athletes have a strong work ethic, can problem solve, be unselfish and manage their time. These are just a few of the skills that are second nature and will help them live happy and successful lives. This banquet is all about you who have put so much time and energy into this strong program,” she told the 98 senior athletes in the crowd of about 200.
Ms. Bosco participated in soccer and lacrosse. As a four year varsity soccer player, she captained the squad as a junior and senior and provided the Blue Devils with the offensive punch they needed to reach the Suffolk finals. She earned All-Conference, All-County and 2nd team All-State honors in the sport.
On the lacrosse field, Ms. Bosco was known for shutting down opposing attackers. “We will miss this tenacious athlete and wish her the best,” Mrs. McCarthy said.
During Mr. Deren’s tenure the number of athletic teams sponsored by the district skyrocketed from 28 to 70 and the program was seen as a model by districts across New York. A real visionary, he identified the need for a full-time athletic trainer, a first for a Long Island high school, writing the job description for the position. Throughout his career he championed improvements to the district’s athletic program and sports facilities.
Mr. Deren passed away on February 28, 1999, but his memory lives on through the annual presentation of a scholarship created in his honor by his family.
Ray Deren Memorial Scholarship
Winners through the Years
1999 Jonathan Searles and Alie Madden
2000 Christopher Mooney
2001 Doug Kocis
2002 James Creighton
2003 Brandon Logigian and Kathleen Macari
2004 Pierre Delva and Emily Sammis
2005 Charlie Paar and Jillian Beck
2006 Scott Kocis and Erin Turner
2007 Zachary Howell
2008 Eddie Santos and Casey Scully
2009 Brian Ruggiero and Julie Forster
2010 Angela Bosco
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