Dynamic Duo Awarded
Ray Deren Scholarships
Ray Deren will always be remembered by the Blue Devil athletic program he led for two decades. It was his creativity and foresight that resulted in the remarkable growth of opportunities for Huntington student-athletes. The program he put in place continues to benefit hundreds of teenagers each year.
A legitimate pioneer in his field, Mr. Deren engineered an assortment of well-received initiatives. His influence is still readily apparent today, even though he retired more than 20 years ago.
At this month's 43rd Blue Devil senior athletic awards banquet, which Mr. Deren created in 1969 to recognize and honor senior students who have participated in athletics, Binghamton University-bound Angela Bosco and Peter Kingston, who is headed to St. Leo University in Florida, where each presented with a handsome plague and $500 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 son Kenny.
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 deeply believed that athletics encompasses so much of what is good in this world, that it permeated his inner being. Athletes held a special place in his universe 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 athletes to 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 100 senior athletes in the crowd of about 200.
Ms. Hayes-Hurley starred on the Blue Devil soccer, basketball and lacrosse teams. She earned All-County honors in soccer, was All-Division lacrosse and captained all three teams. "She was a scholar-athlete for multiple seasons and has worked hard to represent Huntington well," Mrs. McCarthy said. "We will miss this determined athlete and wish her the best."
Mr. Kingston was a mainstay of Huntington's football and lacrosse teams. "He has been a leader on the field in both sports, supporting his coaches and teammates," Mrs. McCarthy said. "He is one of the most respectful student-athletes who have graced our hallways and fields. We are excited he has chosen to continue his lacrosse and academic career at St. Leo."
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.
| Previous Recipients | Ray Deren Memorial Scholarship |
| 2010 | Angela Bosco |
| 2009 | Brian Ruggiero and Julie Forster |
| 2008 | Eddie Santos and Casey Scully |
| 2007 | Zachary Howell |
| 2006 | Scott Kocis and Erin Turner |
| 2005 | Charlie Paar and Jillian Beck |
| 2004 | Pierre Delva and Emily Sammis |
| 2003 | Brandon Logigian and Kathleen Macari |
| 2002 | James Creighton |
| 2001 | Doug Kocis |
| 2000 | Christopher Mooney |
| 1999 | Jonathan Searles and Alie Madden |