Madelyn Bavaro and Gianmarco Vasquez spent many years in Blue Devil fencing uniforms, helping Huntington High School to field one of the most competitive programs in Suffolk. The duo was presented with twin Alan Kuver Memorial Fencing Scholarships at this year’s senior scholarships and awards ceremony.
Blue Devil fencing head coach Michelle O’Brien nominated the two Class of 2022 members for the scholarship, which is named after a veteran teacher and fencing coach who passed away July 1, 2014 after a courageous 10 month battle with esophageal cancer.
An Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor, Ms. Bavaro is headed to Lehigh University to study humanities. She played on Huntington’s varsity volleyball, fencing and softball teams. Honorable mention All-County and second team All-League, she garnered a long list of athletic and academic awards.
“Maddy has proven herself to be a great leader among her teammates and is able to cheer anyone up who is having a ‘down on themselves’ moment,” Coach O’Brien said. “She will often take time outs (with coach’s permission) to help her fellow fencers during their bout. She is a terrific cheerleader for everyone and demonstrates great sportsmanship; as a result she won this year’s Section XI Alan Kuver Fencer’s Fencer Award.”
Ms. Bavaro compiled a 102 academic average while playing key roles with the Blue Devil marching band and yearbook club. “During her time on the team, we have seen her self-confidence and self-esteem grow and blossom,” Mrs. O’Brien said.
Ms. Vasquez is equally gifted. Named a Distinguished Senior after recording an academic average of 90 or better during every semester of high school, he plans to study at Suffolk County Community College. He is particularly interested in the performing arts.
“Gianmarco Vazquez is one of the most courteous and respectful fencers to ever be associated with Blue Devil fencing,” Mrs. O’Brien said. “He never missed a practice or meet without informing the coaches first; consistently arrived early to help set up practice and stayed late to clean up and spent his practice time not only working to improve his own skills but those of his teammates. His one regret is not joining the team sooner, as he joined as a junior; this means his 2 years on the team was all under COVID-19 guidelines and wearing a mask under a mask.”
A resident of the Huntington School District and a Blue Devil alum himself, Mr. Kuver was often be seen around town, darting in and out of stores. A consummate professional, he helped guide many of his athletes into the college ranks, with several reaching the NCAA Division I fencing championships. He maintained relationships with a long list of Blue Devil alums, who he continued to mentor and encourage, years after they had graduated.
