Amaru Jones returned to his alma mater with several of his classmates to present a pair of scholarships at this year’s senior academic awards ceremony in the Huntington High School auditorium.
President of Leaders of the New School, Mr. Jones told the crowd that the group’s team partnered with Good Eats Grill “to do something special for our alma mater. It was here where many of us found the guidance, support and love that propelled us throughout college and into our adult lives now.”
Surrounded by his classmates and teammates, Mr. Jones spoke from the heart. “We are truly inspired by Huntington and all it has given us so it was only fitting we paid it forward,” he said. “We are honored to introduce to you all our Lead Your Legacy scholarships. We are awarding this scholarship to graduating seniors we identified who have demonstrated excellence both academically and athletically in their respective sports. Individuals who today are leaving their mark on Huntington High School and transitioning to creating their legacy in our world.”
The inaugural Lead Your Legacy scholarships in the amount of $500 each were presented to Analisse Batista and Kaleef Riley.
A county and state champion and All-American, Ms. Batista is headed to the University Arkansas, where she has been recruited to run on the school’s NCAA Division I track and field team. The teenager also played soccer for the Blue Devils, helping to propel the team into the Suffolk playoffs. She ran on the winter and spring track teams, excelling in both seasons.
Mr. Riley played football and wrestled for the Blue Devils, turning in great careers in both sports. An all-around good guy, he has been recruited by Wagner College to play on its NCAA Division I football team The teenager was a standout athlete at Huntington and leaves behind many admirers.
“You’ve overcome so much already,” Mr. Jones told the duo. “Pressures from home, family and friends and even at school, but what is most important to recognize is that you are undefeated in each and every hurdle that’s come before you and you will continue to prosper. “I’m honored and humbled to recognize Analisse Batista and Kaleef Riley as our 2022 Lead Our Legacy scholarship recipients.”