Erin Plante Wins First Carmen Rivera-Gotay Scholarship
Almost exactly one year to the day of a violent car crash that took the life of her daughter, Carolyn Gotay held back tears as she presented the first Carmen Rivera-Gotay scholarship to Huntington High School Class of 2014 member Erin Plante.
An incoming senior who would have graduated with Huntington’s Class of 2014, Ms. Rivera-Gotay and Class of 2013 member Ray Vega lost their lives on June 29, 2013 in an early morning car crash on Walt Whitman Road in Melville.
Carmen Melissa Rivera-Gotay was born on December 11, 1995 in Bay Shore. She was popular around Huntington High School. Interested in art and music, the teenager set high goals for herself. She was working hard in school and had taken a job as a bookkeeper at King Kullen on New York Avenue to save money for college. She was thinking about pursuing a career as a psychologist.
“The memorial scholarship for Carmen Rivera-Gotay really touched me,” Ms. Plante said. “Considering I knew Carmen personally, it was an unbelievable feeling being awarded something in her name. It’s truly inspirational to continue spreading Carmen’s way of life; of love, care, selflessness, generosity and so many other good things that her mother is showing everyone by making this scholarship based on that aspect of a student rather than grades and sports.”
“A year ago I lost my daughter Carmen in a tragic accident,” said Ms. Gotay while standing on the Huntington High School stage during the senior academic awards ceremony. “As her mom, I taught Carmen all that I could, yet as all children do, she also taught me. She taught me to see the brightness that is our future. She reminded me not to dwell on the past, but to keep looking ahead.”
Accompanied to the microphone by high school dean Paul Caleca, Ms. Gotay was emotional throughout her short comments. “Carmen was wise beyond her years,” Ms. Gotay told a crowd of about 300 in the auditorium. “She once offered advice we can all heed: ‘Try. Take chances. Make mistakes. Life can be messy and confusing at times, but it’s always full of surprises. The next rock in your path might be a stepping stone.’”
Ms. Plante is headed to Morrisville State College in Upstate New York. She was honored this past spring as a Distinguished Senior in recognition of her superb academic achievements. A graduate of Western Suffolk BOCES-Wilson Tech’s Equine Studies program, the teenager was president of the local Future Farmers of America chapter and was a member of the National Technical Honor Society.
The new Huntington alum interned with special education teacher Erica Jessen, who was a mentor to Ms. Plante. A member of drama club’s stage crew, she worked closely with advisor Ken Gilbert, who helped drive home the lesson that hard work pays off handsomely.
Ms. Plante intends to study for an Associate’s degree in Equine Science and Management and a Bachelor’s in Animal Science. She hopes to be able to eventually open her own farm, including horses and other animals. “The purpose of the farm would be to help American war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder,” she said.
“We want to create a stepping stone in Carmen’s honor,” said Ms. Gotay about the new scholarship. “We want to create something tangible to remember Carmen and all the goodness she brought into our lives. Therefore, we have created this scholarship. We did so to keep her memory alive, to remember the friendship, the joy and warmth that she brought to so many. This scholarship honors Carmen’s memory by recognizing a student who shines because of the fullness of her heart, brightness of personality and willingness to give of herself.”
The Schlitt Law Firm sponsors the $500 scholarship. To be eligible for the award a student must:
• Demonstrate community involvement through activities in school or in the community.
• Have been a positive force in school through his/her caring and respectful interaction with his/her fellow students.
• Have been accepted to a two or four year college or university, trade or vocational school.
• Be on track to graduate at the conclusion of the school year.
“The Schlitt Law Firm is a great sponsor considering they have also sponsored the Relay For Life team that I was on for this year and last year,” Ms. Plante said.
“With the help of Carol Schlitt and her law firm, we have created a path of stepping stones that will stretch 20 years into the future,” Ms. Gotay said.