Mendez Captures Patrick McCourt Memorial Scholarship
The Patrick Thomas McCourt Memorial Scholarship was created in the aftermath of a heartbreaking accident. A member of Huntington High School’s Class of 2006, the 22-year old was killed September 17, 2011 after being struck by two cars while walking on Veterans Memorial Highway in Holbrook at 5:30 a.m.
“As our tribute to Patrick, this scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to a student who we feel embodies his spirit and legacy,” said Meredith McCourt, who presented the 2015 award on behalf of her family during Huntington’s senior academic awards night in the high school auditorium earlier this month. “I am pleased to report we found several deserving students in this year’s graduating class.”
This year’s McCourt scholarship was presented to Brandon Mendez, who is headed to New York Institute of Technology to study mechanical engineering. The teenager credits his achievements to “an unrelenting drive to succeed,” he said. “Every day my goal is to improve myself as a human being so I can be the best Brandon Mendez possible.”
Mr. Mendez was recognized as a Distinguished Senior this past spring after compiling at least a 90 academic grade average in each of his first seven high school semesters. A fine student, he is also an exceptional athlete, earning All-State honors in wrestling. He won 40 matches for the Blue Devils last winter and 127 over the course of his varsity career.
“Simply put, Brandon Mendez is outstanding,” said Bernadette Walsh, Huntington’s college counselor. “He is athletic, humorous, talented and energetic. Brandon is creative and open. His enthusiasm and zest for life have infiltrated and positively affected the diverse student body of Huntington High School.”
A scholarship in Mr. McCourt’s honor was presented for the first time in June 2012 with Thomas Hardardt winning the inaugural award. Daniel Moya captured the 2013 scholarship. Rachel Feltman was the recipient of last year’s award.
“Patrick was a serious student, a quick wit, a true friend, a helpful neighbor and a responsible citizen; a young man of solid integrity,” Ms. McCourt said. “Well-loved and admired, he is sorely missed by many.”
Five candidates were recommended for this year’s scholarship award by Huntington teachers who knew Mr. McCourt, including Joseph Leavy, James Graber, Kelly Krycinski and Michael Schwendemann. The group was later interviewed by members of the McCourt family. Besides Mr. Mendez, the candidates included Carol Cimetta, Justin Weigold, Zachary Hearl and Timothy Gress.
“Selecting just one of these individuals was not an easy task, but it has been our pleasure and privilege to learn of their accomplishments and contemplate their bright futures,” Ms. McCourt said. In association with the Rotary Club of Huntington, each of the runner-up candidates was given $50 Amazon gift cards “to help defray the cost of their books or other school supplies.”
Patrick Thomas McCourt was born October 20, 1988. He was a popular figure around Huntington, performing in the marching band, serving as captain of the Blue Devil fencing team and participating in various school activities.
During his years at Huntington High School, Mr. McCourt was very well-liked and developed close relationships with a core group of friends, along with many others. He graduated from George Washington University, focusing his studies on civil engineering. He quickly found work in the field shortly after his college graduation.
In addition to his sister Meredith, Mr. McCourt is survived by his parents, Patrick and Mary, his sister, Kiera and his brother, Michael.
In the 2006 edition of The Huntingtonian, Huntington High School’s annual yearbook, Mr. McCourt’s photo appears on page 38, along with the senior quote he chose from comedian Steven Wright: “I intend to live forever. So far, so good.”