Ella Kamenstein Captures Joseph A. Manaker Memorial Award

Joseph Manaker was a unique and all-together engaging young man with a heart of gold. His bigger than life personality filled every corner of Huntington High School. Teachers and classmates adored him and he never failed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

When Mr. Manaker passed away in December 2017 it was a very emotional and truly sad day for the entire high school community. The 16 year old left behind numerous friends and fans. He will never be forgotten for brightening up Huntington’s classrooms and hallways.

This year’s $1,600 Joseph A. Manaker Memorial Award was presented to Ella Kamenstein, who plans to study Spanish and international relations at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

The formal presentation of the award to Ms. Kamenstein was made by Mr. Manaker’s parents, Glen and Anne. The couple stood on the high school’s auditorium stage at Huntington’s senior academic scholarships awards ceremony and shared with a crowd of 300 a little bit of background about their son and Ms. Kamenstein, one of the top members of the Class of 2023.

“Nicknamed ‘The Mayor,’ Joey had a gift and could connect with all,” Mrs. Manaker said. “Joey was known for his big welcoming smile, high five, fist bump or handshake and big ‘Hello, I’m Joey.’ His smiles had the ability to turn any bad day good. There were no games, no false pretenses with Joey. What you saw is what you got. He was genuine, real and quite a character. Able to work a room better than any professional politician, Joey strutted into a room like he owned it and would usually be found in the middle of the action.”

An Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor, Ms. Kamenstein was a member of five academic honor societies. She said the key to her success has been “never giving up.” The teenager was involved in a variety of school activities and took on leadership roles with the student government.

The student government president, Ms. Kamenstein was on the high honor roll during every academic quarter in each of the past four years. A proud member of Huntington’s A World of Difference club and Habitat for Humanity chapter, she has volunteered with a program Sunshine for Seniors, delivering birthday gifts to senior citizens on Long Island. She interned with Aimee Antorino, her 10th grade English teacher, as part of her Rachel’s Dance for the Cure Foundation, and a dance-a-thon last spring. Her interests include hockey and spending time with friends and family

The Manaker’s have created a non-profit organization in their son’s memory named Joey’s Way. “Our mantra is ‘Living Life Joey’s Way’ and our mission is ‘to spread the power of a smile, handshake and hello.’ All trademarks of Joey.

The Joseph A. Manaker Memorial Award is only one of several elements around a theme of social inclusion that Joey’s Way focuses on. To be considered for the award, a student must have exhibited a positive attitude while overcoming adversity or challenge, made a significant impact on the Huntington school community through active involvement in co-curricular and/or non-academic activities and groups and demonstrate high personal standards and values.

Named a Distinguished Senior last spring, Ms. Kamenstein is an articulate young woman who makes people comfortable to be in her presence, just like Joey Manaker was well-known for doing.