Senior Isaiah Thomas Captures Principal’s Award

Isaiah Thomas has captured this year’s Principal’s Award at Huntington High School, where the teenager is completing an inspiring four year run that will culminate in graduation with the Class of 2023.

Principal Brenden Cusack presented Mr. Thomas with the award, which consists of a plaque and a $1,000 stipend. The teenager has faced so many obstacles along the way, including the loss of his dad, a life-threatening injury from an accident and dealing with his 24 year old brother being critically injured last month in a hit and run on Park Avenue.

“Each year, I am tasked with selecting one student to receive my Principal’s Award,” Mr. Cusack said. “It is never easy to choose just one student, as I truly am impressed by so many of the members of the senior class. Getting to see all of you change and grow over your years here is such an honor and a blessing. Having said that, I do need to select only one recipient of the Principal’s Award.”

Mr. Thomas recovered from his own serious injury and was able to play football for the Blue Devils as a senior.

“This year’s award winner is an unsung hero who has truly continued to persevere despite the many challenges life has thrown his way,” Mr. Cusack said. “He is an unassuming, humble and kind individual who always seeks to support his friends and family. He works hard and continues to move forward no matter what happens. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘It’s not how many times you get knocked down, it’s how many times you get up.’ This young man is truly the definition of this phrase.”

The $1,000 stipend for the award was funded by Huntington High School’s yearbook company, Irvin Simon.

Mr. Cusack presented the award to Mr. Thomas during this week’s senior scholarship awards night in the high school auditorium.