Tessie Maerz & Kieran Husselbeck Win Kleet Scholar Awards
June 26, 2023
The Kleet family has always adored their community and they have operated Kleet Lumber on Park Avenue in Huntington in a way that demonstrates for everyone the qualities they hold dear. The family very much cares about the young people who live here so they decided to honor two of the leading seniors in Huntington High School’s Class of 2023.
Kleet Lumber funded a pair of $500 scholarships and earmarked them for exceptional students who combine academic and athletic excellence with evidence of leadership and community service and all the other qualities needed to be regarded as a good classmate and teammate.
The Kleet Scholar Athlete Awards were presented by Huntington UFSD Assistant Superintendent Beth McCoy at the 55th Blue Devil senior athletic awards ceremony in the high school auditorium. Tessie Maerz and Kieran Husselbeck were chosen from a group of very strong candidates for the scholarships.
The Kleet family has a deep affection for the area’s youth. The two scholarships they fund demonstrate their desire to recognize and reward all-around excellence.
Tessie Maerz
Tessie Maerz is one of the top students in Huntington’s Class of 2023. Named a Distinguished Senior, she compiled a near perfect academic average during every semester of high school. She credits her success to having a source of motivation and staying focused; knowing that doing well will help her get accepted to a good college and asking for help when she needs it.
Ms. Maerz is one of Huntington’s all-time greatest field hockey players. She helped the Blue Devils win 14 games last fall, the most victories in a single season in school history. As the team captain, she helped the team reach the Suffolk Final Four playoff round.
A member of multiple academic honor societies, Ms. Maerz qualified for the high honor roll during every marking period. She has especially enjoyed making friendships that will last a lifetime and the relationships she has made with her teachers.
Ms. Maerz intends to study nutritional or health sciences at the University of Connecticut in preparation for a career as either as physician assistant or therapist.
Kieran Husselbeck
Kieran Husselbeck has been an integral part of the Huntington varsity boys’ soccer team throughout high school. He played a large role in the Blue Devils’ county runner-up finish as a junior.
A great student academically, Mr. Husselbeck was named a Distinguished Senior after compiling an grade average of 90 or better during every semester of high school. He attributes his success to being open minded and optimistic. Whatever situation he finds himself in, he tries to make the best of it. He believes that if you are doing what makes you happy, success is inevitable.
Mr. Husselbeck said he especially has enjoyed making priceless relationships and friendships, which he hopes will last far beyond his high school years.
Mr. Husselbeck has been recruited to play soccer at SUNY College at Oswego.
