Montefusco & Armstrong Capture Courtney O’Bryan Scholarships

Courtney O’Bryan was a delightful young woman. Smart, enthusiastic, loyal and a kind and considerate friend to so many, she was loved by everyone that knew her. The 2011 Huntington High School graduate will never be forgotten at her alma mater, where her magnetic smile and happy disposition made a lasting impression.

A starter on the Blue Devil varsity girls’ soccer and basketball teams, Ms. O’Bryan displayed an all-out style of play. Devoted to her studies, she was admired and respected by the high school’s faculty. Her intellect, endearing personality and easygoing nature along with a frequently hilarious sense of humor all came together to win over classmates, coaches and teachers in record time.

Ms. O’Bryan, who moved to Huntington from Lynbrook as a fifth grader, graduated near the top of her class and moved on to Penn State University, where she dived into campus life, participating in the school’s IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, better known as THON, which raises funds to battle pediatric cancer.

The largest student-run philanthropy in the world, THON has raised more than $190 million since 1977 for The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. A large chunk of the monies have been collected during so-called “canning” weekends, which see Penn State students fanning out into other cities and states to solicit donations for the THON initiative.

After visiting her family in Huntington for Thanksgiving and paying a visit to the Huntington High School gym to shoot baskets with her former teammates and coaches, Ms. O’Bryan returned to the Penn State campus for a week of classes.

On Friday, December 2, 2011, the Blue Devil alum was a passenger in a car on its way to Buffalo for a canning weekend to raise money for THON and pediatric cancer research. At about 8:30 p.m. the car reportedly hit an icy patch of roadway in Lewis Run in northern Pennsylvania, careening out of control, flipping over, sliding down a highway embankment and crashing into a tree.

Ms. O’Bryan, who was riding in the backseat of the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder, was fatally injured and four other students in the car were hospitalized. The accident occurred on State Road 219, about one mile south of State Route 59 according to the Pennsylvania State Police.

The news hit Huntington like a knockout punch. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Ms. O’Bryan’s family created a scholarship to perpetuate her memory and promote the qualities she so splendidly displayed.

The Courtney O’Bryan Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to senior male and female athletes who are college bound and who participated in more than one team sport “exemplifying character, leadership, strong school spirit and sportsmanship.”

Two Seniors Capture $2,000 in Scholarships

This year, graduating seniors Kathryn Montefusco and Matthew Armstrong were chosen by Ms. O’Bryan’s parents, Bill and Lisa and family members as the recipients of twin $1,000 scholarship awards along with attractive plaques. Mr. O’Bryan announced the 2023 honorees at the 55th Blue Devil senior athletic awards ceremony in the high school auditorium.

Both of the teenagers were named Distinguished Seniors after compiling academic grade averages in excess of 90 during every semester of high school.

Huntington coaches submitted 14 separate nominations for this year’s scholarships. The award is annually held in high esteem.

Ms. Montefusco has earned All-State honors multiple times. She is headed to Villanova University where she was recruited to swim on the school’s NCAA Division I team.

Mr. Armstrong is a state champion and All-American. He has been recruited by the University of Rhode Island to run on its NCAA Division I track team.

“Kathryn’s respect and sportsmanship has always been evident by her ability to converse with her coaches, meet officials, cheer for her competitors and accept constructive criticism,” wrote her coach in a nomination letter. “Her commitment to practice, balanced with school work, highlights her character that exemplifies her dedication and determination to excel. She understands the value of goal setting and the importance of team work and has shown the ability to bounce back from adversity. Kathryn realizes that success can only be obtained through hard work and a positive attitude.”

Mr. Armstrong is a three-season runner. “Matt is a Blue Devil that loves and enjoys competing in a blue and white uniform,” wrote his coach in a nomination letter. “I am so proud of him both on and off the track. He is one who thoroughly prepares himself to meet and exceed the challenges that life offers. Matt meets each challenge with enthusiasm and confidence in himself. He’s one to always strive very hard to please others by getting the best grades possible and by showing he is a team player. His ability to maintain superior grades in rigorous courses, train hard and compete at a high level are characteristics I’m sure Courtney O’Bryan would be well pleased with.”