Edwin Marroquin Captures Joseph A. Manaker Memorial Award

Joseph Manaker was a very special and completely engaging young man with a heart of gold. His larger than life personality filled every nook and cranny at 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 time 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 Edwin Marroquin, who plans to study at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood. He has been a key player on the Blue Devil boys’ soccer team, helping Huntington reach the Suffolk finals twice in three years.

Mr. Marroquin intends to study criminal justice at Suffolk Community College and pursue a career as a Suffolk police officer. He intends to focus on academics as a freshman and then wear a college soccer team uniform as a sophomore.

The teenager is very highly regarded by his classmates and teammates. His encouraging and supportive personality is appreciated by everyone, including his coaches. Mr. Marroquin got his start in Huntington UFSD as a kindergartner at Washington Primary School. Even at that young age his engaging personality, wit and sense of humor stood out to teachers.

“My experience at Huntington was one of a kind,” Mr. Marroquin said. “It truly felt like a second home. Being a part of the Huntington community I was able to make lifelong friendships and memories to last me a lifetime. Overall, the best part about Huntington High School is that it’s such a special place and it will always be there and will always feel like home.”

Mr. Manaker’s parents, Glen and Anne announced that Mr. Marroquin is this year’s award recipient during a ceremony in the high school auditorium.

“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.”

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.