H-ton Seniors Garner bELIeve Project Scholarships

Eli Mollineaux will never be forgotten around Huntington High School’s hallways and classrooms or in the community. The exceptional young man was an inspiration to his teachers, classmates and family, assuming a myriad of challenges with notable determination and a cheerful hopefulness.

The teenager passed away on October 31, 2016 after a lifelong battle against Pearson’s Syndrome, a rare disease triggered by a mutation in the mitochondrial DNA. Mr. Mollineaux was just 15 years old.

Following his tragic passing, Mr. Mollineaux’s family and Ilene Messina, a district teacher aide who worked with him for many years created the bELIeve Project, which has sponsored annual scholarships for graduating Huntington seniors. More than $35,000 in scholarship monies have been presented to Huntington seniors since 2017.

“We are here to recognize three deserving Huntington High School seniors who live their lives like Eli, bringing joy, kindness and compassion to others every single day,” said Mrs. Messina during a June scholarship awards ceremony. “Having spent five years with Eli, I can tell you that he was an inspiration to everyone. He was kind, compassionate and always smiling. You couldn’t pass him in the hallway without getting a high-five or a big hug from him. Whenever he saw someone who looked sad or lonely, he would tell them a joke or ask if they would like to join him for lunch.”

The bELIeve Project presented Eli Mollineaux Memorial Scholarship Awards David Dorilus Dax ($2,000) and Ella O’Heir ($2,250). The Eli Mollineaux Spirit Award was presented to Genesis Acevedo in the amount of $250. The awards were formally presented by Mrs. Messina and Mr. Mollineaux’s mother, Ellen.

Ms. Acevedo immigrated to the United States unable to speak a word of English. “Today, she is not only fluent, she is an exceptional scholar,” Mrs. Messina said. “She volunteers in the community and is always willing to help others.” The teenager will be attending New York University in the fall on a full scholarship.

A football and track star, Mr. Dax also immigrated to the US with an inability to speak English. “But with patience, hard work and determination, he has excelled both in the classroom and on the athletic field,” Mrs. Messina said. “As a member of the Social Justice Club he has created a safe space for students in need. Coach Ron Wilson said, ‘David has always been the heart and soul of the team, motivating his teammates. He has a smile that brightens the building and a kind and high spirited personality that will make your day better.” Mr. Dax is headed to Stony Brook University.

Ms. O’Heir was the final scholarship recipient. “She is a remarkable young woman who has experienced incredible heartache,” Mrs. Messina told the crowd. When she was just 11 years old, her mother passed away from cancer and yet she has never let her sorrow define her. She is always the first to volunteer to help in school and in the community. She is hardworking, determined and focused in the classroom and on the athletic field. She is extremely well respected by her employer and absolutely loved by her teachers, coaches and peers. Her business teacher, Paige Furman Tyree said, ‘To know her is to love her. She is the happiest, friendliest and most positive person that I know. Anytime she entered my classroom, the whole environment and mood would shift. It’s impossible to be in a bad mood when Ella’s in the room. Just like Eli did, she radiates joy and spreads happiness wherever she goes.’” Ms. O’Heir will be studying at Fairfield University.

This marked the final year the scholarship will be presented.