Sansiviero & Francis Capture Empire Auto Scholarships

Kaitlyn Sansiviero and Jahmar Francis captured Empire Automotive Group Scholar-Athlete Awards at the 56th annual Blue Devil senior athletic award ceremony in the Huntington High School auditorium.

The Empire Automotive Group Scholar Athlete Awards were provided by Michael Brown, a 1987 Huntington graduate who played on the Blue Devil football team and won All-County honors with the track team. He went on to obtain undergraduate and graduate degrees at Boston University and has been in the automotive business his entire professional career.

Standing before a crowd of about 300, which included district executives and Huntington School Board officials as well as building administrators, parents and senior athletes, Kevin Thorbourne presented the Empire Automotive awards, which included $500 stipends and attractive plaques. Mr. Thorbourne is a lifelong friend of Mr. Brown.

“I am so proud to have coached Jahmar Francis these past six years,” Blue Devil football and track coach Ronald E. Wilson said “He has always been gentle, humble, compassionate and genuinely interested in his studies in the classroom, on the football field, on the track and in his community. For that, he is well-respected by his coaches, teammates, and other track athletes and football players in the county. He will be continuing his education at Monroe College in the Bronx where he will represent Huntington in a phenomenal way.”

Ms. Sansiviero is headed to Michigan State University, the alma mater of her father, Wayne, who is also a Blue Devil alum.

“I have had Kaitlyn on varsity gymnastics since the team started up in 2022,” head coach Jacqueline Lazzarini said. “Kaitlyn’s unwavering dedication, tireless work ethic and remarkable commitment to the varsity gymnastics team have been truly inspiring. Throughout their time on the team, they have demonstrated unparalleled motivation, always pushing themselves to new heights and serving as a beacon of positivity for their teammates. Kaitlyn is someone who looked out for the upcoming underclassmen and led by example.”

A member of the National Honor Society, Ms. Sansiviero plans to study kinesiology at Michigan State. She was also the team manager of both the lacrosse and wrestling teams.

“Kaitlyn’s leadership both on and off the mat has not only elevated the gymnastic team’s performance, but also fostered a culture of excellence and camaraderie,” Lazzarini said. “Kaitlyn embodies the essence of a true student-athlete, excelling not only in athletics, but also in academics and character. Kaitlyn’s passion for gymnastics, health and science has guided her to major in Kinesiology at Michigan State with the goal of becoming a physical therapist.”