Axel Parker Garners October Dawn Scholarship

The October Dawn Scholarship is a very special award presented annually to a graduating Huntington High School senior. This year, the scholarship’s generous stipend of $2,000 was garnered by Axel Parker, a member of the Class of 2024.

The scholarship is presented in memory of Kathryn A. DeGelleke, a special education teacher and Centerport resident who passed away September 22, 2009 after a two-year battle with cancer. She was only 53 years old.

Mrs. DeGelleke worked in the district as a home tutor and provided instructional support services. Her husband, Scott typically presents the scholarship on the high school stage, but the award was announced by school officials as were many of this year’s scholarships due to COVID-19.

Scholarship applicants are asked to submit a one-page essay detailing what obstacles they have overcome in high school, their future plans and why they believe they should be awarded the scholarship.

Mr. Parker is headed to Suffolk Community College. He is a Huntington original who works hard, is surrounded by a loyal group of friends and gives his all to everything he chooses to get involved in. No obstacle or challenge is too daunting for the teenager, who has a way of overcoming setbacks and “impossible” situations. He’s an inspiration for not only his friends, but his teachers, too.

Assistant Principal Patricia Avelli presented Mr. Parker with the scholarship at this year’s senior scholarships and awards ceremony in the high school auditorium.