Senior Lily Mitek Wins Tri-CYA Martone Award

Huntington High School Class of 2024 member Lily Mitek is this year’s recipient of the Tri-Community & Youth Agency’s Joseph Martone Memorial Scholarship award, which carries a $500 stipend. The teenager plans to study at the University of Delaware.

“I chose the University of Delaware because of the homey feeling the campus gave me,” Ms. Mitek said. “The minute I saw the campus I knew it was the school for me. What drew me to it wasn’t just the size, but also the distance it was away from home. It is not too far, but not too close, which is exactly what I wanted. As of now, I plan on studying communications and will go from there. I do not know my exact plans for my future, but I have found a lot of interest in public relations and journalism.”

Mr. Martone had a long association with Tri-CYA, serving on its board of directors as president, vice president, treasurer and fundraising committee chairman at one time or another for more than two decades until his death in 2004.

The Martone scholarship is annually awarded to a graduating senior who combines “the values and ideals that Joe stood for; hard work, commitment to school work, athletics, teamwork and an unselfish dedication to a community cause,” according to Tri-CYA.

Tri-CYA Regional Director Debbie Rimler was on hand at Huntington High School’s senior scholarships and awards ceremony to present the $500 Martone scholarship to Ms. Mitek.

“As a [Tri-CYA] board member and volunteer, Joseph Martone stood for hard work and commitment to education,” Mrs. Rimler said. “He was a team player and had an unselfish dedication to community service.”

Mr. Martone helped develop Tri-CYA’s Hall of Honor, which honors distinguished community members who have volunteered to help local youth. He was willing to do everything from helping around Tri-CYA’s facility to delivering food, supplies and even diapers to families in need. The scholarship award is funded by David S. Pottruck, one of Mr. Martone’s former students.