Ethan Mortensen Garners October Dawn Scholarship
August 4, 2025
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 Ethan Mortensen, a member of the Class of 2025.
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 award, but this year, school counselor Dianna Bonilla presented Mr. Mortensen with the scholarship during a ceremony in the high school auditorium.
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. Mortensen will be attending the University at Buffalo. He possesses many gifts and talents, including artistic. He studied with high school art teacher Kasmira Mohanty. He was among a select group to have his work chosen for display at the 29th annual Long Island’s Best Young Artists at the Heckscher Museum. The show ran from April 6 through May 25.