Donaghy & McDonald Capture Empire Auto Scholarships

Lauren Donaghy and Timothy McDonald captured Empire Automotive Group Scholar-Athlete Awards at the 57th 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 375, which included district executives, building administrators, parents and senior athletes, Deputy Superintendent Christopher J. Hender presented the Empire Automotive awards, which included $500 stipends and attractive plaques.

Ms. Donaghy is headed to Fairleigh Dickinson University to play on its NCAA Division I basketball team. Mr. McDonald will be attending Siena College and playing on its NCAA Division I lacrosse team.

Ms. Donaghy played on Huntington’s volleyball, basketball and golf teams. Mr. McDonald played on the Blue Devil football and lacrosse teams.

“My key to success has been my ability to push myself and set a high standard, both in and out of the classroom,” Ms. Donaghy said. “I’ve carried the same strong work ethic from the court into my academics and it’s shown me that I’m capable of more than I often realize.”

The two Empire Auto scholarship recipients are both All-State, with Ms. Donaghy being recognized in basketball and Mr. McDonald in football.

Mr. McDonald is a driven, gritty, throwback type of athlete who is always the sparkplug of his team. He rarely comes off the field and is known for his hustle and determination. He helped lead the Blue Devil football and lacrosse teams into the playoffs as the captain of both squads.