Kurt Schaefer Scholarship Awarded to Carly Gallagher

Carly Gallagher is an articulate, ingenious and high achieving member of Huntington High School’s Class of 2026. Recognized as a Distinguished Senior for her excellent academic accomplishments, she served as president of the Natural Helpers organization. The well-liked member of the Class of 2026 is this year’s recipient of the Kurt Schaefer Memorial Scholarship Award.

Ms. Gallagher plans to study biomedical sciences at Hofstra University. The Kurt Schaefer Memorial Scholarship Award is presented annually to a student who has shown academic and social growth as well as maturity and responsibility toward their classmates. Mr. Schaefer was a friendly and kind-hearted young man. He was loved by many and is missed by all. His spirit lives on through the generous scholarship that bears his name.

“One major key to my success has been to advocate for myself,” Ms. Gallagher said. “Whether it’s a confusing topic I need help on, or a grade I wish to improve, I’ve always known that if I want to grow, I need to achieve an education. I’ve enjoyed making unforgettable friendships and having experiences that have shaped me to be the young woman I am now.”

President of Natural Helpers, recording secretary of the student council for four years and also of the National Honor Society. An active participant in the A World of Difference anti-discrimination club, Ms. Gallagher earned first place in last year’s National History Day essay competition. She has been recognized as an Advanced Placement Scholar.

Kim and Sean Schaefer made this year’s scholarship presentation at Huntington High School’s senior scholarships and awards ceremony.

Kurt Schaefer Felled in Hit-and-Run

Kurt Schaefer had recently turned 17 years old and was preparing to enter his junior year at Huntington High School when he was struck by a car in a hit-and-run accident on Saturday, August 18, 1990 at 12:30 a.m. He died four days later at Huntington Hospital.

The teenager was riding a moped when he was struck at the intersection of Spring Road and Main Street in Huntington near Heckscher Park, according to a report published in Newsday. A Huntington man, who Suffolk Police said was driving a red Honda on his way home from a party in Huntington Bay, was later arrested.

Detectives said the Honda went over the double line, passed a pair of cars and went through the intersection on the wrong side of the road and through a red light, according to Newsday. The car struck Mr. Schaefer as he was crossing Spring Street and then fled the scene.

Mr. Schaefer enjoyed playing tennis, fishing, water skiing and snow skiing. He was known as a very friendly person and was called “a wonderful kid” by his father, Peter Schaefer.

As Mr. Schaefer lay critically injured in Huntington Hospital following the accident, countless friends tried to visit his bedside. “The Rock” at Huntington High School was quickly painted and inscribed with the words: “We Love You Kurt. Get Well Kurt.”

Visiting was held at M.A. Connell Funeral Home on Friday and Saturday, August 24-25, 1990. Interment was at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Huntington.

While Mr. Schaefer was taken from his family and friends much too soon, the scholarship presented annually by his family has been helping Huntington graduates start college on a strong footing since the time it was established.