Category Archives: Section XI News

Apply for Thomas Cutinella Scholarship

Thomas Cutinella was a loved and respected sixteen-year-old junior at Shoreham Wading River High School. He cherished life, and he always put others first.

Thomas set his goals high and was determined to be the best possible human being he could be. Thomas was an exceptional person with unquestionable character and integrity.

He was an energetic leader in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and in the community in which he lived. Thomas assumed many leadership roles throughout his life, but he always found the time to help others, especially those who faced difficult circumstances.

Thomas also understood the importance of volunteerism, academics, and giving back. He planned on attending the United States Military Academy, and he was determined to make the world a better place.

The Criteria

The Thomas Cutinella Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of this truly outstanding young man.

Students applying for this award must exhibit characteristics of kindness, modesty, and selflessness, as well as a genuine concern for improving the condition of the community at large.

The applicant for this scholarship must inspire and share the fundamental beliefs and values that defined Thomas’s life. This person must be exceptional.

Eligibility and Details

  • Applicant must be a high school senior who plans to pursue a higher education.
  • Applicant must have an 88 minimum cumulative average.
  • Applicant must attach his/her high school transcript. (unofficial is OK)
  • Applicant must be involved in extracurricular activities.
  • Applicant must provide (1) letter of recommendation from a high school teacher or coach.
  • Application: Student must submit via email, their school transcript together with the letter of recommendation AND word document response covering the items below to 54tomc@gmail.com by April 1, 2024.

Note: Please submit all items in one e-mail Application in the Word document to include:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Intended major
  • Any honors, awards, or scholarships already received
  • Colleges you have applied to and the current admissions status
  • Personal Statement: include any other information that you would like the scholarship committee to consider when reviewing your application
  • 500-word or less essay on “What inspires you to help others” Scholarships will be announced in May 2024
  • 3 – Shoreham Wading River High School
  • 5 – other High Schools or organizations
  • Amounts: 1-$2000, 2-$1000, 2-$750, 3-$500

LEARN MORE AND APPLY ON THE FOUNDATION’S WEBSITE!

Willie White, Three Village Legend, Passes Away

Three Village Central School District and Ward Melville High School’s Athletic Department’s long-time friend and colleague, Willie White, passed away a few days ago.  Willie had been battling cancer for the last few years and, more recently, kidney failure.

For those of you who never had the chance to meet Willie, he was a fixture and a legend who was very passionate about Three Village and Ward Melville Athletics.  Willie worked for almost 40 years for the district in many capacities until he retired in 2007.  Even after officially retiring, he continued to work at athletic contests, always there to help or be a fan.

“He worked and supported the athletic program right up until the last year,” said Three Village Athletic Director Kevin Finnerty. “Willie worked, supported Ward Melville athletics, and was a huge sports fan for over 50 years, even during his last years while battling cancer.  He was the kindest man and always put a smile on the faces of everyone around him.  The Three Village Central School District and Athletic Department will miss him dearly, and we are so sad to see him leave us.”

In 2008, Three Village named one of its turf fields in his honor after he retired.

“Willie is and will forever be a Patriot in our hearts,” said Finnerty.

Services will be held Thursday, January 18 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home in East Setauket. There will be a funeral mass on Friday, January 19 at 10 a.m. at Bethel AME Church in East Setauket. He will be laid to rest at Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Mount Sinai.

Bay Shore Legend Jumper Leggio Passes Away at 89

Bay Shore wrestling legend Jumper Leggio passed away last week. He was 89.

Besides being a standout wrestler and longtime coach at Bay Shore, Leggio is known as the “Father of Kid Wrestling” on Long Island for his vision of building the structure of youth wrestling that so many communities use today.

He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame, and Bay Shore Athletic Hall of Fame.

Services for Leggio will be held at Chapey & Sons Funeral Home in East Islip on January 9 from 4-8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Bay Shore on Wednesday, January 10, at 10:15 a.m. He will be laid to rest at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Bay Shore. In place of flowers, please donate to the Jumper Leggio Scholarship Fund. Checks can be sent to 155 3rd Ave., Bay Shore, NY 11706.

Brentwood’s Ron Eden Named National Soccer Coach of the Year

Capping off a 22-0 perfect season is another remarkable feat for the Brentwood boy’s soccer program. Head coach Ron Eden continued to add to his hall of fame resume too after he was named National Boy’s Soccer Coach of the Year by United Soccer Coaches.

Coach Eden posted a heartfelt note on social media about the team’s accomplishments:

“To the Brentwood Boys Soccer family it takes an army of people and players doing their jobs that helped me win this prestigious award . I want to thank all my players past and present for their amazing skill but more important their friendship. I want to thank all the coaches club , middle school
JV and Varsity past and present as I share this award with you . I want to thank all the parents who sacrificed to help their sons along the way without that we have nothing. I would like to thank the fans you are the best and you inspire the players to play harder. I would like to thank the school and Administrators who helped and hired me every year along the way. Last but not least my family who have sacrificed so much to let me do what I truly love, especially my loving wife Jeanette. In closing Ray Perez and Mr. Lown this is for you for believing in me .”

Longtime West Islip AD Jack Braddish Passes at 85

Longtime West Islip athletic director Jack Braddish passed away on January 2. He was 85.

Braddish served as AD in West Islip from 1981 to 1996. He is an inductee of the West Islip Athletic Hall of Fame.

Services will be at Chapey’s Funeral Home in West Islip on Friday, January 5, from 3 -5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., and the mass will be on Saturday, January 6, at 9 a.m. at St. Patrick’s in Bayshore.

In place of flowers, donations can be made in Jack’s loving memory to the Jack Braddish Scholarship fund through the West Islip Athletic Hall of Fame. Checks can be payable to WIAHOF 1 Lions Path West Islip, NY 11795 ATTN: George Bostch Memo: Jack Braddish Scholarship.