Troy DePass Scholarship Fund to Hold Track Reunion Tomorrow

Tomorrow night the Troy DePass Scholarship Fund will hold its first annual Mepham Track Reunion and Fundraiser at the Treehouse Sports Café in Merrick. The event aims to raise money for the fund as well as reunite members of Wellington C. Mepham High School's track and cross country running teams.

The Troy DePass Scholarship Fund was founded roughly 10 years ago by the family of Mepham student Troy DePass. DePass, a former member of Mepham's cross country team, passed away in 1996, just before his senior year, from a rare and aggressive form of leukemia.

"We were all deeply crushed," said Lee Krinsky, DePass' friend and fellow Mepham runner. "It was sudden and shocking."

Krinsky is one of the current overseers of the Troy DePass Scholarship Fund, having assumed that role from Depass' family. He describes DePass as having been "loved and revered" by his teammates.

"Troy embodied the sport through his dedication and hard work," he added. "Troy was not the best runner on the team, but he was always positive and inspirational to everyone. He was not captain, but did act like a leader and counsel to many of the runners."

DePass' inspirational presence was evident off the track as well, Krinsky added.

"He was popular and a good friend to many," he says.  "He had a great sense of humor and could often be found giving advice to others."

Following DePass' death, Krinsky says, more than 500 of his fellow students gathered on the Mepham track to pay tribute to him. Collectively, they jogged a single lap around the track in his honor. In addition, the Mepham cross country team vowed to win the forthcoming county championship tournament in honor of DePass – and succeeded.

Along with Krinsky, the Troy DePass Scholarship Fund is co-run by fellow Mepham Class of '97 graduates Dejan Popović and Kristin Hulsaver. Each year, the fund awards a $500 scholarship each to one male and one female athlete graduating from Mepham. Krinsky said he hopes the award can be increased to $1,000 per person in the near future, to coincide with the rising costs of college tuitions.

The upcoming Mepham Track Reunion and Fundraiser is an open event. The cost of admittance is $30 per person, with a suggested donation of $20 to the Scholarship Fund. Finger foods and and open bar will be served. 

With regards to making a donation to the Scholarship Fund, Krinsky said, "It's a great feeling to know you can help make a positive difference in someone else's life."

The Mepham Track Reunion and Fundraiser is scheduled for 6 to 10 p.m.