Applications Now Available for the Second Annual Carmen Rivera-Gotay Memorial Scholarship

Applications for the 2015 Carmen Rivera-Gotay Memorial Scholarship are now available and are due on May 15. The scholarship is available to qualified graduating seniors from Huntington High School. The winner will be announced at Huntington High School at a June ceremony.

The scholarship was to honor the memory of Carmen Rivera-Gotay. Carmen died in a car accident shortly after her junior year at Huntington High School in 2013. The scholarship was established by Carmen’s mother, Carolyn Gotay, and the Schlitt Law Firm.

“It has been almost two years since Carmen passed, but her memory and the impact she had on people has not faded,” said her mother. “We want people to remember Carmen for the good she did and the kindness she offered, not the tragedy that took her life.” To honor Carmen’s life and spirit, this scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who contributed to the overall spirit of Huntington High School through a positive attitude and community involvement. This scholarship honors Carmen’s memory by recognizing a student who shines not because of athletic or academic excellence, but because of the fullness of his or her heart, brightness of personality and willingness to give of him or herself.

Carol L. Schlitt, founding partner of the Schlitt Law Firm said, “I remember the day I first met Carolyn and how we immediately knew we wanted to do something special to honor Carmen.” The Schlitt Law Firm has agreed to fund the scholarship for twenty years. Carolyn Gotay said, “Carmen brought joy to so many and this is a way to continue to spread that joy.”

Criteria for the Carmen Rivera-Gotay Memorial Scholarship

To be eligible, a student must meet the following criteria:

· Has demonstrated community involvement through activities in school or the community

· Has been a positive force in the school through his or her caring and respectful interaction with his or her fellow students

· Has been accepted to a two or four year college or university, trade or vocational school

· Has a GPA ranking above the 25th percentile and no higher than the 75th percentile

· Be on track to graduate at the end of the school year

The award will consist of a $500 scholarship for use to defray school costs and a plaque honoring the recipient. Last year, Erin Plante won the scholarship last year.

Interested students can pick up an application at the Huntington High School Guidance Department, at the Schlitt Law Firm (79 Wall Street in Huntington Village) or download one here. To learn more, please click here.