NHP Students Dedicate Tree to Classmate Who Passed Away in March

New Hyde Park Memorial High School held a tree dedication ceremony last month in remembrance of student Rory McGonigle who passed away in March.

Rory was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 5, but was in remission for the last 13 years. The brain tumor returned last spring and Rory passed away a week before his 18th birthday.

At the tree dedication, classmates and teachers shared heartfelt words about Rory and how much he will be missed, including teacher Heather Orlandi, who shared a quote from A.A. Milne, “If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.”

Rory’s teachers described him as funny, sweet, hard working, witty and always quick with a joke. He loved Skylanders, video games and spending time with his friends. He loved his pet dogs and took great care of them. Rory will be forever missed by his friends and teachers at New Hyde Park.

After the tree dedication, students danced to “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” to celebrate Rory’s life, wearing t-shirts that read “In Memory of Rory #WhipCancer.” The school sold the t-shirts and collected donations to raise money for Cohen’s Children Medical Center.

Story by Syntax, Photos courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District:

1. New Hyde Park student Maria Natale placed a plaque honoring Rory at the foot of the tree.
2. Students and faculty at New Hyde Park Memorial High School took part in a tree dedication in memory of student Rory McGonigle.
3. Rory McGonigle’s classmate Dayan Kelly attempted to hold back her tears as she spoke about her friend.
4. Pictured (from left): teacher Michele Kenahan, Principal Richard Faccio, Mary McGonigle, teacher Lisa name and Heather Orlandi.