Moya Captures Patrick McCourt Memorial Scholarship

The Patrick Thomas McCourt Memorial Scholarship was created following a real life tragedy. The 22-year old, who was a member of Huntington High School’s Class of 2006, was killed during the early morning hours of September 17, 2011 after being struck by two cars while walking along Veterans Memorial Highway in Holbrook.

A scholarship in Mr. McCourt’s honor was presented for the second time this past June with senior Daniel Moya capturing the award. “Patrick was a serious student; a quick wit, a true friend, a helpful neighbor and a responsible citizen; a young man of solid integrity,” said his sister, Meredith McCourt, who was on hand to present the award. “Well-loved and admired, he is sorely missed by many.”

Mr. Moya is headed to the University of Southern California’s film school, which many consider to be the top film school in the country, if not the world. The teenager produced some sensational short films during his time at Huntington High School, displaying real talent as a writer, director, actor, editor and producer.

Ever since he was a small boy, Mr. Moya has wanted to attend USC. He has said it is a “dream come true” to actually be accepted and to enroll at the school. He completed three years of video courses at Huntington High School and engaged in a video internship as a senior as well as producing his best work in a video portfolio development class.

Mr. Moya has been a contributing member of Huntington High School’s video club, writing the weekly newscast and headlining the “Daniel Moya at the Critic’s Corner” segment. The senior also participated in the drama club, Key club and Habitat for Humanity, belonged to the English Honor Society and the National Honor Society and even fenced as a sophomore.

The teenager was voted “Most Likely to be Famous” by fellow members of Huntington’s Class of 2013. Mr. Moya even wrote and self-published a novella, Highlights and Lowlights. It is currently available at the Kindle Store from Amazon. There is a free Kindle app for iPhone and iPad to help those with Apple devices to gain access. The book is also available to read right on your computer. Each of these options is shown on the product page on Amazon.

McCourt a Popular Figure at HHS

Patrick Thomas McCourt was born October 20, 1988. He was a popular figure around Huntington, performing in the marching band, serving as captain of the Blue Devil fencing team and participating in various school activities. 

During his years at Huntington High School, Mr. McCourt was very well-liked and developed close friendships with a core group of friends, along with many others. He graduated from George Washington University after focusing his studies on civil engineering. He was working in the field shortly after his college commencement exercises.

 “As our tribute to Patrick, this scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to a student who we feel embodies Patrick’s spirit,” Ms. McCourt told a crowd of about 300 during Huntington’s senior academic awards night in the high school auditorium.

Five candidates were recommended for the award by Huntington teachers who knew Mr. McCourt. The group was later interviewed by members of the McCourt family. Besides Mr. Moya, the candidates included Conor Byrne, Alexandra Grabowski, Samantha Levine and Thomas Scott.

“Selecting just one of these candidates was not an easy task, but it has been our pleasure and privilege to learn of their accomplishments and contemplate their bright futures,” Ms. McCourt said. Each of the runner-up candidates was given $50 Amazon gift cards “to help defray the cost of their books or other school supplies.”

Mr. McCourt is survived by his parents, Patrick and Mary, two sisters, Kiera (HHS, ’04) and Meredith (HHS, ’10) and a brother, Michael (HHS, ’09). 

In the 2006 edition of The Huntingtonian, Huntington High School’s yearbook, Mr. McCourt’s photo appears on page 38, along with the senior quote he chose from comedian Steven Wright: “I intend to live forever. So far, so good.”

Thomas Hardardt Won First McCourt Scholarship

Thomas Hardardt, a member of Huntington’s Class of 2012 won the first McCourt scholarship last year. He began studying biology at the University of Rochester last fall. He’s interested in ultimately pursuing a career in medicine. A member of Huntington’s National Honor Society chapter, Mr. Hardardt also belonged to the English, science and math honor societies, the latter of which he served as treasurer. He tutored high school students in math and volunteered weekly at the Huntington Public Library's Huntington Station branch, tutoring elementary school children.

A fine musician, Mr. Hardardt has played alto saxophone in both the jazz band and concert band for the past four years. He earned varsity letters with the Blue Devils volleyball and baseball teams.