The 2024 Gold Key Awards and Wildcat Booster Club Scholarships were received by Whitman’s exceptional athletes recently with the addition of the 14th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction at the Fox Hollow. The Gold Key Award is the highest honor in Section XI that an athlete can receive for sports participation. Recipients are determined by Section XI rules and are awarded to athletes who letter in eight varsity or junior varsity seasons in grades 10-12 throughout their Walt Whitman High School career.
The Wildcat Booster Club awards are recommended by coaches and are not about being the best athlete on the field, they are about recognizing senior student-athletes’ commitment to their sport, their team and their community.
Congratulations to all of Walt Whitman’s award recipients!
2024 GOLD KEY RECIPIENTS
The Gold Key Award is the highest honor that a student-athlete can receive from Section XI. These athletes have lettered in eight Varsity or Junior Varsity seasons from grades 10 through 12. Section XI selects the recipients. The Wildcat Booster Club recognizes Gold Key recipients by awarding them with a Key Charm necklace, a Certificate, a Plaque and $100.00 scholarship.
JOHN ADAMS
Cross Country, Track, Track & Field
University of New Hampshire / Biology
KELLY BREATON
Field Hockey, Flag Football
Quinnipiac University / Health Science
MECKENZIE CALDWELL
Football, Girls Wrestling, Girls Lacrosse
Wheeling University / Exercise Science
KALLIE EICHNER
Girls Basketball, Girls Lacrosse, Girls Soccer
St. Joseph’s University / Biology
CAYLA GARCIA
Fall Cheerleading, Winter Cheerleading, Track & Field
College of Charleston / Political Science
VALERIA GUEVARA-AQUINO
Fall Cheerleading, Winter Cheerleading, Track & Field
Hofstra University / Nursing
JOSEPH HARRISON
Football, Track, Baseball
Western Connecticut University / Business
IRIS HOFFMAN
Girls Basketball, Girls Soccer, Flag Football
Molloy University / Finance
COURTNEY MAGEE
Girls Basketball, Girls Soccer, Girls Lacrosse
Castleton University / Nursing
KATHLEEN O’MARA
Girls Basketball, Girls Soccer, Girls Lacrosse
Manhattanville / Clinic Assistant
JOSEPH RITTER
Football, Track, Track & Field
SUNY Maritime / Undecided
BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The Booster Club Awards are recommended by their coaches and selected by the awards committee. These awards are issued to senior student-athletes who are members of the Wildcat Booster Club and have demonstrated the characteristics of a Walt Whitman Wildcat. Booster Club awards are not about being the best athlete on the field, they are about recognizing commitment to their sport, their team, and their community.
These student athletes are celebrated today and will receive a $750.00 scholarship award from the Booster Club.
JOHN ADAMS
Cross Country, Track, Track & Field
University of New Hampshire / Biology
PAUL CHINSKY
Boys Tennis
Wesleyan University / Neuroscience
ANDREW CONNOLLY
Boys Lacrosse, Golf
Michigan State University / Supply Chain Management
EMMA CREIGHTON
Girls Volleyball
SEAN FALLON
Boys Lacrosse
RILEY MCDONNELL
Girls Volleyball, Girls Softball
University / College - Major
SHAUN MURPHY
Boys Volleyball, Track & Field
West Point Military Academy / Chemical Engineer
MEGAN RANKEL
Girls Volleyball, Girls Badminton
University / College - Major
PETER MANIATIS
Golf, Boys Lacrosse
San Diego State University / Anthropology
PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS
The Wildcat Booster Club Presidential Awards are selected by the Booster Club President and presented to athletes who demonstrate leadership, determination, commitment, and character on and off the field. The recipients receive a $750.00 Scholarship.
IRIS HOFFMAN
Girls Basketball, Girls Soccer, Flag Football
Molloy College / Finance
KOLE GOTTESMAN
Football, Lacrosse
SUNY Cortland / Communications
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AWARDS
These awards are selected by the Athletic Director and are presented to two (2) senior student-athletes who are outstanding representatives of the school and the athletics department. Achieving success in the classroom and in the sports they play. They embody the tradition of a model student-athlete and display outstanding leadership and commitment within the teams and programs they represent.
VENUSMARLU STEWART
Varsity Swimming
University of Maryland / Pre-Med (Biology)
CHRISTOPHER REYES
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD
This award is selected by the Principal of Walt Whitman High School to honor a student-athlete who has faced adversity and demonstrated the will to overcome challenges inspiring and motivating others to do the same. The recipient must possess leadership traits that include but are not limited to a good moral compass, integrity, and empathy. The recipient treats his/her peers, teachers, and staff with respect by accepting differences and valuing the work that others do. Embracing the responsibility required to maintain progress in schoolwork and other personal goals.
LIAM DONNELLY
Basketball, Baseball, Golf
University of Albany / Business
ED HENSELDER AWARD
In honor of Walt Whitman Football and Lacrosse coach Ed Henselder, this award is issued to a student-athlete who demonstrates determination and drive while striving to motivate teammates to perform to the best of their ability. Exhibits the "team" mentality, understanding that achieving outcomes in a team sport is about "team" and always looks to perform in the best interest of the team, and demonstrates the spirit of a true Wildcat Athlete on and off the field.
Coach Henselder was well known by any athlete at Walt Whitman High School. During his almost three-decade coaching career at Whitman, he was able to share his passion for athletics starting with Varsity Lacrosse where he began coaching with Bob Howell before finding his home as the Assistant JV Football and Lacrosse Coach.
BRITTNY CISNEROS-CAMPOS
Girls Soccer, Flag Football
SUNY Old Westbury / Childhood Education
Remembering Coach Henselder:
Coach Henselder also was a dedicated youth sports coach having dedicated many years coaching with the Huntington Boys Club. A dedicated family man and mentor, Coach Henselder truly cared about all of his players. He impacted so many and gave so much of himself on and off the field. A valued member of our South Huntington community, he was beloved by his players, colleagues, and parents alike. He served as an inspiration for all.
The Wildcat Booster Club is pleased to be able to honor his memory and the values he conveyed.
VINCE ALTEBRANDO HUMANITARIAN AWARD
In honor of Coach Vincent Altebrand, this award is issued to one Walt Whitman senior student-athlete. Coaches nominate candidates who exemplify humanitarian qualities. Mentors and supporters who help bring out the best in others. Leaders who guide their teammates or give back to their community through participation in youth programs or other activities. Demonstrating the quality of character on and off the field while maintaining academic requirements.
KATHLEEN O’MARA
Girls Basketball, Girls Soccer, Girls Lacrosse
Manhattanville / Clinic Assistant
DELCOLLE SERVICE AWARD
PAUL MCNALLY
Varsity Baseball
St. Joseph’s LI / Business Administration
Remembering Laura DelColle:
Renamed in 2021 in honor of Booster Club board member Laura DelColle ths Service Award is presented to the student(s) who have dedicated time in service to the Booster Club. Assisting in events, managing concessions, or helping to raise funds for the club. They demonstrate the care and service the same as the heart of the award's namesake.
Laura DelColle was a long time Board Member of the Wildcat Booster Club. She dedicated a monumental amount of time to the program and service for the community. Therefore it was only fitting that we renamed the service award after Laura. Sadly Laura, as most beautiful spirits among us, was taken too soon. However, she left us with incredible memories and will forever be a part of our Wildcat Family.
TRENDSETTER AWARD
The inaugural “Caldwell Trendsetter Award” is issued to a multi-sport student-athlete who turns obstacles into opportunities despite opposition—an individual who demonstrates unwavering determination in accomplishing their goals. Exhibits the character and qualities of a true Wildcat, putting 100% all the time for the team, whether they are on the starting line or the sideline.
Award Qualifications:
Recommended by Athletic Director and Principal, Multi-sport Athlete holding at least 75 average academically who has demonstrated the qualities, character and behavior of what it means to be a trendsetter on and off the field. This award is sponsored by the Caldwell family in recognition of their daughter Meckenzie: Whitman’s First Female Varsity Football Player, Four Year Varsity Lacrosse Goalie, and Member of Whitman’s First Female Wrestling Team
MECKENZIE CALDWELL
Football - 2 yrs Varsity
Girls Lacrosse - 4 yrs Varsity
Girls Wrestling - 2 yrs Varsity
Wheeling University - Exercise Science
SHYLAX ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP
This award is issued by South Huntington Youth Lacrosse to one male and one female senior lacrosse athlete. The recipients must have participated in the SHYLAX program, met community service requirements, and will be pursuing higher education after graduation. Recipients receive a $1000.00 Scholarship Award
KATHLEEN O’MARA
Basketball, Lacrosse
Manhattanville / Clinic Assistant
KIERAN DAVIS
Lacrosse
Stonybrook University / Business
LUKE AVOLESE SCHOLARSHIPS
The Luke Avolese Scholarship is issued to two student-athletes selected by the foundation. Luke was a 4 year Varsity Football and Basketball player at Walt Whitman High School. The scholarship is funded each year through the monies raised at the Two Brothers Memorial Golf Outing held in honor of Luke Avolese and Matthew Giannuzzi.
JOSEPH “JD” HARRISON
Football
Western CT University / Business
CHRISTOPHER DI LEO
Basketball
Suffolk Community / Business Admin
GUGLIOTTA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
MATTHEW BLAIR
Basketball, Lacrosse
Manhattanville
TODD RUSSELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
CARTER SCHUM
Football
Marist College /Business Administration
HBC SOCCER AWARD
This award is issued by HBC Soccer to one male and one female senior soccer athlete. The recipients must have participated in the HBC Soccer program and played Varsity Soccer at Whitman.
Girls Varsity Soccer
KALLIE EICHNER
Boys Varsity Soccer
ERIC MALDONADO
We want to thank the outside organizations within our South Huntington Community. These organizations are where many of our Wildcat Athletes begin. They teach our young athletes about their sport and introduce them to teamwork. Many of these players grow up as a team and regardless of the sport they play, each of these organizations plays a vital role in the foundation of our community. We appreciate the role they play and thank them for all they do in the development of our Wildcats!
2024 BOOSTER CLUB HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
1992 GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER TEAM
Jennifer Dion, Sue Falco, Kerri Goldberg, Val Brunner, Jackie Marinese, Adrenne Agnes, Lauren Daley, Erin Gilroy, Beth Schwart, Michelle Jackson, Deinsie Tabone, Eileen Eliea, Karen Cammarata, Lynanne Richter, Becky Karlinsky, Krista Fans, Kerry McEntee; Head Coach Jim Cardone, Assistant Coach Ray Pelligrino
Jaqueline Crunden
- Qualified for States 7 Seasons ( 3x for Winter track & 4 for Spring Track)
- Current school record holder in the High Jump and Pentathlon.
- Graduated as the 100m hurdles record holder but record has been broken since then.
- Girls Track Most Valuable Athlete (Spring 2011& Winter 2011-2012)
- Girls Track Up and Coming Athlete Award (Spring 2010)
- Athlete of the Month (April 2012)
- Freshman Year 2009 – 2010: Winter: Winter League Champion and All County Spring: High Jump - Section 11 Division Champs - 2nd Place Triple Jump - Section 11 Division Champs - 4th Place
- Sophomore Year 2010 – 2011: Winter: High Jump - NYS Champs - 13th Place Spring: High Jump - NYS Champs - 11th Place Triple Jump - Section 11 Division Champs - 6th Place
- Junior Year 2011 – 2012 Winter: High Jump - NYS Champs - 14th Place - Nationals Emerging Elite - 3rd Place Spring: 100M Hurdles - Section 11 Division Champs - 1st Place Long Jump - Section 11 Division Champs - 2nd Place Shot Put - Section 11 Division Champs - 4th Place 800M - Section 11 Division Champs - 7th Place High Jump - NYS Champs - 2nd Place
- Senior Year 2012 – 2013 Winter: 100M Hurdles - Section 11 County Champs - 2nd Place High Jump - NYS Champs - 6th Place - Nationals - 11th Place Sportsmanship award for section XI Spring: 100M Hurdles - Section 11 Division Champs - 3rd Place High Jump - NYS Champs - 1st Place
Jennifer Dion
Jennifer earned four varsity letters across four years at Whitman. As a four-year starter and captain senior year on the soccer team she helped the Wildcats capture the 1992 Class A State Championship Title. She contributed not only in a leadership role but also contributed to the advancement of the team during her senior year at Whitman. That year she was named 1st team All-State. Jennifer was also recognized as two time all-county and one-time all-league during her four years at Whitman.
Jennifer is part of a Whitman Hall of Fame legacy, her sisters were members of Whitman Soccer State Championships; Francine in 1985 and Denise in 1986.
Jennifer went on to play Division II Women’s Soccer at Bloomsburg University before transferring to Adelphi University where she went on to be named Captain in her Junior year and was part of the 1996 National Collegiate Women’s Championship.
Joseph Hopkins
Joe Hopkins was in the class of 1982. He ran Varsity Cross Country coached by Kieran Moran, Winter, and Spring Track, coached by Rich Macnamara, all 3 years of High School. In his sophomore year, Joe was on the All – American Cross-Country team where he was the third man on his team. He then moved onto track where he broke the New York State sophomore 1600-meter record.
During his Junior year, Joe continued winning invitationals. He finished 2nd in the NY State meet just behind Tom Woods from Half Hollow Hills West. As he continued into the track season, he continued winning. Although he was in an unseeded race, Joe was able to win the NY State meet in the 1000-meter. This time he broke the NY State record for the 1000-meter. The old timers still talk about that race today calling Joe a fierce runner.
Joe’s senior year continued to be exceptional. He won many invitations and this time he won the NY State Championship. He qualified for the Kinney National meet, where he competed in San Diego. Another prestigious event he competed in was the Loucks Games, where he was the Mile Champion.
Joe still holds the school record in the 1600 - meter run and as a member of the Distance Medley Relay. In college Joe ran for CW Post and Catonville Community College. Unfortunately, Joe left this world at the age of 42. He is greatly missed by his family and friends. May He rest in Peace.
Myles Jones
A four-year letter-winner for Bob Howell at Walt Whitman High School ... A four-time Suffolk County All-League selection ... Tallied 149 goals and 123 assists for 272 points in his scholastic career ... Rated as the No. 8 postgraduate player by Inside Lacrosse ... Ranked among the top 10 players by Inside Lacrosse throughout his high school career ... Earned all-county honors his final three seasons and was a US Lacrosse and Under Armour All-American his final campaign ... Picked as an honorable mention All-American his sophomore and junior seasons and was named to the Under Armour All-America underclassman team in 2009 .
Voted to all-tristate in 2010 and 2011 ... Had a career-best 82 points from 42 goals and 40 assists as a junior ... A gold medalist at the Empire State Games ... Competed at Salisbury School in a postgraduate year ... Also lettered four years in football and basketball at Walt Whitman .. A 1,000-point scorer and earned league MVP honors as well as all-Long Island, all-league, and all-county recognition on the basketball court ... All-league and all-county as a quarterback.