Roslyn High School introduced four new athletic awards in honor of Drew Hassenbeing and Ethan Falkowitz, two middle schoolers who died after the car they were traveling in was struck by a truck allegedly being driven by a drunk driver.
Hassenbein and Falkowitz, both 14, were killed on May 3 while driving home from a tennis match celebration. Their car was hit by Roslyn resident Amandeep Singh who prosecutors say was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine and driving 95 mph on the wrong side of the road.
Both middle schoolers played on the high school’s varsity tennis team.
Each of the teenagers had two awards offered in honor of them, one devoted to tennis and the other booster basketball – the sports both teens participated in.
Michael Brostowski, director of health, PE & athletics for the Roslyn School District, said the idea for the scholarships came from their tennis coach who did not want the teens to be forgotten by their community.
“Establishing a memorial award in their names was the very least that we could do as a school community,” Brostowski said.
The awards were handed out at the Senior Athlete & Spring Sports Awards Night at Roslyn High School on June 12. Both of the teens’ fathers presented the awards at the ceremony on behalf of their sons.
The Roslyn Tennis Drew Hassenbein Scholarship Award is given to one male and one female varsity tennis player who has exemplified academic excellence, leadership, athletic commitment and community service with integrity, a strong work ethic, team and personal commitment to their sport. The recipients were Gavin Koo and Ava Veneziano.
The Roslyn Booster Basketball Club Drew Hassenbein Award was awarded to Spencer Smith for his passion and talent in Roslyn athletics which is similar to Hassenbein’s.
“Not only was Drew a tremendous tennis player, but he was also a talented and passionate basketball player, participating in Roslyn Booster Basketball starting at an early age,” the scholarship description states. “Drew was a fierce competitor on the court and someone who was focused and motivated on achieving his goals. You could always count on Drew to hustle and make a big shot. Off the court, Drew was a kind soul that was admired and respected by teammates, coaches and competitors alike.”
The Roslyn Tennis Ethan Falkowitz Award is given to senior athletes who have exemplary sporting behavior, classroom excellence, kindness, a positive attitude, dedication to school service and leadership. Mia Bloom, Benjamin Fortunoff and Zachary Sheena received the award.
The Roslyn Booster Basketball Ethan Falkowitz Memorial Award was given to Kate Glennon and Dylan Kasper for their teamwork and positive energy like that of Falkowitz.
“On the court, Ethan was the ultimate team player who exemplified the importance of hard work and was always working to improve his skills,” the scholarship description states. “Ethan took on whatever role you asked and made every team he was on better. Off the court, Ethan was an easy-going kid with an infectious smile who only saw the good in people.”
“I just hope that we continue to select people for the Ethan and Drew memorial awards that represent their commitment and their tenacity in the future and that we continue to remember them as competitors and great kids,” Brostowski said.
