Sports

Athletic club forms scholarship in memory of Tom Cutinella

Tom Cutinella's number 54 appeared on the scoreboard throughout Thursday's event. (Credit: Jen Nuzzo)
Tom Cutinella’s number 54 appeared on the scoreboard throughout Thursday’s event. (Credit: Jen Nuzzo)

An online fundraiser to honor the memory of Tom Cutinella has already surpassed $11,500 as of Saturday morning.

Cutinella, the Shoreham-Wading River junior who died Wednesday following an on-field collision during a football game at John Glenn High School, was remembered as a role model, leader and exemplarily student by those who knew him. His tragic death sent shockwaves across not only the community, but throughout the county. Nearly 1,000 people, including players from opposing football teams, came to Shoreham Thursday afternoon for a vigil in Cutinella’s memory.

The SWR Wildcat Athletic Club formed the Tom Cutinella Scholarship Fund, which will benefit future students who “hold Tom’s high regard for academics, sports and giving back,” according to the club’s website.

A goal of $25,000 has been set. More than 80 donations have already been made.

Service arrangements for Cutinella are set for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Click here for details.

To donate to the scholarship fund, click here.