Roosevelt commemorates late coach and teacher with scholarship drive

During a day of basketball games for Roosevelt High School’s teams on Saturday, Jan. 17, the Roosevelt Union Free School District honored the life and legacy of longtime social studies teacher and basketball coach Morris Brandon. This tradition, which dates back 35 years after Brandon’s death due to heart attack in 1990, awards scholarships in his name to graduating high school seniors. The selected graduates are chosen based on their dedication, leadership, and commitment to community, which mirrors Brandon’s character.

Brandon worked in the Roosevelt Union Free School District for over 20 years. His influence extended far beyond the classroom and gymnasium, shaping the lives of students through mentorship. Jan. 17 is lovingly recognized annually in the district as Morris Brandon Scholarship Day.

The day featured the varsity and junior varsity boys’ and girls’ Roosevelt Rough Riders basketball teams competing against the teams of the Malverne High School Mules. Students, staff, families, and Roosevelt community members came out to the games to celebrate athletics while supporting the scholarships being awarded.

Both the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams lost to Malverne, with scores of 68 to 40 and 53 to 22 respectively. After each varsity game, the stand out Roosevelt performer of each game was given a Most Valuable Player award. Meliya Jackson, who led her team in scoring with six points, got the award for the girls’ game. Jacob Hines, who was also his team’s scoring leader with 14 points, took home the honor for the boys’ game.

Shawn Wightman, superintendent of schools for Roosevelt, stated that the legacy of Brandon goes beyond athletics.

“Morris ‘Motor’ Brandon was a mentor, role model and pillar of the community to everyone he taught and worked with in Roosevelt,” Wightman said. “This annual event not only celebrates his lasting impact, but reinforces our district’s commitment to uplifting students who embody his values of perseverance, leadership, and service.”

Fundraising efforts for this year’s scholarships will conclude in the spring, and the recipients will be announced closer to Roosevelt High School’s graduation ceremony.