Miller Place community honors Andrew Salgado with memorial soccer game
Andrew Salgado, 14, died earlier this year after colliding with a truck while riding his bike.
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Soccer players at Miller Place High School are paying tribute to a teammate who was taken from them far too soon.
The stands were filled with light blue during a memorial soccer game honoring eighth grader Andrew Salgado. The 14-year-old died earlier this year after colliding with a truck while riding his bike.
“Andrew was a very well-liked student in our school. He brightened every room that he went into with his infectious spirit,” said Christine Mangiamele, principal of North Country Road Middle School.
“We decided that we are going to play our first annual Let's Play for Andrew game. And the community decided that today was a perfect day to do that,” said boys varsity soccer coach Thomas Fank.
On Thursday, classmates, friends and family came together to remember him through one of his favorite activities: soccer.
“The family reached out to me earlier in the fall to say they wanted to do something for Andrew, and it was a no brainer.... He was a wonderful kid, and we want to support him and his family and kind of keep his memory alive,” said Miller Place Superintendent Marc Ferris.
Andrew had been brought up to the varsity soccer team last year while he was still in middle school.
Friends and coaches remembered him as both a talented player and a loyal friend.
“Really funny kid. He's made everybody smile. No matter what mood you’re in,” said one of Andrew's good friends.
“He made an impact on everyone's life around him,” another friend added.
School officials said the event demonstrated the strength and support of the Miller Place community.
“And it just speaks volumes to the community that we have here. When the chips are down, people come together and make good things happen out of bad situations,” Ferris said.
In addition to the memorial game, members of the community are raising money to establish a scholarship fund in Andrew Salgado’s name.
