Bay Shore High School Student Wins Fighting Spirit Contest

BAY SHORE, NY — A Bay Shore High School student was recently named the winner of the "Fighting Spirit" Contest hosted by the U.S. Marine Corps.

The contest recognizes outstanding high school athletes in the New York City area. Local student Richie Arnett received the majority of the nearly 1,000 votes that were cast, naming him the winner of the contest.

Arnett considered giving up football after the tragic loss of his father weeks before his junior season, but decided to continue to play to honor his late father. Football served as a release for stress and anger that had built up. He also dreams of becoming a firefighter for New York City following in his father’s footsteps.

Arnett was one of five nominees who shared their stories of displaying exceptional leadership skills, community service or overcoming adversity while exemplifying the same fighting spirit displayed by the Marine Corps. Voters were encouraged to choose the person who most represented the ideals of a fighting spirit, but only one winner was chosen as the "Fighting Spirit" Honor Recipient.

"Having the fighting spirit means to keep going and never give up," Arnett said. "To always bring positivity around others and continue to be who I really am even in the darkest of times. Always being willing to help one another and never back down from the task at hand."

Last year, Arnett was also named a finalist in the for the "Heart of Giant" award.

Congratulations to Richie Arnett!