Philip Michael Eslick, a senior at Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School, is the recipient of the first Brian Harley Assa Memorial Scholarship for Humanitarianism.

"As successful members of the community, we have a responsibility to help those that are less fortunate and contribute to the common good," said Eslick. "Investing in your community is a great way to give back to those who have helped support you."

Eslick has undertaken this challenge since the age of 6 years noting his parents Bob and Fernanda have instilled in him the concept of giving to others to make a difference in the world you live.

"As the first recipient of this scholarship I feel closer to the Assa family and it will always hold a special place in my heart," said Eslick. "Brian was a well-respected member the POBJFK student body and community and the loss of Brian at such a young age saddens me very much. We all need to cherish the time we spend on earth with those special to us because at any moment it can all be taken away."

Mr. Assa said, "after reading all the applicants it was a unanimous decision with the family's selection of Philip and that when he met Philip at the POBJFK Honors Assembly he was touch by Philip's sincere heart-felt hand shake and emotional presence."

Assa also indicated that he has started the Think First Foundation to help make young adults aware of the consequences of acting without thinking-consequences not only to themselves, but to their friends and family as well. For more information go to ThinkFirstFoundation.com or e-mail ThinkFirstFound@aol.com.

In addition to receiving the Brian Harley Assa Memorial Scholarship, Eslick is also the recipient of The Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship, Sam Walton Community Scholarship and BP (Beyond Petroleum) Community Scholarship among others. He is the co-founder of the Long Island based Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. not-for-profit organization whose mission statement reads; "If we as kids can teach the youth of America to help each other at such a young age, Kids Helping Kids, imagine what we can do for each other when we become teenagers and adults. After all, the youth of today is America's future tomorrow." Kids Helping Kids-Making a World of Difference.

Eslick will be attending Hofstra University in the Fall 2008 to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.