News 12: Shoreham-Wading River School District honors student killed by drunk driver

June 21, 2024 | by Ken Vesey

On what would have been his graduation day, the family of Andrew McMorris received his diploma from Shoreham-Wading River High School.

McMorris was killed by a drunk driver in September 2018 while hiking with his Boy Scout troop in Manorville. He was 12 years old.

McMorris had dreams of becoming a pilot. His parents, John and Alisa, held back tears as they walked on the graduation stage.

“Andrew should be here. It’s another milestone that has been missed and has been stolen from Andrew and all of us,” John McMorris said.

Andrew and another classmate were remembered with a moment of silence. Class salutatorian Lucas Portuese referenced overwhelming grief and a feeling of emptiness from the loss of friends.

Andrew’s parents started the Andrew McMorris Foundation, which recently opened a memorial garden at Shoreham-Wading River High School.