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Somers' Kennedy High Retires Tyrell Thompson's Jersey

SOMERS, N.Y. – Somers’ Kennedy Catholic High School officially opened its 2012-13 basketball season at its newly refurbished gym Tuesday with a ceremony commemorating the late Tyrell Thompson, a 2006 graduate and champion basketball player.

Tyrell’s father, Al Scott, supports his wife, Lisa, as she addresses the packed gym at Somers’ Kennedy Catholic on Dec. 11.

Tyrell’s father, Al Scott, supports his wife, Lisa, as she addresses the packed gym at Somers’ Kennedy Catholic on Dec. 11.

Photo Credit: Alex Malecki
Tyrell’s wife, Michelle Smyth, stands at center court with her fellow 2006 classmates and members of the 2004 state and federation championship team.

Tyrell’s wife, Michelle Smyth, stands at center court with her fellow 2006 classmates and members of the 2004 state and federation championship team.

Photo Credit: Alex Malecki
Tyrell’s wife and parents receive a prolonged standing ovation from the alumni, family and friends who packed the stands of the renovated Kennedy Catholic gym.

Tyrell’s wife and parents receive a prolonged standing ovation from the alumni, family and friends who packed the stands of the renovated Kennedy Catholic gym.

Photo Credit: Alex Malecki
Somers’ Kennedy Catholic President the Rev. Mark Vaillancourt recounts all the wonderful things he has heard about Thompson since becoming president.

Somers’ Kennedy Catholic President the Rev. Mark Vaillancourt recounts all the wonderful things he has heard about Thompson since becoming president.

Photo Credit: Alex Malecki

Thompson’s navy blue Gaels jersey, No. 21, was retired in tribute.

Thompson distinguished himself at Kennedy as a scholar, a friend, a teammate and as a leading player on the 2004 New York State and Federation Championship team. He went on to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was serving as a 1st lieutenant in Fort Lee, Va., in August, when he collapsed and died during a pick-up basketball game.

Thompson’s parents, Lisa and Al Scott, his wife, Michelle Smyth, his former coaches, Tom Nelligan and Al Morales, his 2004 teammates, and more than 100 friends, fans and alumni took part in Tuesday night’s ceremony.

“Tyrell’s reputation as a gentleman, scholar and basketball player was very much alive when I came to Kennedy,” said the Rev. Mark Vaillancourt, Kennedy's president and principal. “I’ve been blessed and humbled to learn from his friends and family about the wonderful man he became, someone about whom Kennedy can be most proud.”

“Some say that Ty helped make Kennedy,” said Thompson’s mother, Lisa Scott, referring to the 2004 championship.  “But they must also realize that Kennedy helped make Ty.”

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