Billy Daniello
Forever a Falcon Scholarship
On October 10, 2023, the Locust Valley Community lost a proud Falcon. It is very difficult to bring up the history of Locust Valley without mentioning Billy “The Bull” Daniello. Growing up in the Buckram area of Locust Valley, Billy spent all 80 years of his life living in this community. Billy was a member of the first graduating class at Locust Valley High School. As the captain of Locust Valley Falcon’s first football team in 1961, Billy’s hard hitting and tenacious attitude helped to establish Locust Valley Football as a program the entire community could be proud of. He was also a member of the basketball, baseball, and golf teams. Over many decades, thousands of student athletes would walk past his picture displayed as the first member of the original athletic wall of honor. He was subsequently inducted into the Locust Valley High School Hall of Fame in 2017. After graduation, Billy enlisted into the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia and tried out as a walk on for the football team. At the age of 18, he became the youngest member of the team that went on to win the all service National Championship. Being a part of the Fort Benning Doughboys National Championship Team has always been both an honor and a source of pride for Billy. Very few individuals have the opportunity to call themselves National Champions. It was during these years Bill developed a love for his country.
After discharge from the Army, Billy returned to Locust Valley and became active in many areas of the community, as a volunteer firefighter, member of the Rotary, member of the American Legion and of course, coaching youth sports. He spent time as a volunteer football coach for the Grenville Baker Boys Club, and was eventually inducted into the Grenville Baker Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame. Billy has also volunteered as a coach for the Locust Valley Soccer Program and girls summer basketball. He has stayed active in both the Locust Valley community and the Locust Valley Falcon community. Over the years, Billy could be seen and heard proudly cheering on both the female and male athletes at his alma mater, always sitting on the 50 yard line or at half court. He has supported multiple generations of Falcons, proudly recognizing student athletes, their parents, and even some grandparents whom he coached and supported over the years.
The last event Billy attended at Locust Valley High School was the Flags for Freedom ceremony last May where he was the featured speaker. The heartfelt message he left to the students that day was: LOVE YOUR SCHOOL, LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY, AND LOVE YOUR COUNTRY. We are proud to present a scholarship in his name.
The Billy Daniello Forever a Falcon Scholarship will be given to one female and one male graduating senior from Locust Valley High School. The recipients of this scholarship should possess the following qualifications:
● A senior at Locust Valley High School
● A two sport Varsity athlete
● Student must be in good academic standing
● Future plans to attend a trade school, 2 or 4 year college, or enter the military
● A person who can demonstrate love for our school, our community, and our country.
The winners of the award will be provided with a one time $1000 scholarship to be used for continuing education or military needs. This scholarship is not needs-based and all qualified and completed applications will be considered.
Personal Information:
Name: _____________________________________________ Home Address: ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Phone Number: _______________________________
Email: _____________________________________
Post Graduation Plans:
________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
Please attach a copy of your resume that includes:
Athletic Participation, extracurricular activities (in and/or out of school), community involvement and service, employment, awards or recognitions, GPA.
Please respond to the following prompt
Your well thought out answer will be used to select the winners of the awards.
Share your journey with us: what makes your school, community, and country special to you? Whether it's a memorable experience, a meaningful connection, or a sense of belonging, we want to hear about it. How have you contributed to making these places better? How has your love for them shaped your dreams and aspirations? How do you plan to continue fostering love and service within these areas as you pursue your academic and career goals?
Please submit by April 30th
Email all applications and documents to:
LVFALCONPRIDE@yahoo.com