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Matthew Weiss  earned the Burlsworth Character Award.

Matthew Weiss earned the Burlsworth Character Award. Credit: Longwood School District

Longwood High School senior Matthew Weiss is New York’s sole recipient of an award that recognizes youth leadership, diligence to school and good moral character.

Weiss received the Burlsworth Character Award, which is given to students who exemplify the character of Brandon Burlsworth, a walk-on football player at the University of Arkansas who was killed in a car accident shortly after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999.

Weiss was told of his selection by Longwood football coach Jeff Cipp during a team meeting in early March.

“I had no clue about it — I was very surprised,” said Weiss, 17. “It’s a really great honor and I’m very grateful.”

At Longwood, Weiss’ achievements include being captain and MVP this season of the school’s football team, which was Class 1 Long Island champions. He was named to the All-Metro, All-American and first-team All-State teams, and won this year’s Zellner Award for being the “most outstanding” lineman in Suffolk County.

“Matt is not just a great football player — his character, personality and humility also make him a great person both on and off the field,” Cipp said.

Weiss, Cipp and the Longwood School District are slated to be listed in the credits of an upcoming movie, “Greater,” based on Burlsworth’s life.

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