Robert Simon knew; he just knew. The Huntington High School senior stepped foot on the campus of Castleton University in Vermont and he quickly felt it was the place he wanted to spend the next four years of his life.
Founded in 1787, Castleton is the 18th oldest college in the country. The 165 acre campus is filled with about 2,100 full and part-time students. The college boasts over 75 programs of study, including 12 on the graduate level. The average class size is 17 students with a student to faculty ratio of 14:1. Students come from about 40 countries.
“When I went on my recruiting visit to Castleton it made me feel at home as soon as I stepped foot on campus,” Mr. Simon said. “Everyone seems to care for everyone. It’s a real tight community.”
The Huntington senior plans to pursue a major in physical education with the goal of becoming a teacher and coach. Mr. Simon intends to join Castleton’s wrestling team. “It’s a new program,” he said. “By the time I get there it will only be its second year and I like that. It gives me a chance to be one of the guys that will put Castleton on the map.”
Huntington High School senior
Robert Simon.
Mr. Simon has had an enjoyable run through the district. “During high school I’ve had a bunch of unbelievable experiences and highlights,” he said. “Probably the most fun experiences have been ‘The Backstreet Men’ and performing at K-Factor and Relay For life and being named a captain of the wrestling team my senior year and making endless memories with that team.”
The teenager has also enjoyed being a member of two “amazing” clubs. “Being a two year Natural Helper has given me a chance to open up to people and has just made me a better person,” Mr. Simon said. “Being the co-president of the Ultimate Frisbee club is just a fun time.”
The senior said teachers Maria Canino, Dianna Molenko, Paige Tyree and Erik Bruckbauer “have made an impact” on him. “They’ve always been supportive of me and always let me speak my opinion, even if it’s an out of left field comment,” Mr. Simon said. “And my coaches have been unbelievable. Coach [Travis] Smith, Coach [Kieran] Mock and Coach [Peter] Fusco have been the biggest support system through it all. They’ve kept me focused on my goals and for that I thank them.”
With less than four months remaining in his time at Huntington High School, Mr. Simon hopes to make every last day count. “For all the soon to be freshmen that are coming up to the high school, you should join what you’re interested in and get all your work in on time because no one likes a monkey on their back,” he said.