Huntington High School Class of 2016 valedictorian Rachel Carpenter has really hit her stride at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She’s studying in the honors college, conducting research in a prestigious lab and even hosting a weekly radio show.
Ms. Carpenter was the president of Huntington’s National Honor Society chapter and also an exceptional actress with the high school drama club, appearing in eight different productions over a four year period,
The Huntington alum is carrying a double major in biology and Spanish literature along with a minor in chemistry. She volunteered at an international HIV conference in Paris last summer.
“Everything is going really well,” Ms. Carpenter said. “My classes are fantastic and I’ve recently started doing research at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center here on campus, which is really so interesting. I was also hired as a DJ for the campus radio station. I have a weekly show every Sunday.”
Jefferson School PTA
The Jefferson Primary School PTA has been very busy during the first three months of the 2017/18 school year. The organization works closely with Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide to support teachers and support staff members and enhance the overall experience of students in the building.
Jefferson PTA’s executive board consists of Jen Biancardo (president), Kelly Donovan (co-vice president), Wendy Naborre (co-vice president), Stacey Fiore (corresponding secretary), Ken Guandique (treasurer) and PTA Council delegates Jennifer Carrillo and Jasmin Garcia.
Huntington Foundation Planning for March 15 Gala
The Huntington Foundation for Excellence in education is ramping up planning for the organization’s Reach for the Star gala at OHEKA Castle on Thursday, March 15.
Woodhull School Assistant Principal Jarrett Stein and Main Street Nursery owners Bob and Rich McKean will be presented with the Huntington Foundation’s Spirit Award at the gala, which raises monies to support the group’s two grant programs.
“Honoring Mr. Stein is our way of recognizing the great people who support our children and lead our district to unparalleled success,” Huntington Foundation President Alice Marie Rorke said. “We believe Mr. Stein is beyond worthy of this achievement and we look forward to presenting him with this distinguished honor next year.”
Alum Finishes NYC Marathon
Huntington High School Class of 1976 member Bill Stahl returned to the metropolitan area to run in this year’s New York City Marathon.
The Huntington grad is the owner and program director of i9 Sports-The Rockies, which offers youth sports programs in Colorado.
Following his Huntington graduation, Mr. Stahl went on to earn a BA degree at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA at the University of Denver.
As a Huntington senior, Mr. Stahl captured a Regents Scholarship and was a National Merit “commended” student. He resides in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
“The New York City Marathon is simply an amazing race,” wrote Mr. Stahl on his Facebook page. “I can’t imagine the logistics to stage a 26.2-mile race with 50,000 runners. But the energy of New Yorkers was amazing. There was unbridled enthusiasm from the literally millions of spectators. Especially given recent events, nothing holds New Yorkers back from continuing to do what they do and staging a first-class event. I didn’t take too many photos because I was focused on running it, although I probably gave high fives to 1,000 kids along the course. I last ran this race 30, yes, 30 years ago so I wanted to enjoy it. I was on pace for 3:46 at the half but I’m not marathon trained and had some hamstring cramps and finished around 4:19. I’m ok with it especially considering I had knee surgery in March and only began running again in May. It was super hard but I never stopped. 26.2 miles pounding pavement feels like it beats me up more than running a trail 50-miler. It rained the second half but it was a great day for a marathon. It’s crazy how amazingly New Yorkers support you even in those wet conditions. They definitely got me through to the finish line!”
The day after the marathon, Mr. Stahl watched a New York Rangers hockey game with Huntington classmate Ford Spilsbury.
Woodhull’s Energetic Student Leaders
The sky’s the limit for this year’s Woodhull Intermediate School student council. The organization is led by four very energetic students in Adrianna Abbatiello (president), Jake Amend (vice president), Kiera Coulter (secretary) and Reese Rinaldi (treasurer). Teachers Diane Grassi and Scott Armyn are the group’s faculty advisors.
Woodhull’s student leaders are developing plans for several fun events along with some community service opportunities designed to make the school and town a better place.
HHS Drama Club Seniors
The Huntington High School drama club’s recent production of A.R. Gurney’s The Dining Room was very successful. A group of five seniors especially shined.
For seniors Peter Ciccone, Will Fallon, LJ Kindall, Amelia Reilly and Amelia Maggio, the play marked their last fall production with the club, which is led by faculty advisor Michael Schwendemann.
The teenagers have been involved with high school stage productions for many years. The drama club has already pivoted and is looking ahead to next spring’s musical.
