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Counseling Center Headlines

Longtime Huntington guidance office clerical Donna Saviano
September 17, 2026

Guidance Clerical Donna Saviano Takes Pride in Her Work

Donna Saviano helps make the guidance office at Huntington High School run, serving students, parents and staff daily in highly organized way. She’s treasured by her co-workers who value her knowledge and experience.

Colleges are visiting Huntington High School this fall.
September 16, 2026

Admission Reps Bringing College Search to Huntington

Huntington High School students will have numerous opportunities this fall to connect directly with representatives from colleges and universities through the College & Career Center.

The College Board recognized 44 Huntington students. (1)
August 14, 2026

College Board Recognizes 44 Huntington Students

Forty Four Huntington High School students have been recognized by the College Board through the organization’s National Recognition Programs, earning a total of 56 awards. All 44 students received the School Recognition Award and 12 of them also garnered the First-Generation Recognition Award.

Rising Huntington seniors can attend a Common App bootcamp in August
June 15, 2026

Western Suffolk Counselors Association Recognizes Bernadette Walsh

The Western Suffolk Counselors Association recognized Bernadette Walsh with the 2026 Exemplary Practice Award for her “outstanding work” in revamping Huntington High School’s ELL Post-Secondary Planning Process.

Rising Huntington seniors can attend a Common App bootcamp in August
June 4, 2026

Huntington Class of 2027 College Essay Review

Admission counselors from several colleges will meet with students from Huntington’s Class of 2027 on August 5 starting at 9 a.m. to review college essays. Admission counselors will provide students with feedback and suggestions.

Counseling Center Important Information

About The Counseling Center

Commencement Ceremony

Personalized Educational Experience

The Guidance Department assists students and their parents in developing a personal educational plan and selecting the courses and programs they need to fulfill their graduation and college entrance requirements, enter the military or seek immediate full-time employment. 

Always Ready to Assist

A dedicated staff of professionals is available throughout the day to provide counsel and support, advocate on behalf of students and arrange for specialized assistance to deal with a variety of personal situations and circumstances.

Preparing and Planning for the Future

Counselors are trained to work with students in developing a plan to meet their individual goals. The department sponsors a number of programs, including college entrance test preparation courses, financial aid workshops, college fairs, college application essay seminars and related events. Information is also available regarding community internships, summer study opportunities, area employment openings and job training programs.

Accessible, Informative and Useful

The department’s College Counseling Center is stocked with college bulletins and course guides, scholarship information and applications, high speed computers and internet access, and a variety of career materials most students find useful. Guidance staff members are also available to alumni who require copies of their high school transcripts or other services related to their high school studies and attendance.

Commencement podium

Counseling Center Leadership

Ricky Roethel

Ricky V. Papandrea Jr.

Director of Counseling and Testing, K-12

Dr. Ricky V. Papandrea Jr. has been district director of school counseling and testing K-12 since October 10, 2024.

Dr. Papandrea earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history at SUNY Brockport in August 2004 and obtained a Master of Science in secondary education at Hofstra University in May 2006. He garnered an advanced graduate certificate in educational leadership at Stony Brook University in May 2017. He obtained a Doctorate in Education: Administration and Supervision at St. John’s University in September 2020.

Prior to coming to Huntington, Dr. Papandrea was the assistant principal of guidance and PPS at Baldwin High School for four years. He earlier served as Baldwin’s supervisor of social studies, 6-12 for two years.

Dr. Papandrea was Commack’s coordinator of SAT/ACT testing for two years and was Commack’s dean of attendance and discipline from September 2015 to June 2018. He was a social studies teacher at Commack from September 2012 to June 2018. Prior to that, he taught social studies at Massapequa and Hauppauge.  

Dr. Papandrea has served as an executive board member of New York State Association of College Admission Counseling.

Diploma Requirements and FAQs

Huntington/ NYS

Graduation Requirements

Three Pathways to a Diploma at Huntington

Local Diploma

Pathway

  • English - 4 credits
  • Social Studies - 4 credits
  • Science - 3 credits
  • Math - 3 credits
  • LOTE - 1 credit
  • Health - .5 credit
  • Art/Music - 1 credit
  • PE - 2 credits
  • Electives - 3.5 credits
Total Minimum Credits - 22
Regents /11th

Pathway

  • English - 4 credits
  • Social Studies - 4 credits
  • Science - 3 credits
  • Math - 3 credits
  • LOTE - 1 credit
  • Health - .5 credit
  • Art/Music - 1 credit
  • PE - 2 credits
  • Electives - 3.5 credits
Total Minimum Credits - 22
Regents /w

Advanced Designation

  • English - 4 credits
  • Social Studies - 4 credits
  • Science - 3 credits
  • Math - 3 credits
  • LOTE - 3* credits
  • Health - .5 credit
  • Art/Music - 1 credit
  • PE - 2 credits
  • Electives - 1.5 credits
Total Minimum Credits - 22
* 3 units of credit required in LOTE may also be met by completing 1 credit in LOTE and a 5 unit sequence in one of the following areas: Art, Music, or Business/Career and Technical Education.

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Counseling Center Presentations

Navigating the Future

Guidance Presentation: A Senior Year Guide to Post Secondary Success September, 2026

College Bound Student Night

Guidance Presentation: January, 2025

AP 101 Workshop

Guidance Presentation: December, 2024

10th Grade Parents Night

Guidance Presentation: November, 2024

9th Grade Parents Night

Guidance Presentation: October, 2024

College and Career Center

The College and Career Center is dedicated to supporting students and families throughout the process of planning for their future beyond high school. We offer personalized guidance to help students explore a wide range of post-secondary options, including college, vocational schools, apprenticeships, and careers. Our office provides comprehensive assistance with the application process, from choosing the right programs to crafting strong applications, writing essays, and meeting deadlines. We also offer valuable resources related to scholarships, financial aid, and test preparation, ensuring students have the tools they need to secure funding for their education. Whether students are interested in pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, or exploring other career pathways, our goal is to provide the guidance, resources, and support necessary to achieve success in their chosen journey.

Stop by to see Mrs. Walsh in the College and Career Center, conveniently located in Room 120 at Huntington High School. The office is open during school hours and welcomes all students looking for assistance with:

  • College applications and essay writing
  • Post-Secondary Planning
  • Naviance
  • Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
  • Career exploration and planning
  • SAT/ACT preparation and registration
  • Military, trade school, and workforce pathways
  • Start planning for your future today—because every dream deserves a plan!

Important Links:

NCAA Eligibility Center - Learn about academic and amateurism requirements for participating in NCAA college sports.

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics - Information for student-athletes about scholarships, eligibility, and competition in NAIA sports programs.

SAT Exam - Register for the SAT, access test prep resources, and learn about college admission testing requirements.

ACT Exam - Explore test dates, registration, and preparation materials for the ACT college entrance exam.

Think College - A comprehensive resource for exploring college options for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Common Application - Apply to multiple colleges and universities using a single online application platform.

Coalition for College Application - Access tools and a shared application system for applying to Coalition member schools.

Naviance - A career and college readiness platform to help students research colleges, scholarships, and plan for post-secondary success.

FASFA - Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for grants, loans, and work-study programs to pay for college.

CSS Profile - Apply for institutional financial aid required by many colleges, universities, and scholarship programs.

NYS TAP - Information about the New York State Tuition Assistance Program, providing financial aid to eligible NY students.

NYS Dream Act - Enables undocumented and other students to apply for state financial aid in New York.

New York State Laborers’ Apprenticeship Program - A training and education program offering hands-on experience and technical skills to individuals pursuing careers in construction and other labor industries in New York State.

New York State Apprenticeship Trades - Explore various apprenticeship opportunities across New York State, including detailed information on different trades, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for apprenticeship programs in fields like construction, healthcare, and technology.