Michelle Byrne is
Huntington's 2011 Salutatorian
It's been a hectic four years of high school for Huntington High School senior Michelle Byrne, who is the Class of 2011 salutatorian. She's an inquisitive and good-natured teenager who is respected by classmates and teachers.
"It came as a slight shock because there are so many intelligent, hardworking kids in this grade," Ms. Byrne said about learning she was the class salutatorian. The pleasant young woman is working hard in her classes even as the "finish line" comes into view.
Over the past four years some of my favorite classes have been my art classes, taught by Kristen Singer, because they gave me a break from my hectic academic schedule and allowed me to express myself through many different mediums," Ms. Byrne said. "Ms. Singer is also the type of teacher that you can turn to for almost anything. You can go to her for help with your latest art project or if you just need someone to talk to."
Ms. Byrne also enjoyed Advanced Placement chemistry, a course taught by Dame Forbes. "Although the course was difficult, we had such a great class dynamic and Ms. Forbes was always patient with us until we understood the material."
The teenager has built an enviable academic record and has been inducted in the National Honor Society as well as the English, Spanish, math and science honor societies. She's the president of the Spanish Honor society this year.
"High school has been and amazing experience and it's strange that it is already coming to a close," Ms. Byrne said. Her college plans are currently up in the air as far at which school she will attend or what her major will be. She is patient and confident that it will eventually all come together.
"I'm applying to a bunch of different colleges and will be happy wherever I end up," she said. "I can figure it out along the way. Part of the fun of going to college is exploring new things. I don't want to tie myself down to a major now only to discover there is something else out there that is a better fit for me."
As she looks toward graduation, Ms. Byrne has thoughts of past, present and future racing through her mind. "After this we will be out in the world on our own, which is such a strange concept," Ms. Byrne said.
"I will be sorry to see my high school experience come to a close, but I am excited for the future and whatever it has in store for me," the senior said. "I still don't think that the reality of the situation has fully sunk in yet. I don't know if it will until I'm walking down to accept my diploma."