Madison Biernacki Will Treasure
the Memories
Madison Biernacki has been a "lifer" in the Huntington School District; someone who went from starting line to finish line in the district. The teenager enjoyed some incredible experiences along the way and while she will soon be off to college, those memories will always be kept close to her heart.
A member of Huntington High School's Class of 2012, Ms. Biernacki was among the 262 seniors to graduate last Friday evening. "I have been in the Huntington School District since kindergarten," she said. "As I look back on my time at Huntington High School, I realize I will always treasure the memories I have made here. Through keeping a rigorous course load and staying involved in after school activities, I have learned a lot about responsibility and friendship."
Ms. Biernacki is headed to James Madison University in Virginia. She intends to major in communications and engage in pre-law studies. The new Huntington alum is ready for the rigors of college after engaging in advanced studies during the last four years.
A Great Ride
From academics, clubs, sports and friendships, it's been a great ride for the teenager. "I am so grateful to have found such a great group of friends here at Huntington High School," Ms. Biernacki said. "I could not have asked for a better experience."
This year's recipient of the $10,000 T. Christopher Pettit Memorial Scholarship, named for the legendary 1963 Huntington graduate, Ms. Biernacki has been involved in a wide range of high school activities. She captained the field hockey and lacrosse teams, was co-president of the National History Day club and a member of the Key club as well as the Spanish, English and National Honor Societies.
The teenager participated in the National History Day competition as a sophomore and junior, placing first locally as a sophomore and third on Long Island in the individual documentary category for her work, "The Beatles and Their Impact on the U.S.S.R." Ms. Biernacki worked closely with social studies teacher Lauren Desiderio as she went about researching the topic and presenting her findings.
"Ms. Desiderio was kind enough to guide me throughout the process of creating the project and she remains one of my favorite teachers," Ms. Biernacki said. "Her Global 10 Honors class was so interesting and it really sparked my interest in history."
Former Huntington English teacher Roy Dumar's AP Language and Composition class and social studies teacher James Graber's AP US History course "are a few of my other favorite classes," Ms. Biernacki said. "It is hard to choose though because there are so many wonderful teachers and courses here at Huntington."
Blue Devil sports have played a major role in Ms. Biernacki's Huntington experience. She was a top player and was aggressive on the field and respected by her teammates. She practiced and played hard.
Nancy Wilson a Role Model
"Although she was not one of my teachers, my lacrosse coach, Nancy Wilson has most certainly had the most profound impact on me out of anyone over the past four years," Ms. Biernacki said. "She is a mentor, a coach and a true role model. Coach Wilson has always been there for me and I cannot thank her enough for all her support. I have never met a person with such character and I plan on keeping in touch with her in the future!"
Ms. Biernacki said she has "so many fond memories" from her years at Huntington High School, including captaining the field hockey and lacrosse teams and assisting in social studies teacher Joseph Leavy's ESL Global 9 class. "As a captain and a classroom helper, I felt I was truly making a difference in my school though helping and guiding others," she said.
During last Friday evening's commencement exercises, Ms. Biernacki introduced Huntington School Board President Emily Rogan to a crowd of about 1,500 jammed into the high school auditorium. "Mrs. Rogan and her husband, Bob, have been family friends of my parents since their days at Huntington High School," the new grad said. "Over the past year, she has so generously helped advise me on my transition from high school to college and I cannot thank her enough."
With her days as a senior over, the teenager has some words of wisdom for members of the Class of 2016: "My advice to incoming freshmen is to be open to new people and activities," Ms. Biernacki said. "Get involved! It will make for a well rounded and exciting high school experience."