Katelyn Postiglione
Will Never Forget HHS
Katelyn Postiglione is nearing the end of an exciting run at Huntington High School. She's enjoyed many ups, endured a few downs and will graduate will an array of memories and high hopes for the future.
"I've been part of the Huntington School District since kindergarten," Ms. Postiglione said. "I first went to Washington Primary School, where I met two of my favorite teachers, Mrs. [Joan] Balsari and Ms. [Deborah] Quiles. They were very motivational and kind, which was perfect for young students."
In fifth grade, Ms. Postiglione found herself in veteran faculty member Joann Kavanagh's class. The teenager said the teacher "really pushed her students to succeed and taught us more about life than what was in our textbooks."
The senior credits confidence, hard work and the support of her family and friends for her many successes. A member of three honor societies, Ms. Postiglione has developed close relationships with several teachers, including English teacher Kelly Quintero, science teachers Craig McKee and Anna Fabela and Italian teacher Carmela Mastragostino.
"Ms. Fabela made me understand that high school was going to be tough, but it's got to all get done," Ms. Postiglione said. "Signora 'lina,' as we call Mrs. Mastragostino is such a great lady. She has really helped me become a better student when it comes to Italian. She rocks. Continuing to take Italian was the best idea I made this year. She always lets me sing in Italian class and we all just laugh until it hurts. Mrs. Quintero is the best woman ever. I have had her for all for years including some of my favorite classes; African American Lit (Ms. Postiglione was the only sophomore in the class) and creative writing. She is like a mother to me. Mr. McKee is such a character that now my day isn't complete without him."
"I can't imagine teaching English at Huntington without Katelyn's eager, energetic hand raised in the back right corner of room 253," Mrs. Quintero said. "She has managed to enroll in one of my courses for each of the last four years and has made each class come to life with her insightful, provocative viewpoints. I feel so honored to have formed a close bond with this talented young woman. Always passionate, always honest, always witty, Katelyn has carved out a 'forever-kind-of-place' in my teacher heart. I am so proud of her accomplishments and will miss her terribly when she heads off to Pace in the fall. In the meantime, I will relish the time we have left this school year."
Ms. Postiglione has received eight Pride Awards over the past four years and taken six Advanced Placement courses and plenty of honors classes. She's been on the Blue Devil fencing team, participated in the Gay-Straight Alliance club and performed in many high school drama club productions.
As a Natural Helper, Ms. Postiglione worked with high school dean and club advisor Robert Gilmor III. "Mr. Gilmor is the best of the best," she said. "He loves each student in this school and he truly cares about how everyone's day is. He is so nice and so caring that I don't know how he is able to do all that he does each day. I don't think the man ever sleeps! He also worked to start the anti-bullying club at our school. I'm one of the 'Big Six' who have started this club."
Ms. Postiglione is headed to Pace University in the fall. Her career plans are still somewhat up in the air. "I plan on majoring in advertising/ marketing and communications with a minor in child development. After college I plan on working with Americorps for a little bit since I'm stuck between becoming an advertising account executive or a daycare owner. Who knows?"
The senior will graduate as one of the leading members of Huntington's Class of 2013. Ms. Postiglione was honored in April with fellow academic high achievers at this year's Distinguished Seniors dinner.
"High school is where I've become myself," Ms. Postiglione said. "I like goofing off and actually won most fun to be with and class clown because I'm so comfortable with myself. I have a really great and diverse group of friends and teachers I can go to when I need help with anything. As for memories and highlights of my high school career, I would say that they keep being made every day. High school is also where I really started to find my passions."
While the teenager admits she is "pretty swamped most of the time," she wouldn't change a thing. "I love everything that I'm involved in," Ms. Postiglione said. She balances all aspects of her live and is enjoying the ride.
"I will never forget high school since it's such a big turning point in our lives," Ms. Postiglione said. "The friends that I've made along the way will always stay close with me. I've had the same best friend since third grade and thankfully we will only be 25 minutes away from each other by train." That best friend is Sydney Hoole-Shlakman. The two met at Washington School and have been tight ever since.
Last spring, Ms. Postiglione was in the pages of Newsday when classmate Jimmy Ferraiolo asked her to the prom through a message he painted on The Rock at Huntington High School. The couple has remained together for the past year.
As her time in high school dwindles to a handful of precious days, Ms. Postiglione is looking to maximize every minute that remains. When it does come time to walk up on the stage at this year's commencement it will mark the close of one chapter of the teenager's life and the beginning of a new and even more exciting one.