HHS Senior Katie Keys Chooses Penn State
Katie Keys is going to really miss Huntington High School. She has enjoyed the past four years, but it’s time to move on. The teenager is headed to Penn State University in the fall.
“I chose Penn State because I really wanted to be in an environment similar to Huntington, where there is a lot of school spirit and pride,” Ms. Keys said. “The first time we visited I knew right away this was my dream school and where I wanted to spend my next four years. The campus is really large and it’s always filled with students. I loved that you can see what life as a student really is like by just walking around the university.”
There are so many things that Ms. Keys likes about Huntington High School, but some of her favorite memories revolve around Relay For Life, Natural Helpers and Blue Devil sports.
“In Relay, I started as just a member on a team then slowly got more involved and on the [organizing] committee,” Ms. Keys said. “Last year, I was the committee chair for the survivorship dinner and this year I am an event chair for the whole committee.”
Ms. Keys played field hockey and lacrosse until her junior year. “I really enjoyed the bonding within sports teams,” she said.
The teenager has been involved with Natural Helpers since her sophomore year. “I really love this club,” Ms. Keys said. “It provided a safe environment that I felt completely comfortable in.”
Prior to settling on Penn State, Ms. Keys considered Syracuse University, University of New Hampshire, SUNY New Paltz, UMass Amherst and the University of Colorado at Boulder. She narrowed her choices to Penn State and Colorado before choosing to reside in Happy Valley for the next four years.
“I hadn’t had the opportunity to visit CU Boulder and Penn State just seemed like the right fit for me,” Ms. Keys said. “I plan on majoring in rehabilitation and human services in the College of Education. I really want to get involved in Thon, which is a huge event that brings the whole school together to raise money for research related to childhood cancer.”
Once the school year wraps up, Ms. Keys will head to Claryville, New York in Sullivan County to work in a sleep away camp sponsored by the Frost Valley YMCA. “I work there for two months and it very stressful at times, but I love it more than anything,” the teenager said. “The campers make it worth it.”