Peter Ciccone is one of the top members of Huntington High School’s Class of 2018 so it’s not surprising he’s headed to one of the best colleges in the United States; the University of Virginia, founded by President Thomas Jefferson.
“There are so many things I love about the University of Virginia, from the neoclassical architecture to the rich history of its founder, Thomas Jefferson,” Mr. Ciccone said. “I was drawn to the ‘Academical Village’ that he envisioned and also to the many secret societies that exist. I also love that it has a campus feel and is right next to a town with an abundance of restaurants.”
While Mr. Ciccone considered Binghamton, Elon and Bucknell, the University of Virginia was always his first choice. He plans to pursue an academic major in mathematics.”
Huntington High School senior Peter Ciccone.
Mr. Ciccone’s current senior year academic schedule includes Advanced Placement Psychology, AP Literature and Composition, AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, AP Calculus BC, AP Biology, band and a credit bearing internship with math teacher Monica Racz in a freshman geometry class.
The Huntington teenager has excelled academically and he appears to be well-positioned for similar success on the college level. One of the finest institutions of higher learning in the country, the University of Virginia attracts top students from all 50 states and 150 foreign countries. It was the first nonsectarian university in the country.
A four year Natural Helpers club member, Mr. Ciccone is also a very accomplished stage actor, performing in eight high school drama club productions over the past four years.
A longtime participant in the Boy Scouts program, Mr. Ciccone has attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He’s performed with the Blue Devil marching band and the high school’s wind ensemble for the last four years.
A Key Club member since his sophomore year, Mr. Ciccone somehow managed to find the time to be on the Huntington fencing team in both ninth and tenth grades. He has become an expert at juggling many simultaneous activities.
The teenager has been inducted into Huntington’s chapter of the National Honor Society. Mr. Ciccone is also a member of the English, Math, Social Studies and Tri-M Music Honor Societies. He also mentors teenagers with Asperger’s and autism and helps teach them social skills.
“I’ve always had a blast performing in drama club shows and being in band concerts, especially the wind ensemble concert,” Mr. Ciccone said. “I have also enjoyed marching band and our incredible seasons, culminating in an outstanding championship performance at Syracuse. Relay For Life is always super fun, especially last year when my band Spiral performed. Finally, the Natural Helper retreats have definitely been among the greatest experiences of my life.”
Mr. Ciccone’s list of “favorite” teachers during high school includes Michael Schwendemann, Monica Racz, Kelly Krycinski, Victoria Lombardi, Brian Stellato, Patricia Avelli and Kenneth Donovan.
“Peter was always willing to take a risk; try something new,” said Mr. Schwendemann, a high school English teacher and the drama club’s faculty advisor. “He was unafraid, so much so that by his senior year he was singing solo in front of an audience, though singing was not his forte. It was this fearlessness that made him an integral part of the drama club!”
The teenager’s easygoing manner, smile and gentle nature will be missed around the high school next fall.
“I’ve had an amazing time at Huntington High School,” Mr. Ciccone said. “I will always remember the friends I’ve made, the casts with whom I’ve performed, the marching band’s state championship weekends in Syracuse and our Rock.”
