Huntington High School senior Alexandra Lourenso is still several months away from graduating with the Class of 2018, but the teenager has already mapped out plans for the future.
After a long process that saw her consider Fairfield University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Miami, Clemson University, University of Delaware and University of Michigan, Ms. Lourenso has decided to attend Villanova University next fall and pursue an academic major in nursing.
Huntington senior Alexandra Lourenso.
“The first time I stepped on campus I knew it was the perfect fit for me,” said Ms. Lourenso about Villanova. “The school has a great sense of community and a lot of school spirit, which I’m looking forward to. I’ll be a nursing major and Villanova’s nursing program is one of the best in the country. The location is ideal, too, being only about 20 minutes from Philadelphia where I’ll do my clinical rotations in renowned hospitals during my junior and senior years.”
President of Huntington’s National Honor Society chapter, Ms. Lourenso is also secretary of the Science Honor Society and a member of the English and Italian honor societies.
The teenager played four years of high school soccer with the Blue Devils. Ms. Lourenso volunteers at Huntington Hospital and she also participates in the Young Leaders youth development organization.
“I would like to become a nurse practitioner in either pediatrics or in the neonatal intensive care unit,” Ms. Lourenso said. “I can see myself working in a big hospital.”
The senior has developed a productive relationship with high school dean Robert Gilmor III. “Gil has been there for me to turn to when I’m having a bad day or need any advice,” Ms. Lourenso said about Mr. Gilmor. “His support has truly helped me through some rough times and I’m so thankful that I was able to meet him my sophomore year.”
Mr. Gilmor has been equally impressed over the years by Ms. Lourenso. “Alex has always possessed great strength to persevere at all that has been placed in front of her and she still finds the time to support both young and old that she comes in touch with,” he said. “She has excelled both academically and athletically and because of her great success she will be sorely missed as she moves on to her next academic challenges.”
Ms. Lourenso has worked closely with many faculty members over the years, so it’s hard for her to single out just one or two for special acknowledgement. “Some other teachers that have made an impact on me are Mrs. [Deborah] Beck and Mr. [Joseph] Cohen whose classes made me love biology, but I’ve loved all of my teachers throughout the years,” she said.
The senior is very well-liked by her classmates and teammates. “Alex is a very dedicated and passionate individual,” said Lindsay Saginaw, a fellow member of Huntington’s Class of 2018. “Not only has she thrived in every activity at the high school that she has been involved with, but she is also extremely kind. She is always willing to listen to a friend or lend a helping hand.”
As she prepares to graduate from high school and move on to college in the run-up to a professional career, Ms. Lourenso has reflected on her time in Huntington.
“My overall experience at Huntington has been amazing,” Ms. Lourenso said. “I’ve made irreplaceable friendships and memories during my four years here and will miss it very much. I love how Huntington is a tight-knit community and everyone is so friendly. I’ve had so many opportunities to get involved in different clubs, sports and programs that have made my high school career exciting and hopefully I can become equally, if not more involved as I move on into the next chapter of my life at Villanova.”
