Catie Ricciardelli is an adventurous soul. The Huntington High School senior is always ready to take on a new challenge and she has a way of overcoming every possible obstacle. She’s headed to Virginia Tech in the fall to pursue security related studies and no one doubts she will be successful there.
“I chose Virginia Tech for many reasons,” Ms. Ricciardelli said. “I always knew I wanted a big school and out of state. Virginia Tech is both of those things and has endless opportunities both academically and socially. Also, Virginia Tech’s campus is absolutely beautiful and I felt at home there. In college, I plan on studying intelligence analysis/cybersecurity and I’m extremely excited because VT has an amazing program.”
Huntington High School senior Catie Ricciardelli.
The Huntington senior considered Penn State, Clemson, Binghamton and James Madison University before concluding that Virginia Tech was a good match for her interests.
“Right now I am not completely positive on what I want to do, but I know I want to be in the criminal justice field, whether it is the FBI, an intelligence analyst or in cybersecurity I am not sure,” Ms. Ricciardelli said.
The teenager earned varsity athletic letters with the Blue Devil soccer, indoor track and field and lacrosse teams. She was a member of three academic honor societies and was named a Distinguished Senior after compiling a grade average of at least a 90 during every semester of high school.
Ms. Ricciardelli’s senior year academic schedule has consisted of Advanced Placement Government and Politics, AP Italian, AP Physics, Pre- Calculus and Holocaust/Multicultural Literature.
“Coach [Todd] Jamison has had a huge impact on my high school career and I am forever grateful,” Ms. Ricciardelli said. “I know I can always count on him to be real and be there for me whenever I need him. I will truly miss him. Mrs. [Joann] Ferazi has also been one of my favorite teachers. She will go out of her way to help any student, no matter what, at any time. She is such a kind, genuine person and I am very appreciative of her. Lastly, Mr. [Kenneth] Donovan is also one of my favorite teachers. I was lucky to have him two years in a row and he has taught me a lot. He has opened my mind in many ways and is always supportive toward his students.”
Ms. Ricciardelli is a very popular young woman. She is known as a kind and considerate soul with a great sense of humor and a sharp intellect.
“My amazing group of friends has been my highlight of my high school career,” Ms. Ricciardelli said. “I am so lucky and grateful to have them. I can count on them always to have my back and help me when I need it. We have made so many amazing memories together and I can’t wait for more.”
Ms. Ricciardelli has surrounded herself with an exceptionally loyal group of classmates. They have had each other’s backs through the years and are determined to continue their tightknit relationships despite the distance college might put between them.
“Catie has been my best friend for as long as I can remember,” senior Emma Greenhill said. “She’s one of the kindest, wisest and hardest working people I know. I’m so excited to see the great things she has ahead of her at Virginia Tech.”
One gets the sense that the friendships will survive during the next four years and continue to thrive in the years beyond.
“Catie is an amazing friend and has always been there for me,” senior Katie Seccafico said. “She is an incredible athlete, so smart and outgoing. She works hard at everything and never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face.”
As she files into Blue Devil Stadium for Friday night’s commencement and steps onto the stage a short time later, Ms. Ricciardelli can do so with the assurance she has made every day of the last four years count.
“My experience at Huntington High School has been amazing and I would not change anything,” Ms. Ricciardelli said. “I have made lifelong friends and learned so much. The sense of family here has been amazing. I truly will miss Huntington High School.”
