Katie Seccafico is a naturally upbeat, positive-thinking and good natured young woman. The Huntington High School senior has thrived over the past four years, completing challenging courses, starring on sports teams, participating in after school clubs and serving in elected student government office.
As the clock ticks down toward graduation on June 22, Ms. Seccafico has decided the next stop on her educational journey will be Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. A member of Huntington’s National Honor Society chapter as well as the Social Studies and Science Honor Societies she’s well prepared for the academic rigors that will come with college studies.
Huntington High School senior Katie Seccafico is headed to Gettysburg College.
“I was initially drawn to Gettysburg because of its great academics, beautiful campus and class size,” Ms. Seccafico said. “What I love most about Gettysburg is the great atmosphere and sense of community I feel when I’m on campus. I was interested in a liberal arts college and Gettysburg will allow me to explore different areas of study and provide the opportunity to combine interests in different majors.”
Ms. Seccafico considered Wake Forest, Bucknell, Loyola, Binghamton and the University of Miami before choosing Gettysburg. “I’m not positive about a career path yet, but I do have an interest in majoring in organizational management with a minor in environmental studies. I do also have an interest in health sciences.”
A three-sport athlete, Ms. Seccafico played on the varsity soccer team for three seasons and the varsity basketball and spring track teams for all four years of high school. She’s been a starter on all three squads.
“Katie has been one of my best friends for several years now and I couldn’t ask for a better friend,” said fellow senior Emma Greenhill. “She’s an amazing athlete and student and has made my high school experience unforgettable. I’m positive Katie will have a great time in college and will find her niche immediately. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”
Ms. Seccafico’s senior year academic schedule includes Advanced Placement Environmental Science, AP Government and Politics, Calculus, AP Microeconomics, French Multicultural Literature, Science Research and Orchestra.
“Mrs. [Lori] Kenny has been a huge part of my success here at Huntington High School, not only helping me in the classroom, but with anything I needed and anything I was struggling with,” Ms. Seccafico said. “She is always encouraging me to push myself. Mr. [Todd] Jamison has been a huge motivator for me in my high school years. He is someone I am able to talk to outside of the classroom setting and get advice on anything. He has always pushed me to not settle for anything less than I was capable of achieving. Ms. [Maria] Canino, Mrs. [Lauren] Desiderio and Ms. [Nicole] Cooper are also teachers that have been a part of my success here at Huntington.”
Junior Volunteer at Huntington Hospital for four years, student government class treasurer for three and G.O treasurer senior year, Young Leaders for three years. A member of National Honor Society, social studies, and science honor societies.
“Katie is one of my best friends,” fellow senior Catie Ricciardelli said. “She is one of the most determined, competitive and hardworking people I know. Katie knows how to make anyone laugh and you can always count on her to be there. She is an amazing friend.”
Ms. Seccafico’s classmates, teammates, teachers, club advisors and coaches all feel the same way about her. They value, respect and admire the senior. The Class of 2018 just wouldn’t be the same without her personality and presence.
“Katie has been one of my closest friends and has always supported me whether it’s with school or sports,” fellow senior Nicole Abbondandelo said. “She’s going to do great at Gettysburg with whatever she chooses to do. I’m definitely going to miss being on the soccer field and track teams with her.”
The teenager has been a mainstay in the Blue Devil athletic program for a long time and she’s always been popular around the building. There’s little doubt among the Huntington community that Ms. Seccafico is destined for success at Gettysburg and beyond.
It would be hard to find a senior with a bigger hear than Ms. Seccafico. “I adore her,” Mrs. Kenny said. “She very aware of the needs of her peers and always willing to help others. I love her to pieces. She’s full of energy and always there to help. She’s so caring.”
Ms. Seccafico is currently working on a science research project with two classmates that involves a study of the overuse of post-surgery painkillers in the United States and the need to find natural alternatives.
“My time at Huntington High School has been unforgettable,” Ms. Seccafico said. “You step foot in the building and you immediately get a feeling you are in an amazing place. The friends and memories I have made are irreplaceable. The people I have met during my four years here have been amazing and I have loved every minute of it. I loved that I was able to become so involved in so many different extracurriculars that have made my time at Huntington so special. I am so sad that my time at Huntington High School is over, but I am excited to move on to the next chapter of my life and beyond thrilled to see what’s in store next. Huntington has truly paved a great path towards my future.”
