Kyle Chin is the type of guy you can easily picture having success doing anything, anywhere. He inspires confidence. The Huntington High School senior has decided to attend Boston University next fall and no one that knows him has the slightest bit of doubt that he’s destined to be a star there.
“I chose BU for a couple of reasons,” Mr. Chin said. “First of all, many of my family members live in or around the greater Boston area and I know they’ll just be a bus or T-ride away if I ever need anything. Because I’ve spent so much time in Boston, I’ve come to know the city very well, probably even better than I know New York City. Another reason why I chose BU was because of their renowned communications program. Since I plan on pursuing a career in the film industry, my decision was heavily based on which school had the best resources and facilities pertaining to that field.”
NaHuntington High School senior Kyle Chin.
Mr. Chin has compiled a spectacular academic record over the past four years and he’s set to go out on a high note. His senior year schedule includes Advanced Placement Calculus AB, AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, AP Environmental Science, AP Research, Science Research and Orchestra. He was recently recognized as a Distinguished Senior after compiling a grade average of 90 or better during every semester of high school.
Habitat for Humanity, Natural Helpers and sports
“During the time I’ve spent at Huntington, I am most proud to have participated in Habitat for Humanity, Natural Helpers, golf and tennis,” Mr. Chin said. “I have done most of my community service through Habitat. The memories I’ve made in the club; whether it be Superstorm Sandy cleanup, working on Ms. Youlanda’s (security guard Youlanda Carey) house or the most recent trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee, will most definitely stay with me for the rest of my life. I was honored when I was elected into Natural Helpers my sophomore year because it showed me that my peers knew they could rely on me if they ever needed anything. The bonding and team building exercises we’ve done at our annual retreats truly allows and encourages us to be ourselves and through these retreats I have been able to interact with kids that I might not have otherwise.”
The teenager has been an integral member of the Blue Devil varsity golf and tennis team, helping both win league championships. “They’ve been a blast and I couldn’t have asked for better teammates and coaches,” Mr. Chin said.
A member of the Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education’s Youth Board, Mr. Chin has also participated for many years in the high school’s Relay For Life fundraising initiative that benefits the American Cancer Society.
“I will miss the people at Huntington High”
The senior has enjoyed his experience over the past four years. “Above all, I will miss the people at Huntington High the most,” Mr. Chin said. “Mrs. [Lori] Kenny was my ninth grade Living Environment teacher and has been my Science Research advisor since. The Science Research program has been a mainstay of my high school career as Mrs. Kenny has helped me in research projects ranging from shark repellant to urinal splash back. If I ever needed advice on an issue or just to print something at the last minute, Mrs. Kenny was always receptive.”
The teenager has also hit it off with science teacher Matthew Liguori. “I first had Mr. Liguori in eighth grade and he has since remained as one of my favorite teachers,” Mr. Chin said. “His enthusiasm and passion for Earth Science is truly infectious as this year I gave up senior lunch privileges to be his intern. Every day I am with Mr. Liguori and I can attest to his diligence and attentiveness to his students and making sure every student in his class can grasp a new lesson or concept.”
Mr. Chin said he has also “developed a bond” with Humanities Chairman Joseph Leavy. “I’ve spent a great amount of time with him celebrating Chinese culture,” the senior said. “In his Huntington Global Prep program, about a dozen Chinese exchange students came from Hong Kong and Shanghai last summer and we got to show them around New York. It was very unique to see how Western and Eastern ideas compare and contrast each other. Mr. Leavy also taught the Asian Studies class last year where we further analyzed western culture and language. One of my favorite times spent with Mr. Leavy was in Chinatown with the Chinese Culture Club for Chinese New Year. We traversed New York’s Chinatown on foot, shopping, eating and pointing out cool landmarks along the way.”
Mr. Chin is enjoying his final weeks at Huntington High School, spending as much time as he can with his classmates, friends and favorite faculty members.
“And finally, how can I go without mentioning Mr. [Robert] Gilmor?” asked Mr. Chin. “Mr. Gilmor, Gil, or Coach, always goes above and beyond and is truly a great support for the student body. Gil devotes countless hours of his personal time to his job. I can’t imagine my high school experience without him.”
