Lindsay McKenna has enjoyed Huntington High School in all its glory, exploring the course offerings, participating in clubs and sports, getting to know faculty members and making friends that have enormous respect and affection for her. Soon it will be time for the teenager to move on and she is excited to be heading to the University at Albany.
“I chose Albany because I wanted a medium to large school that had a lot going on,” Ms. McKenna said. “I had looked at schools as big as Alabama and as small as Hartwick. I actually was accepted at Ithaca, but in the end Albany was the best match on size as well as program. I plan to study political science and Albany has a very strong program with links not only in Albany and Washington, but also abroad.”
Huntington High School senior Lindsay McKenna.
The senior carefully considered Monmouth, Quinnipiac, Pace, SUNY Buffalo and the University of Maine before finalizing her plans to attend Albany.
Ms. McKenna has been involved in Huntington’s sports, music and club programs. She has been a mainstay in the Blue Devil field hockey program for many years, serving as a team captain as a senior. The teenager has also spent time on the crew team.
A longtime member of the high school chorus, Ms. McKenna has performed with the chamber and a capella choirs. She’s been a “planner” with the social studies department and participated in Huntington’s Model United Nations initiative. A member of the China club, she took part in the Huntington Chinese student exchange.
Ms. McKenna is taking several Advanced Placement courses this year including classes in government and politics and economics as well as environmental science.
“I’m hoping my political science college major lands me in position in government or I may go to law school,” Ms. McKenna said.
The teenager has developed close relationships with several teachers through the years. “Mr. [Jordan] Gould and Mr. [Joseph] Leavy have had a huge impact on me, sparking my interest in politics and government,” Ms. McKenna said. “Mrs. [Stacey] Byrnes pushes me toward greater achievement in science.”
Huntington’s teachers have really taken to Ms. McKenna. “Lindsay was a pleasure to have in Asian Studies class and always showed a unique curiosity and interest in atypical topics, like the effectiveness of Chinese medicine,” Mr. Leavy said. “She brought her remarkable vocal talents to our international exchange experiences and has a special way about her that brings happiness into a room!”
One can easily imagine Ms. McKenna in the halls of government or as a lawyer making her case before a judge and jury. She’s smart, reliable, capable and confident. People of all ages trust her and know they can depend upon her.
“I credit my time at Huntington High for helping me build confidence and be myself,” Ms. McKenna said. “When I look at myself as a freshman and now I see how I’ve grown into an independent young adult.”
Working with Mr. Gould as a “planner” or student assistant teacher with a US History class has been a wonderful experience for Ms. McKenna. “Lindsay is diligent, empathetic and even inspirational with other students,” Mr. Gould said. “Out of all the students I have ever had in all my years of teaching, she is definitely one of the most inquisitive. She wants to understand the key components; the how and why of an historical event. She’s a super kid, very comfortable around others and speaking to a group. She sparks up the class with her enthusiasm and has literally helped elevate student skills.”
While she’s had a sensational four year run, Ms. McKenna is ready for an entirely new experience at Albany. But she will also never forget her hometown.
“Huntington High is my family school,” Ms. McKenna said. “My father and his siblings and cousins all went to Huntington making it even more of a connection for me. I will especially remember the friends I’ve made here. I have so many special relationships here.”
