Alyssa Sorensen is a high-flying Huntington High School senior who sets a standard of excellence in everything she does. The teenager is one of the top members of the Class of 2019, a three sport athlete and an integral member of numerous organizations.
Articulate, intelligent and well-informed, Ms. Sorensen is popular with her classmates and with the high school’s faculty. She is capable of holding her own in a conversation on just about any topic. She is kind and considerate with a caring nature.
Huntington senior Alyssa Sorensen.
The teenager plays on Huntington’s varsity soccer, basketball and lacrosse teams. She is the president of the Young Leaders youth development organization, vice president of the high school’s student government, treasurer of the National Honor Society chapter and secretary of the Art Honor Society. Ms. Sorensen is also a member of the English, Science, Spanish and Social Studies Honor Societies.
Ms. Sorensen’s closest friends include Nina Danseglio, Ashlyn Case, Jenna Yabroudy and Kiara Rafailan. “Alyssa is my best friend and my biggest role model at the same time,” Ms. Danseglio said. “She is the first one to step up if you need a helping hand. She is thoughtful and a great listener. I go to her for help when I need rational and logical advice. She’s extremely persistent in everything she does and the most driven, hardworking person I know.”
The teenager’s favorite teachers include Pamela Piffard, Michael Graziano, Lorena Hickey, Camille Tedeschi, Danielle Lusardi and Lynn Hendricks.
“Alyssa Sorensen is an amazing girl,” Mrs. Piffard said. “She has the biggest heart and the kindest soul. She is talented beyond measure and always working hard and looking to learn all she can. There is absolutely nothing she does that she doesn’t put 100 percent into.”
Ms. Sorensen’s academic schedule includes classes in Advanced Placement Studio Art 2D Design, AP Biology, AP Government and Politics, AP English Literature and Composition, Spanish V Honors and Pre-Calculus.
“Alyssa is a star,” Ms. Tedeschi said. “She is very involved in class and extracurricular activities including clubs and sports. She worked very hard in the classes she had with me and always helped with drives to collect items for local people in need such as sock/t-shirt drives for veterans and a food drive. Alyssa has a big heart and is kind and caring. She also is a go-getter.”
The senior is currently considering Fordham University, Cornell University, University of Delaware and Northeastern University. “I want to study global/public health and proceed to either physician assistant school or medical school,” Ms. Sorensen said. “I am very passionate about helping other people and I hope to travel to different countries to pursue this passion.”
Ms. Sorensen traveled to several Eastern European countries last spring with several of her classmates. She’s enjoyed a multi-dimensional high school experience and has grown in confidence every step of the way.
“Alyssa is a lovely, responsible and well-rounded young lady,” Ms. Lusardi said. “I’ve had the privilege of knowing her during the school day and after as part of the student government. I have grown very close to her and cannot wait to see what the future holds for her! She has already proven that she is capable of anything she puts her heart into. I’m extremely proud of her.”
Loyalty means an awful lot to Ms. Sorensen. She counts on her family and friends to be there for her and she never fails to be available to them when they need her. She’s a generous young woman and really does care about others.
“I’m so lucky that Alyssa has been one of my best friends since fifth grade,” Ms. Case said. “She’s a go-getter and a leader. Lys always puts her friends and family before herself.”
Ms. Sorensen is currently engaged in a credit-bearing internship in a math class taught by Ms. Hendricks. She is also shadowing a physician assistant in the Huntington area.
“Alyssa’s just a great person all around,” Ms. Rafailan said. “She’s so sweet, smart and hardworking and cares for others more than herself. I’ve known her almost my entire life and she never fails to amaze me each and every day.”
The senior looks back with fondness over her years in the district. She began as a kindergartener at Washington Primary School. There have been many ups and downs, but Ms. Sorensen is stronger for it all.
“My experience in Huntington has shaped who I am today,” Ms. Sorensen said. “I’ve met so many people that have influenced me to work hard and inspired me to be the best I can be. Huntington has many opportunities, you just need to take initiative and get involved with something you really love.”
