Natalie Gonzalez possesses all the ingredients a teenager requires to have a bright future. The Huntington High School senior is smart, articulate, well-informed and committed to helping others and bringing joy into the life of everyone she crosses paths with each day.
Ms. Gonzalez is very well-liked by her classmates and teachers. She has a great sense of humor and an easygoing manner. She makes those around her feel comfortable being in her presence. Her smile easily wins people over in record time.
The senior plays midfield on the Blue Devil varsity girls’ soccer team and she’s a very valuable member. The speedy Ms. Gonzalez gets to the ball quickly and never fails to give Huntington her best effort.
“It’s been really fun playing with Natalie the past two years,” said junior and soccer teammate Marissa Stafford. “She’s an overall great player who has a great shot and knows the game really well. Natalie is super nice and fun to be around and I’m going to miss her next year.”
Ms. Gonzalez has a packed academic schedule with classes in physics, calculus, Bible literature, economics, Spanish, chamber choir and Virtual Enterprise, a new course that involves developing a business and competing in contests against other schools.
“I’ve known Natalie since kindergarten and ever since then we’ve been friends” said senior and soccer teammate Alyssa Sorensen. “She’s an awesome person all around and is involved in many school activities.”
A member of Huntington’s Science National Honor Society chapter, Ms. Gonzelez is seeking membership in the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She hopes to be active throughout the year in the organization. The senior sings in the high school’s chamber choir.
“Natalie is a very kind person who will always have my back,” said senior and soccer teammate Paige Lennon. “I love her because she is one of the only people that laughs at my jokes.”
Ms. Gonzalez is a science lab assistant at the high school this year. She is interested in the sciences and plans to study for a career in nursing, eventually seeking her master’s degree as a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Her college plans are still taking shape.
“Natalie is a great person who has a positive attitude, a kind heart and the discipline and determination to conquer any challenge she is given,” high school physical education teacher and JV soccer coach Maria Canino said. “She is always willing to go the extra mile to succeed. She is always the first to help anyone in need however she can. She’s a great kid with a bright future ahead of her.”
Ms. Gonzalez said her closest friends are her soccer teammates. She’s very well-liked by everyone around the high school and across the district. The teenager started her trek through Huntington UFSD as a kindergartener at Washington Primary School.
“There are so many teachers that have been very helpful, but in particular, Mr. [Joseph] Cohen, Mrs. [Paige] Tyree, Ms. [Victoria] Garbarino and Ms. [Maria] Canino,” Ms. Gonzalez said. “They all played a key role during my years at Huntington High School as I can turn to them for help and support.”
Widely known for her friendly personality and great sense of humor, Ms. Gonzalez is a popular young woman. She quietly gets an awful lot done each day.
“I love everything that Huntington has to offer,” Ms. Gonzalez said. “It’s a friendly and welcoming environment and I'm happy that I was a part of it.”
