New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli recognized Huntington High School Class of 2019 members Mathew Hearl and Katie Riley with the Office of State Comptroller Award. It is presented to graduating seniors “who have demonstrated academic excellence and also shown leadership potential by volunteering their time to serve their school or community.”
Mr. Hearl is headed to Northeastern University in Boston to study chemical engineering. Ms. Riley has been accepted into Quinnipiac University’s dual bachelor/master’s degree program that prepares participants for a career as a physician assistant.
![New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.](../../../assets/images/2019/august/cameo-05b.jpg)
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Mr. Hearl was a member of Huntington’s National Honor Society chapter along with the English Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society.
A Blue Devil marching band drum major, Mr. Hearl was also treasurer of the Science Honor Society. He performed with the high school’s pit orchestra and wind ensemble.
Mr. Hearl said that “keeping myself busy by always being willing to try new things while applying my focus and energy on classes to reach a high level of achievement” has been the key to his success.
Ms. Riley is equally accomplished. An Advanced Placement Scholar, she was inducted into six different academic honor societies. She attributed her success to a “positive attitude, being open to new things and remaining focused” on her goals as well as having “persistence and the ability to laugh.”
The teenager won the state championship at the New York History Day finals, was a two-time drum major with the Blue Devil marching band, traveled internationally to the Galapagos Islands and Italy, performed with the wind ensemble and pit orchestra, captained a Relay For Life team, participated in the Interact Club and was a member of the robotics team.