Billy Burton knew Arcardia University was the place for him following an overnight visit. The Huntington High School senior has committed to play lacrosse at the Glenside, Pennsylvania school, where he plans to study business.
“After I went to Arcadia for my overnight visit I knew instantly that it was the best fit for me,” Mr. Burton said. “It was close enough to home for my parents and the campus gave me a really good feel.”
Huntington High School senior Billy Burton
The teenager is a personable, well-spoken and very hardworking young man. He got his start in Huntington UFSD as a Southdown Primary School kindergartener.
Among Mr. Burton’s senior year classes are Advanced Placement Micro/Macro Economics, AP Research and AP Calculus. He’s an all-around great student.
“The biggest problem for me was that my size really affected my process of deciding where to go,” said Mr. Burton about his college search and determining where he wanted to play lacrosse. Coach [James] Purpura, who just came to Arcadia from NCAA Division I VMI is the head coach now. After my overnight, he was the first coach that wasn’t concerned with my size and he liked me for my ability to play lacrosse, which made me decide that Arcadia was the best place for me to grow as a player and an athlete.”
Mr. Burton considers Jon Koumas, Pat Sclafani, Nick Mattio, Jack Giamo and Lena Annuzianta to be his closest friends.
In addition to playing lacrosse for Huntington, Mr. Burton is one of the top Blue Devil wrestlers this winter. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, English Honor Society and Social Studies Honor Society.
The teenager’s favorite teachers include Patrice Monks, Paige Tyree, Suzi Biagi, Dianna Cazzalino and Michael Marinello.
“My high school highlights all include playing sports with my best friends and having some great coaches as well,” Mr. Burton said.
Arcadia is rated as one of the best regional universities in the country. There are about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate studying on the school’s 63 acre campus.
“Some advice that I have for incoming Huntington High School freshmen is for them to get involved with the activities the school presents,” Mr. Burton said. “That’s how I made relationships with all my teachers, which I am very grateful for.”
The senior is savoring every last day of high school, but also looking ahead to college with excitement. Mr. Burton plans to study business at Arcadia with a specific focus on finance.
As he inches closer to June’s high school commencement, the teenager has a sense of satisfaction. “Overall, I love Huntington and couldn’t see myself anywhere else,” Mr. Burton said.
