February 25, 2019

Hadley Clayton has been named valedictorian of Huntington High School’s Class of 2019. Ryan Hoffmann is this year’s salutatorian. The exceptional duo has enjoyed sensational four year runs packed with academic and co-curricular success.

Ms. Clayton and Mr. Hoffmann will give addresses at Huntington’s 158^th commencement exercises on Friday, June 28 at 6 p.m. in Blue Devil Stadium. A crowd of more than 2,000 is expected to attend.

“Both Hadley and Ryan have worked extraordinarily hard through the years and have taken advantage of so many opportunities, both within and beyond Huntington,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “As importantly, they have always represented the school and community in the finest manner possible. We join them in celebrating another milestone in their academic careers.”

Huntington’s top two seniors have captured the respect and admiration of their classmates and teachers and excelled in every way possible. Their transcripts are filled with the most challenging Advanced Placement courses that Huntington offers.

Neither of the two scholars has finalized their college plans yet. Both are considering some of the top schools in the country.

Hadley Clayton has been on a remarkable run through Huntington UFSD since beginning kindergarten at Jefferson Primary School. Her academic record speaks for itself, but she’s also a valued classmate, teammate and friend.

“I’ve been accepted to Georgia Tech and the Honors College of the University of Maryland at College Park and I’m waiting to hear back from several more colleges come March,” Ms. Clayton said.

The senior is interested in pursuing a career in electrical engineering. “A branch of electrical engineering known as photonics is especially intriguing and I hope to explore it further in college,” Ms. Clayton said.

The teenager’s current academic schedule includes classes in Advanced Placement Physics, AP Calculus BC, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Micro and Macro Economics, Science Research Honors and Symphony Orchestra Honors.

Ms. Clayton’s closest friends include Erika Varady, Daniel Thompson, Nathan Gamboa, Kaitlyn Sage Keily Rivas and Sophie Dellecave. Her favorite teachers have been Dame Forbes and Lynn Hendricks.

A member of Huntington’s National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and English Honor Society chapters, Ms. Clayton has tutored classmates in Algebra 1 and Geometry courses.

A two-year member of Huntington High School’s Science Olympiad team, Ms. Clayton participated in a summer internship at Brookhaven National Lab under chief mechanical engineer Rahul Sharma at the facility’s STAR Detector.

Ms. Clayton has done lots of traveling through the years. “My family would go to Rhode Island and Cabo San Lucas when I was little,” she said. “I’ve visited the Grand Canyon, Tombstone, Arizona and New Mexico as well. More recently I’ve been to Ireland with my family.”

If the senior could give advice to incoming freshmen it would be short and to the point. “I would tell them to take full advantage of the support system offered by their families and Huntington High School and make every moment count of their high school experience,” Ms. Clayton said.

The teenager is also a wonderful musician and athlete. She plays double bass in the chamber orchestra and has captained the Blue Devil cross country and track and field teams. Ms. Clayton has participated in numerous competitive triathlon races. She is also a second degree black belt in Hakkoryu Jujitsu. She works at the Huntington YMCA as a swim instructor and lifeguard.

“Overall, my experience at Huntington has been incredibly positive,” Ms. Clayton said. “I’ve learned a lot, made lasting friends and been exposed to many incredible opportunities. Huntington has helped me grow as a person and for that I am incredibly thankful.”

Ryan Hoffmann has compiled a sterling record since stepping off the bus for his first day of kindergarten at Washington Primary School all those years ago. He has excelled in every academic area and has taken leading roles in several organizations.

Mr. Hoffmann is considering Cornell University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Northeastern University. He is interested in pursuing a career in chemical or mechanical engineering or applied mathematics.

The senior’s academic schedule features classes in Advanced Placement Physics, AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP Calculus BC, AP Biology, AP Micro and Macro Economics, Bible Literature, Humanities, Science Research and Senior Band.

Mr. Hoffmann’s closest friends include Haley Mortell, Arashdeep Singh, Mathew Hearl, Katie Stock, Christiana DeLuca, Katie Burton and Madelyn Kye.

A member of the high school’s Science Olympiad team, Mr. Hoffmann also participates in the Key Club and Environmental Club. He plays french horn in the Senior Band and mellophone in the Blue Devil Marching Band.

The teenager’s favorite teachers have been Dame Forbes, Camille Tedeschi and Kenneth Donovan.

Mr. Hoffmann has done quite a bit of traveling, including trips to Italy, France and Switzerland, as well as treks to the Bahamas and Florida. He is headed to Peru in April.

As he nears the end of his spectacular run, Mr. Hoffmann offered sage advice to next year’s incoming freshmen. “Take advantage of every opportunity presented to you and work your hardest at everything,” he said. “While doing that may seem difficult in the moment it will pay off handily in the future.”

As he nears the high school finish line, the senior isn’t about to start coasting. “I’ve enjoyed all of my time in Huntington and appreciate all the things and experiences I’ve been offered,” Mr. Hoffmann said. “I hope to put everything from the district to great use going into college next year.”