Haley Mortell has always set high standards for herself and the Huntington High School senior has an enviable record to show for all of her efforts.
Ms. Mortell is one of the top students in the Class of 2019 and she is integrally involved in life at the high school, serving in an executive position with several organizations, playing field hockey and running on the indoor and outdoor track teams and performing with the orchestra.
Huntington High School senior Haley Mortell.
The teenager handles communications and public relations for the high school’s Interact club chapter and she’s the fundraising coordinator for the Science Honor Society. Ms. Mortell is also a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Math, English and Tri-M Music Honor Societies.
Ms. Mortell is a college math tutor, participates in the high school’s science research program and Science Olympiad team and performs with the string quartet, chamber orchestra and spring musical pit orchestra.
The teenager’s closest friends include Hadley Clayton, Ryan Hoffmann, Julia Tesoriero and Arielle Harvey.
“Haley is bright and enthusiastic with an amazing confidence that draws people in,” Ms. Clayton said. “She doesn’t know how to back down from a challenge; taking on multiple demanding leadership roles and succeeding in each and every one. I know she will go far in her future.”
Ms. Mortell’s senior year academic schedule includes classes in Advanced Placement Biology, AP Calculus BC, AP Micro and Macro Economics, Physics, Honors French V, Bible Literature, Humanities, Science Research, Symphony Orchestra and a credit bearing internship with Huntington girls’ track and field coach Mark Jackson.
“Haley is an amazing friend and an amazing person,” Ms. Tesoriero said. “I’ve known her since fifth grade and I’m so lucky to have met her at such a young age. She’s smart, kind, funny, caring, hardworking and so much more. Anyone who doesn’t know her is missing out.”
Ms. Mortell’s favorite teachers include Dame Forbes, Lori Kenny and Deidre Mayer. The senior is respected by the entire faculty.
“Haley is multitalented and passionate,” Mrs. Forbes said. “As a student she always seeks to be able to understand and apply new knowledge. As fundraising coordinator for the Science Honor Society for the past two years she has truly showed genuine leadership qualities and has transformed procedures behind the scenes. Haley has taken extra classes in STEM fields outside of the classroom since her freshman year. This has truly given her a perspective on education and a grit that separates her from her peers. She has also been my science lab assistant for the past two years. She works independently, effectively and efficiently. I will miss her when she graduates, but I look forward with pride as she spreads her wings and catches all her dreams. To sum up Haley is one of a kind. A true precious gem in our school.”
The senior is busy planning for college and her future. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is Ms. Mortell’s top choice. Other favorites include the University of Georgia, North Carolina State and Clemson University. “I plan to major in global public health and biochemistry,” she said.
The teenager is interested in pursuing a career in epidemiology or in going to medical school and becoming a trauma or emergency room doctor.
Ms. Mortell leads a very well balanced life. “I love traveling,” she said. “It’s mostly been to warmer climates such as the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Caribbean and most recently to more domestic places, including North Carolina and South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, DC, but my favorite was Paris a few years ago.”
The teenager fits in perfectly at the high school, where she is loved by everyone. “I have enjoyed my time at Huntington,” Ms. Mortell said. “With the friends that I’ve made and the experiences that I’ve had, I wouldn’t want to go to any other school.”
