Natalie McCann is always ready for a new adventure. The Huntington High School senior likes to have an element of excitement in her life and she is going to get just that next fall as she begins a college program that will have her studying across the world.
Ms. McCann began her long journey through Huntington UFSD as a kindergartener at Washington Primary School. She has always thrown herself into the classes and clubs she holds dear and she continues to do so as president of the high school’s Interact Club and social media coordinator of both the women’s empowerment club and the Gay-Straight Alliance.
A member of Huntington High School debate club, Ms. McCann serves as co-mental health chair of March for Our Lives Long Island. She enjoys staying abreast of current events and political issues and she can hold her own in conversations about a wide range of topics.
The Huntington senior applied to University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of the Pacific, Hawaii Pacific University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Redlands and Long Island University Global.
“As soon as I received my acceptance to LIU Global, I decided I was going there since it has been my dream school for three years, ever since Kayla Ryan told me about it,” Ms. McCann said. “Next year, I’ll be studying in Costa Rica for the year and getting my BA in global studies and minors in arts/communications, business/entrepreneurship and Spanish. In the future I want to own a sustainable clothing/beauty company.”
Ms. McCann’s closest friends include Isabella Cahill, Sara Frawley, Katherine DeGennaro, Noah Morris, Mia Nitekman and Christiana Deluca.
“Natalie is the freest spirit I’ve ever encountered,” Ms. Nitekman said. “She’s brave and creative and will fit in so perfectly at LIU Global. I am so happy that’s she’s off to explore the world like she’s always dreamed of doing. I’m proud to be her friend!”
Ms. McCann is taking classes in Advanced Placement Environmental Science, AP Government and Politics, Bible Literature and Humanities and she’s in her fourth year in the science research program.
“Natalie has been my best friend since we met at J. Taylor Finley Middle School and she is one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met,” Ms. Cahill said. “She’s always looking to help those around her and her motivation to travel and experience all areas of the world is truly inspiring. I can’t wait for her to go to her dream school and be surrounded by all of her passions.”
Ms. McCann’s “favorite teachers” have been Camille Tedeschi, “who I had as a teacher four times, is the best advisor for Interact and took me to Ireland on an EF Tours trip, Lori Kenny, who’s helped me grow tremendously as a student and gave me great opportunities and Mrs. [Deborah] Beck and Mr. [Joseph] Cohen,” the teenager said.
“Natalie is a unique and creative young woman,” Ms. Tedeschi said. “She has been a lot of fun to teach and work with on projects connected to the Interact Club. She has a great sense of self-worth and is a global citizen. I know she will be a success in the future at LIU Global.”
Ms. McCann is well on her way to closing out her senior year in fine fashion. “Natalie is such a clever and kind person,” Ms. Frawley said. “When working on projects with her for the women’s empowerment group and March for Our Lives Long Island, her drive to inspire others is always evident. She is an amazing friend and will thrive at LIU Global.”
The senior has some advice for next year’s incoming Huntington freshmen: “Everyone, and I mean everyone, needs help getting through high school, whether it be friend problems, family issues, problems with teachers, etc., but you should utilize the help we have at our school, especially Mr. [Robert] Gilmor, who is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met,” Ms. McCann said. “Even if it’s something as simple as not knowing where a classroom is, you can ask anyone. Everyone has such a kind heart.”
The teenager has enjoyed a magnificent run through the district since kindergarten. “My experience at Huntington has been amazing,” Ms. McCann said. “I’ve been through a lot the past four years and without the amazing support I’ve gotten, I definitely wouldn’t be on the path that I am. I’m so thankful for my teachers, my friends, my wonderful mom and people like Mr. Gilmor for being so uplifting and believing in me and my rather unconventional goals and college choice.”