Alyssa Sorensen is a remarkable young woman and one of the top students in Huntington High School’s Class of 2019. The teenager will be honored this weekend by the Junior Welfare League of Huntington with the organization’s Youth in Philanthropy Award.
Ms. Sorensen is on the high school’s High Honor Roll, plays on the Blue Devil varsity soccer, basketball and lacrosse teams and is integrally involved in the Huntington’s club program. The teenager is president of the Young Leaders youth development organization.
Well-known throughout the high school and the community at-large as a kind, considerate and good-hearted soul, Ms. Sorensen will be recognized for her “dedication to philanthropy and community service” at the Junior Welfare League’s spring luncheon at the Huntington Country Club on Sunday.
“I am very honored to receive this award because I love doing service for others and I love getting involved in activities around the community,” Ms. Sorensen said.
“Alyssa demonstrates the importance in giving both time and energy to everyone around her,” the Junior Welfare League said in its luncheon flyer. “She embodies a strong sense of spirit, passion and good character.”
Vice president of the high school’s student government, Ms. Sorensen is also the treasurer of the National Honor Society chapter and secretary of the Art Honor Society. She has participated in many community service initiatives over the years and successfully juggles an incredible array of responsibilities.
“As of right now I’m undecided on what college I will be attending, but I plan on studying public health or health science,” Ms. Sorensen said. “I then plan to pursue a program to become a physician assistant. I hope to travel to other countries and use my medical knowledge to help save others who may not have resources available to them.”
Ask to single out her all-time “favorite” teacher and Ms. Sorensen just couldn’t do it. “Every teacher that I have had has put all their effort into helping me become the person I am today,” she said. “Whether it was school related or not, they were always there to assist me with whatever I needed and I’m thankful for that.”
The Junior Welfare League of Huntington has been serving the community for more than 85 years. “It is comprised of a small group of women – all local residents, all volunteers – who believe volunteerism is not just a responsibility, but also a privilege,” according to the organization.
As she nears graduation, Ms. Sorensen can look back over her run through Huntington UFSD and know she has given her classes and activities her best efforts. She has earned the respect and affection of her teachers, classmates and teammates and used her time very well.
“Huntington has given me great opportunities to meet new people and achieve amazing things,” Ms. Sorensen said. “I have met the best people through Huntington and they will always have an impact on my life.”