Adriana Scarpati has compiled an enviable academic record over the past four years. She’s such a strong student that the Huntington High School senior is headed to one of the top colleges in the world; New York University.
Ms. Scarpati is one of the leading seniors in Huntington’s Class of 2019. Recently honored as a Distinguished Senior, she has consistently captured a spot on the high school’s High Honor Roll.
The teenager plans to study mechanical engineering at NYU. “I’ve known that NYU has a great engineering program and going there would lead to great opportunities and internships in the future,” Ms. Scarpati said.
The senior said the key to her success has been “focus,” always paying attention in class and asking questions to clarify important points so she could thoroughly understand the lesson.
“NYU was always my top pick, but I was considering Loyola Marymount University and St. John’s University,” Ms. Scarpati said.
The teenager has done quite a bit of traveling. She has journeyed to the Galápagos Islands, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy and Peru.
“Adriana is an outstanding young woman,” said social studies teacher Camille Tedeschi. “She traveled with me on numerous tours and this year in the fall I had the opportunity to be her Participation in Government teacher. She distinguished herself in the class through her inquisitive nature, determination and curiosity about the workings of the government. She was attentive and active in class on a daily basis and I felt honored to be her teacher. As a traveler Adriana possesses the same qualities. She wants to absorb her surroundings and always learn as much as she can. I hope in the future she will serve as a chaperone on the tours and help show the world to other students by my side. I will truly miss her when she graduates, but I’m happy to know she will be out in this world making a difference in other people’s lives just like she made a difference in my life by traveling with me and being my student.”
Ms. Scarpati’s closest friends include Jenna Yabroudy, Phoebe Walther, Nicole Walsh, Meagan Malone, Katie Burton and Sam Roberts. “I’m so incredibly lucky to have had Adriana as a close friend for so many years,” Ms. Malone said. “She is one of the most loyal, trustworthy, selfless and funny people I know. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes at NYU.”
The teenager began her long trek through Huntington UFSD as a Southdown Primary School kindergartener. Since then she has impressed everyone and developed a loyal circle of friends.
“Adriana has been there for me since freshmen year,” Ms. Yabroudy said. “We went to Ireland and Italy together and it wouldn’t have been the same without her! She is always there when you need her. I’m glad to have her as my best friend.”
Huntington’s faculty holds the teenager in high esteem. “I will definitely remember the students and staff at Huntington, especially Mrs. [Amelia] Saggese,” Ms. Scarpati said. “I would probably not be taking this path without the impact and influence she has had on me.”
Over the past four years, Ms. Scarpati has embraced many opportunities that have come her way. She’s played flute with the Blue Devil marching band, volunteered with Huntington’s Key Club and Interact Club chapters, competed with the Blue Devil fencing and crew teams, served as Mrs. Saggese’s lab assistant and vied with the high school’s Science Olympiad team.
Ms. Scarpati isn’t quite sure what career field she will ultimately decide to pursue. “I don’t know what I want to be just yet, but I’m happy with the path I’m taking and know it’s the right one for me,” she said.
