Nick Mattio got his start in Huntington UFSD in a kindergarten classroom at Jefferson Primary School and now all these years later he’s a member of Huntington High School’s Class of 2020.
The teenager is popular with his classmates. He is one of the Blue Devil lacrosse team’s key players and is looking forward to his best season yet as a senior.
Mr. Mattio’s current classes include Advanced Placement Environmental Science, Calculus, Economics, Science Fiction and Literary Fantasy.
The senior’s closest friends include Michael Wright, Billy Burton, Jon Koumas, Aedan McDonald, Ryan Baker, Liam Hassett, Marissa Stafford, Timmeree Koepele and Marina Durand.
“Nick is one of my best friends who I can always count on no matter what time of the day it is,” Ms. Stafford said. “I’m so lucky to have him in my life.”
Mr. Mattio cited teachers Fred Bisogno, Victoria Lombardi and Amelia Saggese and library aide Denise Digena as his favorite faculty and staff members.
“Nick is one of my best friends and I am so thankful for his friendship because he is always there for me,” Ms. Durand said. “We have the most fun times together and are always laughing. I can’t wait to see all the success he is going to have in the future.”
Mr. Mattio is interested in the University of Tampa, Fairleigh Dickinson University and the University of Oregon.
“I’ve been friends and played sports with Nick for a while now and it’s always a great time,” Mr. McDonald said. “He is always looking out for his friends.”
A skiing and snowboarding trip with his family to Park City, Utah provided Mr. Mattio with plenty of happy memories. He’s always up to try something new.
“Making playoffs with the lacrosse team last year was my favorite experience as a student at Huntington,” Mr. Mattio said. “Taking on the underdog role during the season was really cool and we constantly played with a chip on our shoulders.”
Speaking from experience, the senior encourages freshmen to “make connections with teachers; they will always be there for you when you need advice.”
As the senior heads into the home stretch of his time as a Huntington UFSD student and athlete he reflected on his many years here, from those first days as kindergartener at Jefferson Primary School to his final months of high school.
“There were definitely ups and downs, but in the long run I’m going to miss being a Blue Devil,” Mr. Mattio said. “The atmosphere is extremely different from other schools.”