Faith Youngquist and Christopher Mavrogian will soon head off into the world in pursuit of their dreams. The two Huntington High School Class of 2020 members have been standouts over the past four years and are now poised to shine brighter than ever as they begin their college studies.
The pair has so much potential that the Huntington Association of Retired Teachers and Employees awarded the duo $1,000 scholarships. The formal announcement was made by HARTE President Martha Ironman during the high school’s virtual senior academic awards ceremony.
Ms. Youngquist and Mr. Mavrogian were both named Distinguished Seniors last spring after compiling exceptional academic records. They are very highly regarded by their classmates.
A National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society inductee, Ms. Youngquist plans to begin studying for a career as an elementary school teacher at Binghamton University, where she intends to major in human development and early childhood education. She said she attributes her success to “perseverance through all challenges.”
Pushing herself, but going at her own pace has played an important role in Ms. Youngquist’s success. The talented young woman sang with the high school’s chamber choir and a capella chorus, performed on flute with the wind ensemble, acted in five drama club productions and served in the student government.
An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Mr. Mavrogian plans to attend SUNY College at Potsdam where he will study in the Crane School of Music in preparation for a career as a music teacher.
The teenager earned the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts. Mr. Mavrogian was inducted into both the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. Believing he can accomplish whatever he puts his mind to has been the key to his success.
President of the high school’s student government as a senior, Mr. Mavrogian’s voice rang out each day over the building’s public address system during the morning announcements. He performed in various music ensembles as well as the pit orchestra. He sees the importance of having fun with family and friends so he can refresh and then refocus on his school work.
The HARTE scholarship is funded by fundraising and dues from the organization’s nearly 300 members.
HARTE Scholarship Award Recipients
2020 Faith Youngquist, Christopher Mavrogian
2019 Yaidelis Acevedo, Julianna Joseph-Whyte
2018 Sarah Levine
2017 Grace Curran
2016 Yardalie Daniel
2015 Thomas Kouttron
2014 Cynthia Gowani
2013 Tiana Thurmond
2012 Erin LaSorsa
2011 Krista Castillo
2010 Dayna Reyes
2009 Adam Fagnani
2008 Nelson Maldonado
