Charles O’Rourke looks entirely comfortable dressed in a sharp business suit and tie speaking to a large crowd. The Huntington High School Class of 2020 member can already pass for an executive. He will start the journey down that road at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he plans for study for a career in banking or finance.
“I chose the UMass Amherst Isenberg School of Management for several reasons,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “Primarily, it made the most financial sense. Being able to attend a strong finance program for quite frankly a fraction of the price of my other options is the driving reason I turned down offers from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and many other institutions.”
Huntington Class of 2020 member Charles O'Rourke is headed to the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
There were also practical considerations behind Mr. O’Rourke’s decision. “Amherst also has a close proximity to both New York City and Boston, making its alumni networks extremely notable in both cities,” he said. “These factors combined with the resources available to students make me more than confident I will be propelled into a prosperous professional career after UMass. I am very interested in a career in banking or financial services. While UMass has a great quality of education and countless career opportunities, I am also excited to enjoy all of the other aspects of college life.”
Mr. O’Rourke excelled in his high school studies and he impressed all of his teachers. He especially shined in the Virtual Enterprise course, leading his classmates in developing an award winning simulated business from top to bottom.
“Huntington has offered me all the opportunities necessary to succeed; I just had to make sure I used the resources effectively,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “From Virtual Enterprise to Habitat for Humanity, there were countless opportunities to get involved and be a leader. Huntington High School allowed me to learn how to deal with large amounts of work as well as how to stand out in the crowd, both of which I feel will serve me greatly in college and throughout my life.”
An Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor, Mr. O’Rourke also garnered the designation of Distinguished Senior after compiling an academic record nothing short of breathtaking. A member of the National Honor Society as well as the English Honor Society and Social Studies Honor Society, the teenager aced classes in every discipline.
“My advice to incoming freshmen is to stay organized and get your stuff done,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “It is crucial you make good use of your time and utilize the resources available to you. If you play your cards right, you will not only excel in your academic endeavors, but also will have no problem having fun.”
The new Huntington alum is leaving behind many happy memories as he prepares to take on an exciting set of college challenges.
“My experience as a Blue Devil is one that I will never forget,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “From my first day as a Flower Hill Fox to my last day as a senior, I have felt a tremendous amount of camaraderie and unity within the community. Whether on the lacrosse field with the kids I’ve known my entire life or in the classroom, there is always a joint effort to succeed. I consider myself extremely lucky to have grown up as a Blue Devil.”
