Claudia Villatoro wants to be a medical doctor. So the Huntington High School Class of 2020 has decided to study biology at Hofstra University on a pre-med track.
“I picked Hofstra because I get to stay close to home and I fell in love with the unity of the school, which is similar to Huntington High School,” Ms. Villatoro said.
Huntington High School Class of 2020 member Claudia Villatoro.
A member of the National Honor Society, the teenager was named a Distinguished Senior last spring after compiling an academic average of 90 or better during every semester of high school.
“Huntington has prepared me for college by having staff members that are supportive and who try to expand your interests,” Ms. Villatoro said. “I’m ready for the challenge because I feel like throughout my whole Huntington experience I have gained a lot of new knowledge and advice that I will need for life.”
The new alum found it difficult to list the most valuable and interesting courses she has completed to date “because I have enjoyed every class I have taken, although some were challenging,” Ms. Villatoro said.
The teenager’s favorite activity over the past four years was participating in Huntington High School’s mock trial club program. The Blue Devils won the Suffolk championship during Ms. Villatoro’s sophomore year and reached the No. 3 spot in the state finals.
Ms. Villatoro has also enjoyed participating in such science related activities as Science Olympiad, Envirothon and SPARK Challenge.
The 2020 grad’s advice to incoming ninth graders? “Try hard and don’t be afraid to seek help,” Ms. Villatoro said. “Throughout my four years of high school I went over some bumps in the road and the staff at Huntington is very supportive and always great with helping students achieve the most.”
Ms. Villatoro has been guided by several faculty members. “I would have to say that the two most important people that I have relied on for advice and support would be my science research teacher Lori Kenny and my guidance counselor Diana Bonilla,” she said. “They have both pushed me through rough times and are great people who don’t give up on their students and always want the best for their students wherever they go.”
An articulate, determined and very hard-working young woman, Ms. Villatoro is set to embark on a great adventure at Hofstra, but she will always remember your hometown high school.
“What makes Huntington special is the staff and the students,” Ms. Villatoro said. “Overall, I have had a great experience with the friends I have made and also with the unity that the district has. I will definitely miss coming in early to Huntington High school and just always having a great day. I will always remember the great experience I had in the district from kindergarten to my senior year.”
