Aedan McDonald is a no-nonsense teenager who in many ways is a perfectionist. He strives for excellence in everything he does. The Huntington High School Class of 2020 member plans to pursue an undergraduate degree at Utica College, which recruited him to play on its football team.
“Utica allowed me to have everything I wanted in a college,” Mr. McDonald said. “I could play football, get a good education and meet new people. I am studying nursing and may go back to school after I graduate to become a physician assistant.”
Huntington Class of 2020 member Aedan McDonald.
A three-sport star with the Blue Devil athletic program, Mr. McDonald played on Huntington’s football, wrestling and lacrosse teams. He was named a Distinguished Senior after compiling an academic grade of over a 90 during every semester of high school.
“Huntington has definitely made me ready for college,” Mr. McDonald said. “From school to sports I’ve had to overcome challenges and obstacles. Huntington has given me a chance to excel in college.”
The teenager said the key to his success has been “working hard and never giving up.” Mr. McDonald said he’s learned “both educational and real life lessons” in Huntington’s classrooms.
“I haven’t taken a course I didn’t like and have really liked all my teachers,” the new alum said. “Every course I took taught me something new and has prepared me for college.”
The teenager credits the people who have always been at his side if he needed help for his success. He’s enjoyed meeting new people and all the new experiences he encountered during his journey through Huntington UFSD.
“My favorite activity has to be sports,” Mr. McDonald said. “I’ve played sports my whole life and I don’t know what I would do without them. I’m always having fun on the field and there’s never been a time I didn’t want to be there. Being a part of a team is also a great feeling. It’s a second family and I would do a lot for my teammates.”
His advice to incoming freshmen? “I would say have fun and don’t stress too much because these times go by faster than you think,” Mr. McDonald said.
He captained all three Blue Devil teams he played on and played important roles on the varsity squads of each sport. Valued by his teammates and coaches, he gave the Huntington athletic program everything he had and then some.
“All of my teachers have helped me through my time in the Huntington School District,” Mr. McDonald said. “The teachers that helped me the most are Mr. [Christopher] Hender, who was my fifth grade teacher, but who has helped and supported me throughout high school; Mrs. [Suzie] Biagi and Mrs. [Joann] Ferazi. If I ever needed anything they were always there for me. They all helped me to succeed.”
Mr. McDonald said he’s “met so many people and done many new things” over the past four years that have made him who he is today. But he is ready for a new challenge at Utica College, where he will be joined by football teammate and fellow Class of 2020 member Jaylen Bush.
“Huntington was great and I really couldn’t see myself anywhere else,” Mr. McDonald said. “From the teachers to the students it’s the best of the best. Every day was fun. I’m definitely going to miss just seeing my friends everyday whether it be in class or in the halls. I’ve made so many memories in high school from class to the field and I’ll never forget them.”
