Nathan Soric has enjoyed such a great experience in the Huntington High School music program that the Class of 2020 member plans to study at the University of Delaware to be a music teacher.
“I’ve loved Delaware ever since I started looking at colleges,” Mr. Soric said. “Something just felt right every time I stepped foot on that campus. And it just seemed like the perfect place for me to continue my goals of becoming a successful music educator and clarinet performer.”
Huntington Class of 2020 member Nathan Soric is headed to the University of Delaware.
Some of the teenager’s favorite activities have included performing with the high school’s marching band, wind ensemble and pit orchestra and with the Nassau-Suffolk Wind Symphony.
“Huntington has done a great job when it came to preparing me for the next stage in my life,” Mr. Soric said. “And because of this, and what my teachers and classmates have taught me, I feel I am ready to take on the University of Delaware. I’m ready to become a Blue Hen.”
While he has been fully invested in Huntington’s music program, Mr. Soric also found time to diversify his interests by participating in the high school’s robotics club and playing on the Blue Devil JV and varsity boys’ basketball teams.
“I honestly don’t know if I can pick a favorite teacher,” Mr. Soric said. “I have to hand it to all my teachers for not only teaching me the subject I go to class for, but also teaching me about life in general. I have received a number of valuable life lessons that I’m going to take with me to college and life in general. Every single class I’ve taken in high school has prepared me for this next step in some way and for that I thank all of my teachers.”
As he prepares for college, Mr. Soric is excited about what awaits him over the next four years. He is leaving high school with many indelible memories that are sure to stand the test of time.
“Joining the Huntington Blue Devil marching band in eighth grade has probably been one of the best decisions of my life,” Mr. Soric said. “I have learned so much in these five amazing years and I can confidently say that if it weren’t for that, I don’t know where I’d be right now. The friendships and relationships that I’ve made from that activity are going to last a lifetime and I can’t wait to do it all over again at UD.”
Named a Distinguished Senior after compiling an outstanding academic record during every semester of high school, Mr. Soric is a member of Huntington’s National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society.
“My advice to incoming freshmen at Huntington is just to do what you love to do,” Mr. Soric said. “If you have a passion for something, take it and run with it. There is nothing better than knowing you are going to college doing what you love to do. Otherwise what’s the point?”
A career as a music teacher appears to be a very good fit for Mr. Soric, who is an excellent musician in his own right. The teenager is articulate, hardworking and a leader. One can easily envision him standing in front of a group and inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves.
“Throughout high school, I have had a number of mentors and people that have helped me reach this point,” Mr. Soric said. “But three that stand out to me have to be Mr. Brian Stellato, soon-to-be Dr. Jason Giachetti and Mr. Derek Schmelter. These three have guided me down this musical path and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. My relationship with them all began because of marching band and I am happy to say that I am following their footsteps. My goal is to have the same impact they had on me with many other young and aspiring musicians.”
The close friendships that Mr. Soric has developed over the past four years has given special meaning to this period in his life. The teenager is leaving high school with the respect and admiration of everyone, including his classmates and teachers.
“What makes Huntington so special is just how everyone wants each other to succeed,” Mr. Soric said. “Everyone motivates each other and I am blessed to have such amazing classmates and teachers. Everyone has each other’s back. No matter how long it’s been since you’ve talked to that person, they will still support you. And it is that part of this town that I will always remember and I can assure you, I’ll never forget.”
