Vianca Hinds really cares about keeping the planet safe and habitable for generations to come. So the Huntington High School Class of 2020 member is headed to the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry in Syracuse where she plans to study wildlife science.
“I choose SUNY ESF for several reasons,” Ms. Hinds said. “Being that it’s one of the few schools that is completely dedicated to the planet and protecting it, I felt that it was a perfect fit. Growing up I always knew I wanted to work with wildlife and the environment and for that reason I chose to major in wildlife science.”
Huntington's Vianca Hinds is headed to SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry.
A member of the high school’s Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter, Ms. Hinds is a wonderful young woman, prized by her classmates and well regarded by Huntington’s faculty and staff.
“Huntington has done an amazing job of preparing me for college,” Ms. Hinds said. “From the amazing teachers and staff to the incredible classes, curriculums and support, I now feel completely prepared for my next four years at ESF.”
Ms. Hinds has enjoyed exploring the high school’s class offerings. “Some of the most valuable courses that I’ve taken here at Huntington include Advanced Placement Environmental Science, African American Politics, Symphony Orchestra and AP English Language and Composition,” she said. “Although challenging, each class has allowed me to learn some of the most valuable and interesting information that I know will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Performing with the venerable Huntington Blue Devil marching band has been the most memorable of Ms. Hinds’ high school activities. “Joining band back in eighth grade was in retrospect almost like joining a family,” she said. “In these past five years I’ve learned so many valuable lessons, met tons of new friends, improved my musical abilities and created so many memories.”
The Class of 2020 member’s advice to incoming freshmen? “Don’t be afraid to push yourself,” Ms. Hinds said. “I definitely feel as though I could’ve done a lot more during my years as an underclassman. This year, I joined the chamber orchestra, took APs for the first time and even auditioned for the musical. After doing these things for the first time during my senior year, I wish I had done them earlier, so don’t be afraid to try new things and push yourself!”
One of Ms. Hinds’ strengths is working with others and getting along with folks of all ages. She has interacted especially well with the high school’s faculty members.
“My most supportive teachers here at Huntington have definitely been Mr. [James] DiMeglio, Mrs. [Pamela] Piffard, Mrs. [Nicole] Cooper, Mrs. [Victoria] Geier, Ms. [Angela] Calatayud, and Mrs. [Carol] Manley,” Ms. Hinds said. “These teachers have consistently provided support and advice when needed throughout these past four years and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of educators.”
Naturally the teenager is excited to head off to SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry and live away from home in Syracuse, But, Ms. Hinds will always hold tight to the friends and memories she has made in Huntington UFSD.
“I’ve had such a phenomenal experience throughout these past twelve years at Huntington,” Ms. Hinds said. “I am so lucky to have grown up in such a diverse, artistic and supportive community. I will always remember and cherish the amazing memories and friends I have made while here.”
