Oskar Kilgour has always been popular with his teachers and classmates. The Huntington High School senior displays the kind of personality that makes everyone feel welcome in his presence. He’s widely regarded as an all-around good guy with a sense of humor and nice word for everyone. The teenager is headed to Boston University where he’s sure to impress the folks there, too.
“I chose Boston University for a few reasons,” Mr. Kilgour said. “First, they gave me a very generous financial aid package, which made it affordable for me and my family. Second, my family has a historical connection to Boston; both my mom and uncle attended Boston University; My aunt and uncle are also alumni of Harvard, which is right across the Charles River.”
Huntington High School senior Oskar Kilgour is headed to Boston University
Mr. Kilgour first came on the Huntington UFSD scene as a Washington Primary School kindergartener. He’s always been a friendly fellow who wins people over without even trying.
“BU has the exact programs of study that I am interested in, which is a combination of business administration and economics,” Mr. Kilgour said. “They also have a renowned music theory department for which I plan on taking courses in music composition.”
The teenager hopes to attend law school after earning an undergraduate degree. Mr. Kilgour is interested in pursuing a career in business law.
“My decision came down to BU, Northeastern University, George Washington University and William & Mary and BU was the best fit for me,” Mr. Kilgour said.
The senior has compiled a very strong academic record, excelling in all of his classes and earning the respect and admiration of his teachers.
“I definitely feel that Huntington has prepared me for college,” Mr. Kilgour said. “I have learned to balance classes, extracurriculars and my social life. The offering of Advanced Placement classes at Huntington has also allowed me to take challenging, college level courses, which has helped diversify my way of thinking, a skill that is crucial to have in college.”
Some of the most valuable and interesting of Mr. Kilgour’s classes have been AP World History with teacher Lauren Desiderio and AP Macro/Macro Economics with teacher James Graber.
“I never had much of a passion for history until I took AP World with Mrs. Des,” Mr. Kilgour said. “It was my first AP class and Mrs. Des taught me crucial skills in creating argumentative writings and interpreting historical documents. I feel that if I hadn’t enjoyed AP World as much as I did, I would not have challenged myself during junior and senior year.”
Mr. Kilgour plans to study economics in college and while the subject clearly isn’t for everyone, he has excelled at it and enjoys it.
“AP Macro/Macro Economics will always hold a special place in my heart as it helped to cement my ideas for future careers,” Mr. Kilgour said. “Going into senior year, I knew I wanted to be a business major, but it wasn’t until I took Mr. Graber’s classes that I decided to also concentrate in economics. His classes were interactive, interesting and most importantly, enjoyable. I don’t recall a single day sitting in that class, wanting the bell to ring; I always wanted to keep learning. Although most of the macroeconomic curriculum was learned at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Graber always kept us engaged in the curriculum and we were all very prepared for both AP Exams.”
A five year member of the Blue Devil marching band, it was Mr. Kilgour’s favorite activity during high school. “It is where I made a lot of friendships and developed skills of dedication and commitment,” he said. “I am so glad to be a part of the long history of the Huntington Blue Devil marching band.”
Mr. Kilgour’s advice to incoming freshmen? “Get involved in school activities and find your place in the high school,” he said. “Definitely try new things and meet new people. I have enjoyed being a part of Mathletes, Ocean Bowl, Quiz Bowl and the various music ensembles throughout the high school.”
The teenager said he “never had one specific mentor” during high school, but rather looked to his friends for advice. “My parents and my sister have also been a source of help during the past four years,” Mr. Kilgour said. “There are so many teachers to mention, but all of them have guided me towards success in one way or another.”
Boston University is getting one of Huntington’s best in Mr. Kilgour, who will be widely missed around the high school next year.
“Huntington is special because of how much it emphasizes activity both in and out of the classroom,” Mr. Kilgour said. “The students and faculty alike are always looking for new ways to bring students together, such as the new bonfire tradition started just this academic year. Some of my most prized memories are those with the Marching Band, at Relay For Life and spending time after school. Overall, my experience at Huntington has been memorable. I am proud to say I have maximized my opportunities here and I hope that incoming freshmen make their four years here special.”
