Emily Cheshire is going places. The Huntington High School senior is headed to Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, but that’s just the start. The teenager is driven and she’s so talented that surely a lifetime of success lies ahead.
“I choose Lehigh University because of the perfect balance for me between rigorous academics and a great social atmosphere on campus,” Ms. Cheshire said. “Out of all of the schools I was deciding between, Lehigh is where I thought felt the most at home. Lehigh has a wide assortment of clubs and activities for students to participate in all over campus, whether that is doing research, going to a football game, joining a club or sorority, Lehigh has it all! I am planning to major in behavioral neuroscience, which will hopefully lead me to going to medical school to pursue a career as a psychiatrist.”
Huntington senior Emily Cheshire is headed to Lehigh University.
Ms. Cheshire has earned top grades. She’s been inducted into a long list of academic honor societies, played on the Blue Devil varsity girls’ lacrosse team and served as a youth ambassador with the Tourette Association of America, traveling to Washington, DC and meeting with members of the House of Representatives and US Senate.
“Huntington has given me an amazing foundation for my life after high school,” Ms. Cheshire said. “Starting in elementary school and continuing through high school from learning new skills, pushing my comfort zone with challenging classes academically and participating in many clubs and activities that allow me to engage with my community, Huntington has all allowed me to want to continue it during college and be able to succeed academically and socially as a student at Lehigh. I feel very prepared for the challenges that are ahead of me in college thanks to the support and guidance from so many of my teachers and friends along the way.”
Ever since her first days as a Southdown Primary School kindergartener, Ms. Cheshire has been a standout. Her inner circle of friends are all exceptional teenagers in their own right and together they make each other better every day.
“The most valuable class for me that I have taken at Huntington would have to my AP Biology class during my junior year with Mrs. [Deborah] Beck,” Ms. Cheshire said. “That had to be hands down my most difficult class with an enormous work load, but I was able to learn many valuable skills from Mrs. Beck such as time management and study skills that go beyond the classroom and will follow me throughout college to help me succeed. With Mrs. Beck’s constant encouragement to ask questions and not be afraid to make mistakes, it has shaped the student I am today.”
Ms. Cheshire has used her time wisely outside of class, participating in important organizations that all give back to fellow students in need and the community at large.
“It is very hard to pick a favorite, but some of my favorite activities have been with Natural Helpers and Key Club,” Ms. Cheshire said. “I have met so many of my closest friends and have been able to engage in different activities to help not only at Huntington High School, but the greater Huntington community.”
The teenager has learned so much over the years and she has grown in every possible way. Ms. Cheshire will graduate as one of the pillars of Huntington’s Class of 2020.
“Some guidance I could give to incoming freshmen would be to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things that you may never have thought to try,” Ms. Cheshire said. “Huntington has so much to offer and four years goes by very fast, so make sure to enjoy it with doing things that interest you.”
The senior has always been popular with the faculty of every school she has attended in the district. “I have definitely relied on many of my teachers for support and guidance with navigating school including Mrs. [Stacey] Byrnes, Mrs. [Kelly] Krycinski, Mrs. [Gina] Colica and Mr. [Robert] Gilmor,” Ms. Cheshire said. “They have all been able to provide me with some of the best advice and help anytime I need it.”
Lehigh University is one of the most institutions of higher learning in the United States. Ms. Cheshire is up to the challenges she will face there. While everyone expects her to succeed in everything she does, she will surely miss her hometown and its high school.
“What makes Huntington so special are the people,” Ms. Cheshire said. “There’s not too many schools with such a cohesive student body who all want to make a difference at their school and make it the best it can be for all of the students there. I will definitely miss all of my amazing teachers I have had over the years who have all helped me succeed to where I am today. I will always remember the amazing friends I have made over the years and all of the amazing opportunities I have had to grow as a student!”
