Cole Pillion is a happy-go-lucky sort of guy. The Huntington High School senior looks to find something positive in every situation. The good-hearted teenager has decided to attend Oberlin College in Ohio where he plans to study business and play lacrosse.
“I chose Oberlin because of the beautiful campus, rigorous academics and the ability to be close to family,” Mr. Pillion said. “As soon as I stepped onto the campus at Oberlin, I knew it was the place for me. I am planning on studying business there, specifically economics and microeconomics. I plan to return to Huntington at some point in my adult life and hope this town will be my forever home.”
Huntington senior Cole Pillion
A private institution founded in 1833, Oberlin is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the world. Its undergraduate enrollment is about 2,785. Its campus totals 440 acres.
Oberlin is located in Lorain County, about 34 miles southwest of Cleveland. “Oberlin has always been – to quote historian Geoffrey Blodgett ’53 – a ‘peculiar mix of scholarly ambition and stubborn moral idealism,’” according to the college’s website.
Mr. Pillion is a familiar smiling face around Huntington High School. He always has a good word for everyone. He enjoys all the things that have made this a special time in his life, from sports and clubs and special events to being able to attend classes with people he’s been friends with since the day he learned to walk.
“Senior year has been a crazy ride so far,” Mr. Pillion said. “Soccer season was one of the most unforgettable times of my whole life. I formed bonds with people that I will have forever. After losing a really tough playoff game, soccer ended. Track season, however, then began. This was very challenging as I had never run track before and it was tough to adapt to long distance running. Track season, however, was successful and exciting and a time that I will never forget. Next, I am hoping we have a great lacrosse season.”
Mr. Pillion has thrived in Huntington UFSD. He loves participating in school activities and has a sense of community that few can match. As the soccer team’s goalkeeper and as a faceoff specialist for the lacrosse squad, his competitive streak runs deep.
His advice for next year’s ninth grade class? “The most important thing for incoming freshmen to remember is to take risks and when failure arises, view it as a learning opportunity instead of something to avoid,” Mr. Pillion said. “Also, be yourself, be confident and relaxed as this will make you more successful and happy, which is important in life.”
Mr. Pillion’s brothers, Christopher and Alexander Lau were members of Huntington’s Class of 2009. Christopher was the class valedictorian and Alexander was also exceptionally accomplished academically. Chris went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania with Alex obtaining his undergraduate degree at Georgetown University. Both brothers are also graduates of Fordham University’s School of Law.
“Huntington has taught me and prepared me for what lies ahead,” Mr. Pillion said. “I have been exposed to so much that I feel confident about my future. There is no other place like Huntington and it is a place I want to raise my children in.”
