Bella Thompson has had a great run through Huntington UFSD, but soon it will be time for the senior to graduate and move on with her life. The teenager has decided to pursue a degree at the University of New Hampshire where she plans to study social work.
“When I first looked at New Hampshire I loved how close it was to the mountains, the coast and Boston,” Ms. Thompson said. “Visiting the campus was an amazing experience; the staff and students were so welcoming, they made it feel like a second home. New Hampshire is a medium sized school with a great student to faculty ratio. It has so much to offer from clubs, to sports teams to internship opportunities and even more.”
Huntington senior Bella Thompson is headed to the University of New Hampshire
Ms. Thompson intends to major in social worker. “I hope to work in a school setting in the future,” she said.
President of Huntington High School’s Habitat for Humanity chapter as well as the Natural Helpers club, Ms. Thompson is also the senior captain of the Huntington Highsteppers competitive dance team and an ambassador for the Town of Huntington’s Youth Court.
A member of Huntington’s National Honor Society chapter, Ms. Thompson is very well liked around the high school.
“I have had many amazing teachers in my four years at the high school, but the one person who has made a huge impact on my life is Mr. [Robert] Gilmor,” Ms. Thompson said. “That is why I am choosing social work as my major. I have to say I wouldn’t be the person I am today without him. He has been by my side encouraging me and pushing me to be the best I can be. He is always there to pick me up when I’m struggling, just as I am for him. I know that he will continue to be an important part of my life even when I move on to college.”
A high school dean and the Habitat for Humanity and Natural Helpers faculty advisor, Mr. Gilmor feels the same way about Ms. Thompson as she does about him.
“Having the opportunity to travel with Habitat and the Highsteppers is something I will always remember,” Ms. Thompson said. “Being able to travel with friends and to help those in need has not only been fun, but has been very humbling. Giving up my free time to help others and to learn what they have gone through have been real life lessons that will always stay with me.”
The senior’s advice for incoming Huntington freshmen? “Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone: try new clubs and sports,” Ms. Thompson said. “Get to know everyone, peers you have never spoken too, students in other grades and even the faculty and staff.”
While it will be hard for Ms. Thompson to leave the protective confines of Huntington High School, she is excited about beginning her next experience at the University of New Hampshire.
“My overall experience at Huntington has been phenomenal,” Ms. Thompson said. “I wouldn’t have changed anything; the connections I have made and the people I have met will stick with me through college. I’m so happy to be a Blue Devil!”
