Steli Vlahos has an easygoing personality and a friendly way about her. The Huntington High School senior is interested in a career that appears to be a perfect fit: nursing. She plans to begin pursuing her dreams at the University of Rhode Island where she has landed a scholarship.
“I chose Rhode Island because it’s a lot like Huntington; near the water and it’s a tightknit community,” Ms. Vlahos said. “I’m going into the direct nursing program so I will start my freshmen year. I want to be an OB/GYN nurse or a neonatal nurse.”
Huntington senior Steli Vlahos is headed to the University of Rhode Island
Ask her teachers and classmates and they all say the same thing about Ms. Vlahos: She’s a wonderful young woman. The teenager has a strong sense of family and unmatched loyalty to her friends. She surrounds herself with supportive people who all have a positive outlook on life. When things might not go her way, she easily shrugs it off and moves on.
“I’m really excited for college and to meet new people from all over,” Ms. Vlahos said. “Huntington has definitely prepared me for college. There’s so many opportunities here compared to other towns.”
Ms. Vlahos moved to Huntington from Floral Park as a second grader. She’s been sparkling ever since, making friends, earning high grades, playing violin in the orchestra and serving in the student government.
“The most valuable courses I’ve taken would be all my science classes because they led me closer to my decision to study nursing,” Ms. Vlahos said. “However, some of my most interesting classes include Advanced Placement US History, AP Photography and several others. I just enjoyed the classes and teachers.”
The senior has done quite a bit of traveling, including to Hawaii, California and several other states and to Mexico, Italy and many trips to Greece, where she regularly visits her family.
“My favorite activity the past four years is without a doubt volleyball,” Ms. Vlahos said. “My team is my family and I have met the greatest friends and teammates. I’m really lucky.”
The senior’s advice to incoming freshmen? “Become as involved as you can,” Ms. Vlahos said. “Join clubs, sports teams and student government.”
The teenager’s caring and compassionate nature is a very good fit for a career in nursing. Her love of science will benefit her throughout Rhode Island’s demanding academic program.
“I’ve had many mentors throughout my four years of high school,” Ms. Vlahos said. “They include Ms. [Paige] Tyree-Furman, Mr. [Michael] Schwendemann, Mr. [Kenneth] Donovan, Mrs. [Pamela] Piffard-Williams, Ms. [Jordan] Schessler, Mrs. [Amelia] Saggese and Ms. [Beth] Vogelsang.”
As her time at Huntington High School winds down and she begins to turn her attention to college and beyond, Ms. Vlahos is grateful for the experiences she has shared with her close friends. It will be hard to say goodbye when they all head off in different directions for college.
“What makes Huntington special is the people in it; the students, staff, residents, etc.,” Ms. Vlahos said. “I’ve had an amazing experience at Huntington and I wouldn’t change it for the world. The one thing I’m going to miss the most is the life it has. It’s unlike any other.”
