Over the past four years, Madison Lange has explored her interests, made many friends and determined where her career passions lie and now the Huntington High School senior is ready to take the next step in her life at the University at Albany.
“I chose Albany because from the moment I stepped on campus I felt like I belonged there,” Ms. Lange said. “It made me feel like home. Visiting the campus was an amazing experience because the students and the staff were so helpful and welcoming. I plan on studying marketing in the business department. My career interest is to work in marketing in New York City.”
Huntington senior Madison Lange is headed to the University at Albany
The teenager has enjoyed a very well rounded academic experience, taking challenging core courses and interesting electives. Ms. Lange has worked hard and grown intellectually and socially and become very self-confident.
“Huntington has prepared me by making me to not be afraid to come out of my shell,” Ms. Lange said. “Being a part of peer meditation with Mr. [Gamal] Smith has taught me how to handle certain situations and that is something that will help me in the future. Huntington has taught me to follow my dreams no matter how big or how small. This school has prepared me for what lies ahead, whether it’d be in college or general life experiences.”
A member of the high school’s National Honor Society chapter, Ms. Lange has excelled in every academic area and she has forged strong connections with just about all of her teachers. She displays an outgoing personality and she contributes to every class.
“The most interesting and valuable class I took in my four years of high school was Virtual Enterprise with Ms. [Paige] Tyree-Furman,” Ms. Lange said. “I was in ‘Poppy’ and that class helped me realize I see myself in the business field, specifically marketing.” (Poppy was the name of a Virtual Enterprise company.)
The senior has loved her high school years. Ms. Lange has created enough memories to last a lifetime and while she is excited about starting the next stage of her life at the University at Albany, she will miss Huntington High School and all of her friends and teachers.
“My favorite activity throughout high school was hanging out with my close friends,” Ms. Lange said. “I also enjoyed going to the sports games and volunteering at Huntington Hospital. I had a lot of fun performing at K-Factor senior year with Cat Jamison. All of these activities are what made my high school experience so much fun.”
Ms. Lange has explored most aspects of Huntington High School, whether it be as an active participant or by attending events. She’s had a great time in and out of class.
“My advice for incoming freshmen is do not be afraid to try new things and to get involved in as many things as you can early on,” Ms. Lange said. “Whether it is sports, academics, music or a club, Huntington has so much to offer so don’t be scared to step out of your comfort zone. High school goes by so fast and the next thing you know in a blink of an eye you’re walking across the stage with a diploma, so spend time with your friends and get to know your teachers because they will help you through your years at Huntington High School.”
The teenager’s work ethic, sharp intellect and friendly disposition have all combined to earn her the respect and affection of the high school’s faculty and staff.
“I’ve had three very important mentors throughout my high school career,” Ms. Lange said. “The first is Ms. Tyree-Furman. I first had her in eighth grade at J. Taylor Finley Middle School and then I had her all four years of high school taking all of her business classes. She is a teacher that I know if I needed something or needed some cheering up she was always there. Since day one she has been cheering me on.”
The teenager has also developed a close relationship with social studies teacher Fred Bisogno. “He has inspired me throughout high school,” Ms. Lange said. “I first had him in ninth grade and then again in eleventh and now in my senior year I’m his intern for a freshman class. We both bonded over our love for social studies and his horrible dad jokes. The last teacher who is very important to me is Mrs. [Patricia] Avelli. I had her in ninth grade and now again as a senior and she has always looked out for me. Even when I wasn’t her student she would always check up on me and make sure I was doing well.”
Without a doubt, Ms. Lange, like all her classmates, wishes the COVID-19 pandemic hadn’t interrupted the year and led to the cancellation of a long list of cherished events and rituals that seniors traditionally enjoy. But the teenager isn’t allowing current events to get her down.
“Huntington is special in a way because of the sense of community,” Ms. Lange said. “The fact that you can go to a sports game or a theatre performance and see teachers and classmates coming together to support each other is truly special. Overall, I have loved my time here at Huntington. I’ve met so many new people and have tried so many new things. I’ve made such great bonds with my teachers and the staff. What I will miss the most is going to a sports game and being able to cheer on my classmates because those are the events that brought everyone together despite our differences. I’m so proud to be a Blue Devil!”
