Moira Contino was so inspired in a Huntington High School science classroom that the senior plans to study biology at Stony Brook University and pursue a career in medicine.
Huntington High School senior Moira Contino.
“I chose Stony Brook University because it has a great science education program,” Ms. Contino said. “It is well known for the research and science opportunities it offers to its students. It has a large campus with a wide range of course offerings taught by highly regarded professors. I want to major in biology and be on the pre-med/pre-vet track. Then, hopefully, I will go to medical or veterinary school and have a career in the medical field.”
An excellent student across all academic disciplines, Ms. Contino has enjoyed a very well rounded experience over the past four years. She has made wise use of her time and is well positioned for success on the college level.
“I believe that Huntington High School and its teachers have prepared me a lot for college with the opportunities that I’ve had at this school,” Ms. Contino said. “Huntington High offers many classes that prepare us for college, most notably the wide selection of Advanced Placement courses. I’m excited to start college and all the challenges that come with it and I’m ready.”
A member of the high school’s Key Club chapter, Ms. Contino has also been inducted into the National Honor Society. “These organizations were a way for me to give back to the community with the fundraisers and charity events that were held,” she said.
Ms. Contino’s friends are a loyal and hardworking group. They are all superb students in their own right. She has taken classes with all of them, collaborated on projects, studied together and celebrated each other’s success along the way.
“The most valuable courses I’ve taken at Huntington are AP Biology and AP World History,” Ms. Contino said. “AP Bio solidified my love for biology such that I plan to major in it. I also love history and AP World History was such a great and interesting course.”
The teenager developed especially close relationships with science teacher Deborah Beck and social studies teacher Lauren Desiderio. “They have both been mentors to me,” Ms. Contino said. “I had Mrs. ‘Des’ as a teacher from freshman through junior year; she was a great teacher and communicated a love for history and psychology. Mrs. Beck was my biology teacher and she really inspired me by increasing my interest in biology. I also enjoyed working with her in the Environmental Club this year.”
The senior’s advice for incoming ninth graders? “I would say to not be so hard on yourself and put so much pressure on yourself,” Ms. Contino said. “By just taking it one day at a time you can accomplish here a lot more then you think you can.”
Ms. Contino is excited to be moving on to study at Stony Brook, but she will miss Huntington, her friends and the teachers that have meant so much to her.
“What makes Huntington so special is the people and events that Huntington has,” Ms. Contino said. “The faculty is very supportive of the students and great events were held to foster school spirit. Huntington greatly emphasizes the arts and culture. I greatly enjoyed the photography courses. I’ve had a great experience at Huntington. I met some amazing people here and got the chance to go on an incredible trip to Italy.”
