Huntington High School graduates recently participated in Alumni Day panel discussions with current students. The initiative was held in a virtual format this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was our first virtual Alumni Day and a huge success,” said Jeannette Alomia, district director of guidance and testing. “Students, parents, teachers and administrators attended. Typically this event is for seniors, but this year we opened it to all grades. We even offered a Spanish language session where panelists shared their college experience during these challenging times.”
Current Huntington High School students had an opportunity to hear from alumni representing various in-state and out-of-state, public and private colleges and universities. They spoke about their college experiences, which included the transition from high school to college, academic opportunities, living on campus, extracurricular activities, study skills, time management skills, stress management skills and the overall process of becoming independent adults.
Participating alumni included Oscar Bonilla (Huntington Class of 2020; Farmingdale State University; electrical engineering technology), Sulma Campos (2020; St. Joseph’s College-Patchogue campus; biology), Emily Cheshire (2020; Lehigh University; behavioral science), Katherine DeGennaro (2019; The New School; contemporary music and writing), Emma Farrell (2019; Molloy College; nursing), Jack Farrell (2019; US Coast Guard Academy; mechanical engineering), Luke Farrell (2019; Hofstra University; psychology), Robert Jean-Gilles (2020; New York University; drama), Abby Maichin (2020: University of Notre Dame; neuroscience), Morgan Minicozzi (2019; Adelphi University; nursing), Raul Orozco (2020; Syracuse University; finance), Daniela Ramos Campos (2020; SUNY College at Old Westbury; politics, economics and law), Eunice-Bonita Ramos (2020; St. Joseph’s College-Brooklyn campus; marketing), Sam Roberts (2019; University of Rochester; environmental health/pre-med), Julia Segal (2020; Vassar College; psychology) and Casey Smith (2019; Villanova University; psychology).
“I’m extremely proud of our alumni and grateful they candidly shared their college experiences with our audience,” Ms. Alomia said. “I hope our Huntington High School students were inspired by our alumni and are excited about their future. I encourage students and families to make an appointment to meet with their counselor to discuss academic and post-secondary goals.”
Seven of the alumni panelists are bilingual. The program was carried on the Zoom platform. Panelists also discussed attending college during the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of dorming vs. commuting, participating in college sports and clubs, deciding on an academic major and the college and financial aid application process.
Huntington students are encouraged to visit the guidance department’s web page at https://sites.google.com/hufsd.edu/hhsguidancedept/home to obtain the latest information on college, careers and so much more.
