Tess Stanley is an exceptional young woman and one of the top seniors in Huntington High School’s Class of 2021. The gifted teenager is headed to Lafayette College in Pennsylvania where she is interested in pursuing a degree in neuroscience and philosophy.
Ms. Stanley is among Huntington’s highest flying seniors. She has demonstrated incredible achievement across academic disciplines and participated in the club, music and athletic programs.
Huntington High School senior Tess Stanley plans to attend Lafayette College.
“I chose Lafayette College because of its liberal arts education with strong interdisciplinary STEM programs and undergraduate research opportunities,” Ms. Stanley said. “I loved the friendly atmosphere, especially the beautiful and cozy campus and the enthusiastic testimonials from faculty and students alike about what makes Lafayette amazing.”
Ms. Stanley has chosen a very challenging academic route in college. “Currently, I plan on double majoring in neuroscience and philosophy and I hope to continue my Spanish language education,” she said. “I hope to one day be neuroscientist and professor or pursue science writing.”
The senior hasn’t shied from taking many of Huntington High School’s toughest classes. “I believe that through taking challenging courses and keeping my schedule busy, I’ve learned how to effectively manage my time and motivate myself, which will be useful in college,” Ms. Stanley said. “However, college is a new and different experience, but I will enjoy learning as I go.”
Ms. Stanley intends to get involved with Lafayette’s club lacrosse team and its neuroscience club and to continue pursuing her passion for environmental causes. “I hope to join environmental/sustainability clubs as well,” she said.
Like most Huntington seniors, the teenager has taken classes that she especially enjoyed. “One of my personal favorite classes that I have taken is Advanced Placement Research with Mrs. [Dena] Morell, which solidified my interest in research and neuroscience ethics,” Ms. Stanley said. “It was also great fun to have Mr. [Brenden] Cusack as my faculty advisor. I truly recommend it to those who are interested in research and enjoy exploring topics outside of the high school curriculum. I also recommend taking AP Government and Politics, which I had with Mrs. [Sarah] Buchalter, as it is a great introduction into how the government operates and the current political climate as you turn 18 and begin to vote.”
Ms. Stanley cited Joseph Cohen as the “most impactful teacher” she has worked with “because from day one of Living Environment he has supported me as a student, been a wonderful guide through the high school experience and has encouraged my interest in STEM,” she said. “I will certainly miss visiting his classroom almost every day. I also loved my experience in AP Seminar with Mrs. [Alison] Capewell, as she was an amazing teacher and advocate.”
Naturally, Ms. Stanley is excited to be on the cusp of an entirely new adventure at Lafayette College, but even more understandably she is whimsical about her time at the high school as it is drawing to a close.
“Huntington High School is an amazing place for those who take advantage of the wonderful faculty, organizations and the wide array of classes here,” Ms. Stanley said. “Utilizing these will help you find your passion project and pursue it in school and outside of school, through any of the amazing opportunities this school encourages you to partake in.”