Sophomore Charlotte Gordon is quietly making her mark at Huntington High School and in the community. She’s a great student and her spirit of volunteerism has captured the admiration of her teachers and many others.
“Charlotte is a true ‘Huntington helper’ in every way,” said Woodhull Intermediate School teacher Allison Von Vange. “Starting in the pandemic, when I created the Huntington Warriors group, she called hundreds of families to speak with them in Spanish to determine what their needs were in terms of clothing and food. She has always been kind and caring on the phone, usually foreseeing any questions I have before I ask.”
Huntington High School sophomore Charlotte Gordon.
Ms. Gordon is one of the top students in Huntington’s Class of 2024. Her academic record is the stuff legends are made of.
“Charlotte has continued to make calls in Spanish for us whenever the Warriors need help,” Ms. Von Vange said. “Last fall, she started tutoring at the library with me on Saturdays. She isn’t able to fit Spanish into her course load this year, but she wanted to continue practicing what she started in the dual language program. She is a natural teacher, often anticipating what a student needs before they ask her any questions. The students look forward to ‘Miss Charlotte’ joining us every week.”
People of all ages respect and admire Ms. Gordon. “I love Miss Charlotte because she is fun and helps me understand math better,” fifth grader Andrea Lopez said. “She is very nice and very pretty.”
Fifth grader Samantha Jimenez concurs with Ms. Lopez’s sentiments. “ I like how Miss Charlotte is patient with us and takes the time to show us how to do something if we don’t understand. I can’t wait to see Miss Charlotte at the library every Saturday.”
“Every Saturday, I work alongside Ms. Allison Von Vange and tutor a handful of her ENL students,” Ms. Gordon said. “Being a graduate of the dual language program, I am able to use my Spanish fluency to help the children with their math and reading assignments. I love taking the opportunity to make our sessions more fun and engaging. It is the weekend, after all!”
With her sophomore year nearly half complete, the teenager is increasingly hitting her full stride. “In spite of the pandemic and its restrictions, I’d say that this year has been going incredibly well,” Ms. Gordon said. “I’ve managed to keep track of my assignments while staying healthy, which is certainly a blessing. It has been difficult to deal with many after-school activities being postponed, but I’m simply thankful that Huntington has the resources available to provide a variety of virtual alternatives.”
The teenager’s favorite classes are currently Advanced Placement Biology and Honors Chemistry. “I’ve always had a passion for science and experimentation, so I’m pleased to be taking AP Bio as an elective,” Ms. Gordon said. “I’m so lucky to have Ms. [Danielle] Raguzin and Ms. [Deborah] Beck, two fantastic teachers who make their challenging courses not only manageable, but also entertaining. In addition, Mr. [Nicholas] Wagner, Ms. [Kelly] Krycinski, Mr. [Thomas] Van Bell and Ms. [Lauren] Desiderio are all incredible educators whom I’ve had the privilege of studying under.”
A member of the New World club, Mathletes, National History Day club and the Tri-M Music Honor Society, Science Honor Society and English Honor Society, Ms. Gordon is the historian of the Spanish Honor Society and an administrative assistant with the Key Club.
“As of yet, I do not have any particular colleges in mind, but I can definitely see myself at an esteemed school with a highly-regarded science program,” Ms. Gordon said. “I am interested in majoring in microbiology or immunology and I would like to pursue a research-based career.”
A member of the Huntington High School symphony and chamber orchestra, Ms. Gordon also plays viola for the Gemini Youth Symphony.
“Huntington High School is such a phenomenal place,” Ms. Gordon said. “The wide assortment of extracurriculars means that there’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re a bowler or a basketball player. In addition, I don’t think the administration and their employees are ever given nearly enough credit. Even the climb in COVID cases hasn’t stopped the entire school from running smoothly.”
Ms. Gordon is enjoying each day and looking forward to many happy high school experiences in the future.
“All things considered, I feel my experience in Huntington has been wonderful,” Ms. Gordon said. “Since starting kindergarten at Flower Hill, I’ve had the most extraordinary group of teachers who touched my heart. I have made so many friends and learned so much, I know I’ll be experiencing a bittersweet goodbye two years from now.”
