Anthony Amitrano, Harrison Krywak and Keylin Quintanilla Villalobos have all been standouts among Huntington High School’s highly talented Class of 2022. Held in high esteem by their classmates and teachers, the trio has so much potential that the Huntington Association of Retired Teachers and Employees awarded $750 scholarships to each of the teenagers.
The formal presentation was made by HARTE President Martha Ironman at the high school’s senior academic awards night in the auditorium.
Mr. Amitrano plans to attend SUNY College at Oswego and study for a career as a technology teacher. Mr. Krywak will be attending York College of Pennsylvania where he plans to play on the lacrosse team and study secondary education in preparation for a career as a social studies teacher. Ms. Quintanilla Villalobos will be attending Suffolk County Community College where she will begin preparatory studies for a teaching career.
Mr. Amitrano is a technological whiz who seems to know how just about everything works. He played a key role on Huntington High School’s robotics team, spending hundreds of hours working on this year’s robot as the group’s chief technology officer.
“Anthony Amitrano has a keen mind and a drive to succeed,” said Bernadette Walsh, the high school’s college counselor. “He is always learning, stretching himself and seeking new opportunities to reach his goals. He is respected for his intelligence, his leadership ability and his warm and caring nature.”
Everything seems to be falling into place for Mr. Krywak. “Well, having great teachers in school and having a teacher in my family, I decided to study secondary education in social studies,” he said about his college academic plans.
The teenager said three Huntington teachers in particular have helped “shape” him, including Peter Fusco, Fred Bisogno and Anthony Troffa. “I had Mr. Troffa and Mr. Bisogno together in eleventh grade and I just loved every bit of their class,” Mr. Krywak said. “I just have a lot in common with Mr. Fusco. He has showed me all the fun and enjoyment in being a teacher.”
Ms. Quintanilla Villalobos said the key to her success has been “believing that anything is possible, being patient and learning from others.” She feels the “more you learn, the more opportunities you will have.” She earned top academic honors, including garnering the designation of Distinguished Senior after compiling an academic grade average of 90 or better during every semester of high school. The teenager was very involved in the after school club program, holding executive office with two organizations.
The HARTE scholarship is funded by dues from the organization’s nearly 300 members.