Nicholas Smalling has big plans for the future. The Huntington High School Class of 2022 member wants to glide through the skies as a pilot. The teenager is this year’s recipient of the Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education’s $2,500 scholarship.
“Nick is an outgoing young man with a high level of enthusiasm and zest,” said Bernadette Walsh, Huntington High School’s college counselor. “I believe that he will thrive in his collegiate education as he will concentrate on his strengths and enroll in courses that stimulate and excite him.”
Huntington Foundation Chief Financial Officer Meghan Knieriem presented the scholarship award to Mr. Smalling on behalf of the organization.
The new alum will begin his studies at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood in the fall. Mr. Smalling’s love for flying took root as a student in Wilson Tech’s aviation science/flight program. He spoke about his experiences during a spring meeting of the Huntington School Board.
Mr. Smalling has what can best be described as “staying power.” He sticks with a challenge until he masters it. He played on the Blue Devil varsity football and Unified basketball teams and has volunteered with the Huntington Fire Department.
“Nick is determined to thrive in college and is excited about starting a new chapter in his life,” Mrs. Walsh said. “He looks forward to the challenges he will soon face as a collegiate student and I feel that with his drive and enthusiasm, his dreams of becoming a professional pilot will become reality. Nick is a young man who is invested in his own growth,; academic and personal. He will most certainly continue to blossom.”