The Huntington Lions Club doesn’t have the slightest doubt that Cristian Avelar-Romero is headed for a lifetime of success. The organization has presented the Huntington High School Class of 2022 member with a $5,000 scholarship award to help defray college related expenses.
A spectacular young man who carries himself with grace and dignity in every aspect of his life, Mr. Avelar-Romero is headed to Cornell University where he plans to study mechanical engineering.
![Cristian Avelar-Romero is headed to Cornell University.](../../../assets/images/2022/july/cameo-20b.jpg)
Cristian Avelar-Romero is headed to Cornell University.
Huntington Lions Club President John DeLorenzo was on hand to present the $5,000 scholarship to Mr. Avelar-Romero at the high school’s senior academic scholarships and awards ceremony.
The teenager attributes his success to “hard work, perseverance and determination.” Mr. Avelar-Romero said the encouragement he has received from his parents have played an oversized role in his achievements to date.
Working hard in and out of the classroom and using “adversities” as motivation has served Mr. Avelar-Romero well. He played on the Blue Devil varsity soccer team that reached the county championship game for the first time in 57 years and ran on Huntington’s winter and spring track and field teams.
A member of five different academic honor societies, Mr. Avelar-Romero was recognized as a Distinguished Senior last spring after earning a grade average of 90 or better during every semester of high school.
The teenager said he has especially enjoyed meeting new people and forming bonds with his teachers, who pushed him to do his best and made learning fun.
The mission of Lions Clubs International is “to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.”
Huntington Lions Club scholarship award winners since 1995 include: