Aliyah Cohen Plans to Roll
with the Punches
Aliyah Cohen earned her fair share of recognition at Huntington High School's senior academic awards night earlier this month. Among the teenager's many awards was a Rotary Club scholarship worth $6,000.
The senior is headed to the University of California at Davis in the fall. "There is a lot waiting for me out there and I can't wait to dive in," she said. "I can't even believe I'm going into college."
The process of applying to colleges and deciding which one to attend was challenging. The teenager worked closely with Huntington college counselor Bernadette Walsh. "I couldn't have done it without Mrs. Walsh," Ms. Cohen said. "She helped me so much. The whole process was just a migraine, but she made it manageable."
In addition to the Rotary scholarship, Ms. Cohen won the $500 Khalil Award and the Office of State Comptroller Award. "I am so happy to have received the Rotary and Khalil Awards," Ms. Cohen said. "I am constantly amazed by how generous people are. It is an honor to be recognized by such wonderful organizations."
Ms. Cohen is a member of the Italian, Science, English, Art and National honor societies, is a peer mediator, played soccer as a freshman and sophomore, ran track as a ninth grader, participated in an Italian exchange program, has been nominated for prom queen and is a member of the diversity/anti-discrimination club known as AWOD (A World of Difference) as well as Natural Helpers.
"I can't wait to meet knew people in California, learn and broaden my horizons and, of course, surf a bit too," Ms. Cohen said. "I'll make sure to send some California sunshine back home to the family and friends I know I'll be missing."
The teenager has been a Highstepper for the past four years and even captained Huntington's competitive dance team. She has also been on the crew team for the past three years and participated in the triathlon club. She completed an internship with the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition.
"I am undecided in regards to my college major," Ms. Cohen said. "I am interested in so many things right now from art and dance to communication and maybe news casting. Who knows where I'll be in four years but I'm planning on rolling with the punches and exposing myself to as many fields of interest as possible while keeping an open mind. I don't want to tie myself down this early in the game."
While Ms. Cohen is a vegetarian, she still enjoyed a speaking engagement this past Monday at the Rotary Club's monthly meeting at Macs Steak House. She was able to "thank the contributors for my scholarship and speak to the members," the senior said.
The teenager's favorite electives have been fashion, theatre and photography. Ms. Cohen's hobbies include going to the beach, teaching herself to play guitar, dancing, mountain biking, crocheting, listening to music, taking pictures, being with friends and traveling.
High school highlights include Play Fest, float nights "and all the other old school events that I think a lot of people take for granted," Ms. Cohen said.
She's been such a strong presence around Huntington High School that Ms. Cohen's absence will create a void when September rolls around. Right now the senior is enjoying her final days of high school.
"Signing yearbooks is eerie, Ms. Cohen said. "The end is here, but I like to think of it as a new beginning. Huntington has done an awesome job at laying a foundation for my future. I have met amazing people along the way and I am incredibly grateful."