Justin LoTurco Set for Duke University’s Challenges
It’s been a very busy senior year for Justin LoTurco. He’s taking six Advanced Placement courses, founded and starred on the Huntington High School mock trial team and been one of the best Blue Devil golfers. Soon the Class of 2015 will be off to Duke University to study economics and mathematics.
A student in the Huntington School District for his entire scholastic run, Mr. LoTurco began his educational trek in kindergarten at Flower Hill School before moving on to Jack Abrams Intermediate School, J. Taylor Finley Middle School and for the past four years, the high school.
The teenager’s senior year classes include Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition, AP United States Government and Politics, AP Microeconomics, AP Physics, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics and Honors Spanish.
Mr. LoTurco will be challenged by Duke University’s strong economics and math programs, but the Huntington senior is well prepared for what awaits him in North Carolina.
“My interest in math was first sparked by Mrs. [Maryann] Daly and Mrs. [Heather] Barfuss in the Math Olympiad program,” Mr. LoTurco said. “They both played such a crucial part in molding the student I am today and for that, I cannot thank them enough.”
Mr. LoTurco is well known around Huntington High School for his involvement in numerous academic, co-curricular and athletic activities. He was even an All-County clarinet player as a freshman and sophomore and the first chair in the Huntington band both years.
Honored earlier this spring as one of Huntington’s Distinguished Seniors, Mr. LoTurco has maintained high academic standards. He is a hard worker and gets along well with his teachers. He has never been afraid to roll up his sleeves and tackle a difficult project.
“Some of my favorite teachers over the years include Mrs. [Elizabeth] Grobe, Mrs. [Kathleen] Aufiero, Mrs. [Aimee] Antorino, Mrs. [Patricia] Avelli, Mrs. [Monica] Racz, and Ms. [Judy] Pazienza,” Mr. LoTurco said. “Our class advisor, Mrs. [Patricia] Dillon and my golf coach, Mr. [Michael] Marinello have also had a profound impact on my high school experience.”
Academically Accomplished
Mr. LoTurco has long been on his the top students in his class. In elementary school he participated in the Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students at SUNY Old Westbury after qualifying for the elite program through a very demanding exam. It’s an initiative that cultivates the mathematical abilities of Long Island’s leading young students.
“My two favorite classes throughout high school have been Honors Physics with Mrs. [Stacey] Byrnes and AP Language and Composition with Ms. [Victoria] Lombardi,” Mr. LoTurco said. He finds something to like in every course he takes.
The teenager has refined his time management skills through his involvement in so many different activities over the years. “High school is all about balance: it’s knowing when to study instead of hanging out with your friends and vice versa,” Mr. LoTurco. “If you can manage to balance your time between academics and a social life, you will one day be able to look back at your experiences as both successful and unforgettable.”
Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction
An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Mr. LoTurco conducted mathematical research at Brookhaven National Laboratory, participated in the Institute of Mathematics Education, Research and Instructional Technology’s program and initiated Huntington High School’s Al Kalfus Long Island Math Fair, garnering a gold medal in last year’s competition.
Mr. LoTurco founded Huntington High School’s mock trial club this year, initiating the group’s participation in the New York State Bar Association’s mock trial tournament. “Our team won all four of our season trials, before losing in the quarterfinals of the county tournament,” he said. “We definitely exceeded our expectations for a first year team.”
President of the Math Honor Society, Mr. LoTurco is also secretary of the Spanish Honor Society and a member of the National Honor Society, English Honor Society and History Honor Society. He is the GO treasurer and served as class treasurer since fifth grade.
Under the senior’s leadership, the Math Honor Society has raised enough money to sponsor the largest math scholarship in Huntington High School history. Mr. LoTurco has volunteered as a weekly math tutor in each of the past two years.
Teenager Wears Many Hats
The teenager is co-founder of the “Just Like Me” drug prevention program and the self-empowerment “I Matter” project. The two programs use art as a catalyst to empower teens with the confidence to stay clear of destructive behavior. “Since my freshman year, we have been to different high schools and libraries across Long Island and are now expanding to parts of New Jersey,” Mr. LoTurco said.
A Natural Helper since ninth grade, Mr. LoTurco has captained a Relay For Life team since his sophomore year. He is genuinely concerned for the well-being of classmates and his fellow man in general.
Mr. LoTurco has also excelled in the Blue Devil athletic program. He has played on Huntington’s varsity golf team since his freshman year and is currently the team’s captain. “Although the team struggled my freshman year, we have gone undefeated the past three seasons (37-0) and won three consecutive league titles,” the teenager said.
The senior played varsity tennis in eighth and ninth grade and was the JV lacrosse team’s leading goal scorer as a sophomore.
As he prepares to leave Huntington High School for the challenges and excitement of Duke University’s campus, Mr. LoTurco will do so with the respect of his classmates and the admiration of his teachers, advisors and coaches.