H-ton Senior Kelly Palladino Picks SUNY Geneseo
Kelly Palladino is one of Huntington High School’s most popular seniors. She’s a serious student and a sensational athlete, but most of all she’s a wonderful person say those who know her best.
Ms. Palladino has a sense of grace and charm that always seems to shine through, regardless of the situation. The impressive teenager has decided to pursue a college degree at highly regarded SUNY Geneseo, which is located in New York’s Finger Lakes region about 20 miles south of Rochester.
“I chose Geneseo because it offers all of the things I am interested in,” Ms. Palladino said. “While it wasn’t my immediate dream school, I am happy I made the decision to go there. I had trouble finding a college that really piqued my interest. Geneseo had originally been on my list as a school to play field hockey at, but as I learned about the riding team I became more interested in furthering my riding career, which I plan on doing by trying out for the riding team in the fall.”
Ms. Palladino will begin classes next fall “undecided” on a major, but she is actively considering business school or even education as possible areas of study.
“One thing about Geneseo that made me want to go there is how friendly the people are,” Ms. Palladino said. “They are very down to earth and kind, which are qualities that are important to me. Geneseo also offers an array of volunteer programs throughout the community, which is something I will definitely be interested in getting involved in while I am there.”
Gets along well with everyone
A personable young woman who displays many admirable qualities, Ms. Palladino is just as popular with Huntington’s teachers as she is with her classmates. She gets along well with everyone and she values having people of all ages and backgrounds in her life.
“Ms. [Victoria] Lombardi is one of the teachers I have become closest with while at the high school,” Ms. Palladino said. “I loved her class because she was able to keep a somewhat dry curriculum like AP Language and Composition very fresh and easy to engage in. She cares for each of her students and I know I can seek her out if I need help.”
The senior has also developed a close relationship with social studies teacher Lauren Desiderio. “I had her every year except this one and she is certainly missed in my schedule,” Ms. Palladino said. “She also made class very fun while teaching us so much. She has helped when I needed her and I’m very glad I’ve had her as my teacher.”
“Genuine, sweet, and thoughtful are just some of the words that come to mind when I think of Kelly Palladino,” Mrs. Desiderio said. “Over the past four years I have had the pleasure of teaching Kelly in Global History 9 Honors, AP World History and Psychology while also working with her through various student clubs. Throughout this time I have had the privilege of watching her mature into a respectful young woman and witnessed firsthand Kelly’s determination and passion for learning.”
The teenager has really left a lasting impression on the veteran faculty member. “Kelly’s natural ability to encourage struggling students and her power to bring out the best in everyone around her has earned great respect among her peers and the academic and athletic staff at Huntington High School,” Mrs. Desiderio said. “She is truly an outstanding role model who would go above and beyond to help those in need and has become a great mentor to younger students through her participation in student government and to the players on her field hockey team.”
Science teacher Judyann Pazienza is still another faculty member who the teenager counts among those who have had the greatest impact on her. “Even though I haven’t had her as a teacher in the high school, I had her in eighth grade and kept a good relationship with her throughout the years,” Ms. Palladino said. “She lets me annoy her with my questions on the topics with which I struggle during her free periods. I am very thankful to have had all these teachers in my high school career.”
Fondness in her heart
When it comes time to walk off the stage at next June’s commencement exercises, Ms. Palladino will do so with an eye on the future, but also with a large dose of fondness in her heart.
“Huntington High School is a hard place to forget,” Ms. Palladino said. “There is a large sense of community at Huntington. It is supportive and the students and teachers have a lot of enthusiasm. As cliché as this may sound, it’s unlike anywhere else.”
The senior has enjoyed an astonishingly well rounded experience, participating in a wide variety of activities and learning something she can take with her from each of them.
“To a freshman coming in I would say to get involved,” Ms. Palladino said. “Whether it’s a sport or club, Huntington has so much to offer. My involvement in clubs and on teams has provided me with precious memories that I’ll treasure forever.”
Ms. Palladino will always be remembered fondly around Huntington High School by her teachers, advisors and coaches. “What I cherish most about Kelly is that she always has a smile on her face and radiates positive energy,” Mrs. Desiderio said. “It was such a pleasure having her in class and I will absolutely miss her happy hellos in the hallways next year. Kelly has such a bright future ahead of her and I know she will go on to achieve everything she sets her mind to.”