Sophomore Elizabeth James Plans for Career in Law

Elizabeth James has strong opinions and the Huntington High School sophomore isn’t shy about sharing them. Maybe that’s why she is such a valued member of the county championship mock trial team and why she’s captured so many medals with the Blue Devils in track and field.

Ms. James has always had a strong voice ever since her first day of kindergarten at Washington Primary School. To say she’s strong-willed is to understate her strength. She can argue it out with the most skilled debater and her convictions are unshakeable.

“As someone who loves athletics, one coach who truly has made a difference in my life is my old track and field coach, Mark Jackson,” Ms. James said. “He always made sure that as athletes we were mentally and physically well. On days where I felt so tired and burned out he always asked me how I was doing and how he could help. He was more than just a great coach, he was someone I could look up to. Another person at Huntington who has helped me immensely is Mr. [Robert] Gilmor. He is a dean here who has helped me in so many ways. On some days a simple ‘good morning’ from Gil will make my day. He is always there to talk and truly someone I can confide in.”

Ms. James has taken advantage of opportunities to travel. “Last summer, I went on vacation with my family and two of my friends,” she said. “I went to Florida with my best friend Reese Rinaldi for her birthday and to Montauk with my best friend Vincenza Garofalo. I also went to Pennsylvania with my family where I visited my grandma. Next spring spring break I plan to go to Paris and Amsterdam with EF Tours.”

The teenager is remarkably articulate and composed. Ms. James is well-spoken when expressing herself and she displays a degree of confidence that is hard to match.

“College, although talking about it sometimes makes me nervous, is something I’m extremely thrilled for,” Ms. James said. “I’m super excited for the independence that college provides! I’ve immersed myself in many clubs, but one that truly interests me is mock trial. I would like to major in law or business in college and become a lawyer.”

Ms. James keeps busy in and out of school. She turned in a great season with Huntington’s new varsity gymnastic team collaboration with Harborfields and is a state track and field champion, excelling with the winter and spring squads. She’s a star on the mock trial team, which won the county championship last spring and she has performed to rave reviews at Acoustic Night, Cabaret Night and the Key Club’s K-Factor talent show.

“If i were to give four sentences that describe me, I would say that I’m a very extroverted person,” Ms. James said. “I consider myself very friendly, kind and one who enjoys social situations. I am open to trying new things, but I love to do things that make me happy!”

The sophomore is taking classes in Advanced Placement World History, Honor English, Honors Chemistry, Italian, Geometry and Concert Choir.

“If I had to pick a favorite class, I would say chemistry,” Ms. James said. “Although it’s not my favorite subject, there’s truly never a dull moment in that class and my teacher Mr. [Michael] Corcoran is not only a  very great teacher, but an even funnier guy.”

While Ms. James displays steely determination, she’s able to exercise a good degree of flexibility when she finds it necessary.

“My experience at Huntington High School so far has been great,” Ms. James said. “After COVID, I was a little nervous to start high school. I felt almost a little unprepared for this new beginning, but I quickly learned how everything works here and now I’m in my sophomore year and I’m still learning more each day.”

Asked where she hopes to be a decade out and Ms. James gave the question some thought. “In 10 years I will be 25 years old,” she said. “I hope to be pursuing a career in law. If all goes accordingly, I will be in law school!”