Sophomore Erika Reyes Strives to Help Others

Erika Reyes is a sweet young woman. Family, friends, community, helping others; these are the things important to the Huntington High School sophomore, who is busy carving out a niche in the world for herself.

Ms. Reyes recently captured the Awilda Ramos Scholarship, presented by Oscar and Gila Rivera through the Helping Hand Rescue Mission in their friend’s memory. The teenager was said to have “a heart for our community and for other children and their families. She is always willing to lend a helping hand.”

The Huntington sophomore volunteers at the Helping Hand Rescue Mission and grew up through the organization’s Happy Day Kids program. She was certified as a student leader through the iChoose Leadership program.

“This past summer I did a lot of community service and tried to stay as active as I could,” Ms. Reyes said. “I took several trips to the South Shore with my family and attended many of my little sister’s lacrosse games.”

The teenager said she has been looking forward to sophomore year classes in English 10 Honors, Ceramics II, forensics, chemistry and Spanish with teachers Aimee Antorino, Ayallah Jeddah, Michael Corcoran and Michael Gavilan. “I look forward to working with them and making sure I succeed and thrive this year,” Ms. Reyes said.

The sophomore gets along well with her teachers and she’s happy to be working with all of them. “I definitely can’t forget about my Spanish teacher, Mr. [Michael] Gavilan,” Ms. Reyes said. “Being in his ninth period class is really a great way to end my school day.”

The teenager turned in a strong freshman year. “Another teacher that I don’t have this year, but did as a ninth grader is Mr. [Joseph] Cohen,” Ms. Reyes said. “He was my biology teacher. “I will never forget him because he never failed to make me laugh. He was always there for everyone and the wisdom he shared about the world really hit home. In my book, he’s one of the most inspirational adults I’ve ever had the chance to work with.

The sophomore is playing on the Blue Devil JV field hockey team. “Even though I couldn’t play last year, I’m so glad to be back on the field,” Ms. Reyes said. “Coach [Hildi] Stanford is an amazing coach and I’m more then grateful to be able to be coached by her. I’m hoping to try out for the school’s new flag football team next spring.”

Ms. Reyes hopes to participate in various clubs and activities, including United Amigos, The Dispatch and Grandfriends. “I’m really hyped for the bonfire because from what I remember last year, my friends and I had an amazing night,” she said.

The sophomore begins her day at 7:30 a.m. with Forensics I with Mr. Corcoran and goes straight through to 2:20 p.m. with only a break for lunch.

“My high school experience so far has been great,” Ms. Reyes said. “I enjoy meeting new people and learning many new things. I also take it as an opportunity to learn more about myself and what I want in life.”

Ms. Reyes said she loves reading mystery books “and imagining all that can be done and more.” She is always striving for self -improvement and to make a difference with others.

“If I was asked last year what I wanted to be when I grew up I would’ve stared at you and answered with ‘I have no clue,’ but over the summer I read, saw and had many experiences, so for now, at least, I dream of working in field of criminology. I want to be able to give people answers to unsolved cases and help find any type of information or whatever is needed to reach the end goal.”

Ms. Reyes can’t stop talking about Florida Atlantic University, which has captured her imagination, at least for now. “It’s my absolute dream to go there,” she said. “I’ve read non-stop about it and the school offers many excellent programs for almost any field you dream of being in. But I would also like to apply to SUNY Cortland, University of Florida and many others for sure.”