Valedictorian Laurel Bonn Chooses University of Georgia

Huntington High School Class of 2023 valedictorian Laurel Bonn has decided to attend the University of Georgia. The teenager intends to pursue a degree in biology in preparation for a career in dentistry.

“The University of Georgia is the best fit for me because of the gorgeous campus, the downtown, which reminds me of Huntington, and, of course, the great academics,” Ms. Bonn said. “As soon as I stepped on campus I felt at home.”

The teenager has been a field hockey and lacrosse star for the Blue Devils and even won a varsity letter playing on the high school basketball team as an eighth grader.

“The highlight of my time in Huntington has hands down been being a part of the field hockey and lacrosse programs,” Ms. Bonn said. “I have such a passion for athletics and my amazing coaches have shaped me into the student and athlete I am today.”

An All-State field hockey player and a lockdown defender on the Blue Devil lacrosse team, Ms. Bonn combines athletic excellence with academic mastery. She is able to boast of a weighted grade average of nearly 105.

An influential leader on the field, Ms. Bonn has captained teams in both sports, leading Huntington field hockey to its most successful season ever with 14 wins and a Suffolk Final Four appearance and spearheading a revival for the Blue Devil lacrosse team under a new coaching staff.

While excelling on the field, Ms. Bonn has aced just about all of Huntington’s most challenging Advanced Placement and honors courses. She’s been inducted into multiple academic honor societies, participated in the Science Olympiad and served as treasurer of the Environmental Club, working with classmates to make the Huntington community greener, cleaner and more healthy.

Giving back to the community through the Environmental Club; by sharing her love for field hockey and lacrosse and training and coaching elementary and middle school students and through National Honor Society initiatives such as Adopt a Family have been an important part of Ms. Bonn’s high school experience.

A paid chemistry lab assist for a Huntington High School science teacher, Ms. Bonn somehow even finds the time to work at a local pottery studio. The teenager’s interests include painting, baking and playing sports.

“Overall, I am going to miss Huntington so, so much,” Ms. Bonn said. “It has given me the opportunity to find myself, create lifelong friendships and relationships and it has been such a fun ride. I wouldn’t trade my high school career for anything.”