Senior Evan Spagnoletti Chooses University of Pennsylvania

Evan Spagnoletti is a hardnosed competitor, but even for the All-State swimmer this was a tough decision. The Huntington High School senior weighed some spectacular options before finalizing his choice to attend the University of Pennsylvania and swim for the NCAA Division I Ivy League school.

“Choosing between UPenn, Columbia and a full ride at Boston University was one of the hardest decisions of my life,” Mr. Spagnoletti said. “Being able to simply attend a college/university is such an honor, especially in my family. I will be the first male in my generational bloodline to attend a college. With much thought put into it, I chose to attend UPenn. UPenn admitted me into their research scholars program, which they will provide between 10k-50k per semester in research funding and gave me the opportunity for me to travel abroad internationally.”

The teenager said he was “enticed” by UPenn’s Wharton School for his anticipated academic track in hospital management. “They have the best program for management/business in the world,” Mr. Spagnoletti said. “Finally, the UPenn swimming coach offered me a spot on the roster and allowed me to walk onto the team. It was like a dream come true. Everything that I have ever wanted has just been offered to me. I would like to thank my mother and father for all the hard work they put into my success and the sacrifices they made for me to attend a college. I will work just as hard as my parents to ensure that their sacrifices have been paid off.”

The Huntington senior intends to major in biology with minors in hospital management and neuroscience. “With this unique track, I will be able to graduate with a  degree from the Wharton School and the College of Arts and Sciences and then continue on to a career in either the medical field or hospital administration,” Mr. Spagnoletti said. “I plan to one day become the CEO of a hospital and help out those in need by bringing equity into the healthcare world.”

Besides capturing two medals in the New York State swimming and diving championships as a senior, Mr. Spagnoletti has enjoyed many other highlights in his time at Huntington.

“Two of the highlights would be my involvement in the Huntington/Farmingdale STEP (science and technology entry program) program and also winning the College Board’s National Hispanic Scholar Award,” Mr. Spagnoletti said. “The Farmingdale STEP program provided me with all the resources and connections I needed to conduct research throughout my years at Huntington. Through this program I was able to gain so many connections and experience opportunities, which I think played a role into my admission into the UPenn research scholars program. Secondly, the National Hispanic Scholar award was something that meant a lot to me and my family. It opened my eyes when I received it at the beginning my senior year and motivated me to continue with my passion for working hard.”

Mr. Spagnoletti said he’s enjoyed a great experience at Huntington. “There are so many opportunities to take advantage of at the high school; especially in research,” he said. “If you just ask, Huntington will always provide. Between clubs, programs, extra help, events, funding, scholarships, internships, support and great staff. I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for Huntington. If I had to choose between Huntington and any other high school in the nation I would choose Huntington every time. Huntington has helped me and my family achieve the almost impossible and I would like to thank everyone for making my experience at Huntington amazing. I cannot be more grateful for such an experience and outcome.”