Senior Yoselin Fuentes Among Founding Wrestlers

Senior Yoselin Fuentes is among the founding members of Huntington’s new varsity girls’ wrestling team. It’s ironic that the teenager would take to a sport that is so personal in nature since she’s such a shy young woman.

Ms. Fuentes put it on the line all alone in the middle of the mat many times this winter. The Blue Devils fielded a combined team along with Harborfields, John H. Glenn and Walt Whitman. Ms. Fuentes and her Huntington teammates were coached by high school physical education teacher Maria Canino.

The teenager is simply sensational. She has an A average in her classes as she continues to discern her interests and shape her plans for the future.

“A teacher who helped me out throughout my high school years is Mrs. [Patricia] Avelli,” Ms. Fuentes said. “I’m so glad I took Financial Algebra in my senior year because she is truly preparing me for my future. I always learn something new in that class and it’s something that I truly do need. I love math and this course especially is something that I will never forget about.”

Ms. Fuentes’ college plans are not finalized just yet, but she is interested in pursuing an academic major in criminal justice. “College is a big commitment and is something I will be attending, but I just want to think about all the opportunities I have,” she said.

The senior considers herself to be a “very shy person.” But her vibrant personality shines through despite the shyness. “Once you get to know me you’ll meet the true me and no matter what happens I’ll always be there for anyone,” Ms. Fuentes said. “Ever since I was young, I loved helping people out. I put others before myself.”

Ms. Fuentes is well aware that with each passing day, her time at Huntington High School is growing shorter.

“Since this is my last year of high school, I decided to get much more involved, which I truly do recommend and I have met the most outstanding people ever,” Ms. Fuentes said. “I joined wrestling, which was amazing and it’s good to know that I was part of the history. Coach [Maria] Canino is the best. I’m also planning on doing flag football in the spring and I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, which is a great club.”

Ms. Fuentes is studying criminal justice in a half-day program at Wilson Tech. At Huntington High School she is taking classes in Advanced Placement Spanish, Financial Algebra, Science Fiction Literature and Participation in Government. “I would say my favorites are Criminal Justice and Financial Algebra,” she said. “These are the courses I am truly interested in. I just love learning about them.”

The senior has made five trips to El Salvador “and the country itself is magnificent,” Ms. Fuentes said. “I love everything about it and I especially love the food.”

This past summer saw Ms. Fuentes working and spending time with family and friends.

“My experience at Huntington High School has been short since I moved during my junior year,” Ms. Fuentes said. “Throughout the years I got to meet the most outstanding people. At first, I thought I wasn’t going to fit in, but after a while, I just got more comfortable and created my little group, which are the people I love the most. Huntington High School helped me so much. Being able to official say I am a Blue Devil is something I will forever be proud of.”

With graduation just around the corner, Ms. Fuentes is looking ahead to the future. “In 10 years, I hope to be successful and happy,” she said.