Senior Abigail Pawlak Chooses Siena College

Recently celebrated as a Distinguished Senior, Huntington High School Class of 2023 member Abigail Pawlak has decided to attend Siena College where she plans to study for a career in nursing.

With about two months of the school year remaining, the senior is looking to soak in all the remaining experiences. “I am going to be working and enjoying my time before I leave for school next fall,” Ms. Pawlak said.

The teenager has played four years of high school field hockey for the Blue Devils and volunteered with Huntington’s Habitat for Humanity and Key Club chapters as well as participating in the club known by the acronym AWOD; A World of Difference, which battles racism, bias, anti-Semitism and discrimination.

“There are many teachers that have stood out throughout my four years, but two I admire and appreciate most are Mr. [Robert] Gilmor and Mrs. [Jordan] Swierkowski,” the senior said. “The relationship and comfort Mr. Gilmor has provided for me over the past four years has given me such a relief everyday coming to school and Mrs. Swierkowski has done nothing but be a major help in making sure I always understand what is going on in the classroom. I can always tell when my day is off and when I don’t seem like myself. She has made school that much better. Coming to her [math] class has been such an exciting thing.”

Ms. Pawlak attributes her success to an ability to reach out to teachers and staff when she needs extra help or support. She’s been able to strike just the right balance between academics, sports and her friends and social life.

“The best things that I have experienced at Huntington are definitely making and keeping some of my most important friendships with the people here,” Ms. Pawlak said. “Seeing certain people come up to me when they really need something has proved to me that I am there the way I should be for my friends. Another experience I loved at Huntington was going into the county tournament semi-finals with my field hockey team this past fall and the excitement and amount of love from every player during the season. It really was something unforgettable.”

A private, Franciscan liberal arts college located in Loudonville, New York, about 10 minutes outside of Albany, Siena College boasts 40 academic majors, more than 80 minors and certificates and an enrollment of about 3,500 on its 174 acre campus.

“Overall, my experience at Huntington has been nothing but impeccable and something I’ll never forget,” Ms. Pawlak said. “I couldn’t thank everyone who has helped me and pushed me along the way.”