Senior Emely Cruz Chooses Stony Brook

Emely Cruz goes about her business in a quiet, understated manner, but the Huntington High School senior sure manages to get an awful lot accomplished. The teenager plans to study at Stony Brook University in preparation for a career in government service.

“I found Stony Brook to be my top choice because its campus really made me feel at home and because of its close proximity to my own home,” Ms. Cruz said. “I also love that they have a big campus and the many clubs and programs they offer will most definitely arouse my interest. Stony Brook’s environment stood out among all the schools that I applied to for admission.”

Ms. Cruz said her success can be attributed to her “effort and dedication to her passions.” She’s a wonderful young woman who is highly regarded by her classmates and teachers.

“I intend to pursue a degree in global studies and international relations,” Ms. Cruz said. “Through these studies I would like to gain a greater understanding of political and societal systems run through an international perspective. My one career interest is an occupation within an administration in a Latin American country.”

The teenager has kept busy outside of class hours, participating in a varied list of activities, including stage crew, the new varsity badminton team and the town’s youth court program.

“I found that my involvement in sports was a highlight of my time in the Huntington UFSD,” Ms. Cruz said. “Through my time in fencing and the Blue Devil marching band, I met so many wonderful people who over the years have helped me develop into a sociable person. I would also love to highlight the many programs offered through the high school that provide opportunities along with new knowledge.”

A member of the marching band’s color guard unit, Ms. Cruz has also been inducted into four separate academic honor societies.

“I felt like my time in Huntington was well spent, especially with the amazing people I have met over the course of my time there, as well as amazing teachers,” Ms. Cruz said. “I would really like to highlight one teacher in particular who has helped me throughout this school year and that is Dr. [Jason] Giachetti. He encouraged me and offered so many valuable lessons throughout this school year. And with his help, I developed my own sense of confidence through band and actually attending the lessons, something I didn’t previously do.”

The senior said she has especially enjoyed “interacting with new people” and involving herself with a wide variety of activities.

“With high school almost at an end, I have realized that I will always remember the people at Huntington and all the memories I have made with them, even the relationships I’ve lost along with the ones I continue to cherish,” Ms. Cruz said. “Looking back at past experiences, I feel so very nostalgic. They will never be forgotten as new memories will be unlocked during the next set of opportunities offered to me at Stony Brook.”