Junior Mabelin Maldonado Simply Loves Huntington

Mabelin Maldonado is all-in all-the-time for Huntington. The high school junior is thriving as she goes about taking classes of personal interest, running on the Blue Devil varsity cross country team and participating in the after school club program, including serving as president of the Habitat for Humanity chapter.

“This year I’m planning on continuing the clubs that I’ve participated in such as Habitat for Humanity and the environmental club, but I also decided to join the investment club, which honestly, is pretty interesting and something that I really enjoy. I also have the goal of joining the English, Science and Social Studies Honor Societies, as I do well in these subjects and think they will provide me with new and interesting experiences. This year sports wise I only see myself doing cross country as I’m very busy with other extracurriculars and work.”

Ms. Maldonado possesses a warm personality. She’s energetic and enthusiastic about school and the teenager is well-regarded by her classmates and teachers.

“I don't have a definite plan on what I want to do after high school, but I would love to go into business,” Ms. Maldonado said. “I find myself being very passionate and motivated when it comes to any business class that I’ve been in throughout my high school experience.”

The junior works closely with Habitat for Humanity faculty advisor and chapter founder Robert Gilmor. Ms. Maldonado has helped formulate plans for the organization for the current school year.

While Ms. Maldonado loves Huntington, she knows that one day she will graduate and will need to move on with her life. “For college, I would love to go to one of the Carolinas, but more realistically I would stay in New York,” she said. “I’m keeping my options very open and not trying to box myself into certain colleges. I want to see where I can get the most opportunities.”

It appears certain that the teenager considers herself to be a Blue Devil for life. She holds the high school and community and the people who comprise the local school scene to be positive forces in her life.

“I love Huntington,” Ms. Maldonado said. “I’ve lived here my whole life so it’s the place I know and love. At Huntington High School, I feel very comfortable and proud of how much it has changed over the years I’ve been there. I feel like from my freshman year it has changed for the better. All staff are very supportive and uplifting. This school is very understanding, too, which for me is one of the best qualities any faculty can have.”