The Happy and Enthusiastic Senior
Karen Parada goes about her business with a smile on her face. The Huntington High School senior is a joy to be around. Her positive personality and friendly nature is magnetic.
"I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Karen Parada for the past four years as a member of the Natural Helper program and as a student," said Robert Gilmor, a Huntington High School dean and the Natural Helpers faculty advisor. "Karen presents herself as a happy, enthusiastic and motivated young woman. She is both level-headed and honest and is often sought after by both peers and teachers for her ability to be empathetic, genuinely caring and compassionate to those around her."
Natural Helpers are picked by their classmates and trained to assist others with their problems. They learn how to stage effective interventions when approached by their peers for help. Guest speakers provide the group with information on such topics as dealing with stress, suicide prevention, eating disorders and relationship difficulties with friends and family members.
"Karen was voted into the Natural Helper program by her peers during her freshmen year," Mr. Gilmor said. "She has demonstrated an innate ability to listen to and comfort when someone is in crisis."
Spanish Concepts Intern
Ms. Parada has also worked closely with Huntington High School Spanish teacher Mercy Peña. She is interning with the faculty member in a Spanish Concepts class this year. "Mrs. Peña is an amazing teacher and a role model for me," the senior said.
Ms. Parada will attend SUNY College at Old Westbury in the fall. She plans to major in psychology, but is considering the possibility of a teaching career. "I want to major in psychology because it can branch out into different career paths," she said.
The teenager and classmate Jose Hernandez recently participated in the Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute, which included training on Long Island and three days of workshops, seminars and meeting in Albany with state leaders.
"Karen is a survivor," Mr. Gilmor said. "She has overcome many obstacles in her short life - from an early childhood of separation, loss and disappointment, to adolescent years fraught with exclusion, bullying and racism. These enormous challenges have not defeated her. Rather, they have made her stronger and more determined, mostly due to her own resolve. She is a success story in the making. While her book is far from complete, I am confident that she will forge a path that will enlighten and enrich all who encounter this remarkable and extraordinary young woman."
Among her many activities, Ms. Parada has tutored English as a second language students as well as students just learning Spanish. She displays amazing patience while working with others.
"The highlight of my high school career was meeting Mr. Gilmor," Ms. Parada said. "He has helped me so much. I've been through a lot and he helped me through the darkest moments of my life. There were times that I wanted to give up and he never let me. He's been such an important part of my life. I don't know what I would've done if he wasn't there to help me."
First Family Member to Graduate
In less than two months, Ms. Parada will become the first member of her family to earn a high school diploma. "High school is an amazing experience and a learning one, too," she said. "During your high school career a lot can happen, good or bad, and there will be times where you want to give up, but you have to be a fighter and be strong and always focus on your future and put your education first," she said. "Never let where you come from or anything else stop you from achieving your goals and dreams."
Ms. Parada is well-liked and respected within the confines of Huntington High School and in the community at-large. She's a hard worker and involved in many activities in an out of school.
"Karen is able to set priorities, effectively use her time and organize material to meet her deadlines," Mr. Gilmor said. "Juggling school and all of her extra-curricular activities is not an easy task, however Karen continually rises to the challenge. Her level of responsibility and commitment to follow through with all her tasks is commendable."
A student in Mrs. Peña's Advanced Placement Spanish class, Ms. Parada is a member of the National Spanish Honor Society. She was honored during last fall's Hispanic heritage ceremony in Huntington Town Hall.
"I have been extremely pleased with the work that Karen has accomplished," Mr. Gilmor said. "Her charismatic nature and caring personality, combined with her sense of humor and compassion, make her a tremendous asset to both the school and community."