Jackie Contino Helps Lead
Class of 2012
Jackie Contino has only known the Huntington School District, entering as a kindergarten student and continuing along as one of the most active members of her class.
The Huntington High School senior loves to sing and dance with her friends. Ms. Contino has been a member of the high school chorus since her freshman year, but she is most closely associated with the Blue Devil marching band.
"I was on the varsity softball team my freshman year, which was kind of crazy since it was my first year ever playing softball," Ms. Contino said. She played varsity soccer and basketball as a sophomore. It was then that she "discovered my truly absolute passion: marching band," the teenager said.
Ms. Contino was in the pit during her first year with the Blue Devil band before joining the drumline as a bass drummer as a junior when that unit needed more members. "It was crazy having the 50 lb. bass drum strapped on my back all the time, but I had the greatest section leader in Nitika Shah and it was incredible!"
When budget cuts threatened the marching band program, Ms. Contino was the first student to step to the microphone at a Huntington School Board meeting. She implored trustees not to cut the program, promising to fundraise and take other supportive actions.
"I also wrote many anonymous letters to them begging them to let us keep out program," Ms. Contino said. "Josh Stickell and I put together the Save the Music Talent Show completely by ourselves, raising over $500 for the music department, thus aiding tremendously in the saving of the band."
The Blue Devil marching band is more than a mere activity to Ms. Contino, it is her passion. "Mr. [Jason] Giachetti, the co-director, has become somewhat of my 'school dad,'" she said. "I completely idolize him. He is such a role model to me, always giving me life lessons and teaching me how to be a good person and get the most out of life."
Huntington High School social studies teacher Jordan Gould also ranks high on Ms. Contino's list of influential people. "He has been an incredible role model to me as well. He gives me the best advice and always steers me in the right direction. Both Mr. Giachetti and Mr. Gould have made me such a better person and helped me grow tremendously through my high school career."
While Ms. Contino is not sure where she will attend college, she is set on majoring in pre-veterinary medicine. "Ever since I stopped wanting to be the little mermaid when I grow up, I've wanted to be a vet," she said. "Over the summer, I worked in the Island Rescue Animal Hospital in Bay Shore as a receptionist and learned so much. It really solidified my opinion on what I want to do with my life. So in choosing a college, mine has to have a pre-vet major and a marching band and a crazy social scene wouldn't hurt."
Ms. Contino has some advice for Huntington High School freshman. "Don't let yourself have any regrets, do what you know makes you happy, no matter what people think," she said. "Other people's opinion will mean nothing in the long run, so stay true to yourself."