Kristy Lyons Leaves an Impressive Legacy
Kristy Lyons will always be remembered around Huntington High School for her smile and considerate ways, the leadership and organizational talents she displayed, her wit and pure intelligence, the contributions made to class discussions and her tireless work to make life better for students and all members of the school community.
Ms. Lyons will graduate next week along with fellow members of the Class of 2009. Her legacy is secure on all levels and her accomplishments will be tough to match by those who follow in her footsteps.
“Kristy is generous and very devoted to her school and community,” Principal Carmela Leonardi said. “Her involvement as president of the student government for four consecutive years has brought intense energy and school spirit to activities such as Homecoming and Battle of the Classes. She is mature, extremely bright and a joy to work with.”
Ms. Lyons is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Math, Spanish, English and Art honor societies. The teenager captained the JV soccer team as a sophomore, helped organize a poignant Sept. 11th commemoration event, serving as its master of ceremonies, participated in the Habitat for Humanity and Key clubs for four years, organized a fundraising walk for disabled veterans, volunteered as a tutor and managed to find time to play on a travel soccer team for a six year stretch.
“Recently, the Walk for Disabled Veterans that I organized was definitely one of my most memorable experiences,” Ms. Lyons said. “We managed to raise over $800 in two hours for the VFW post in Huntington. We had a great turn out with over 100 people and a bunch of veterans from our area came out to walk with us, which was great.”
A Fine Student
“Kristy Lyons is one of the finest students ever to walk the halls of Huntington High School,” Assistant Principal Jarrett Stein said. “Her commitment and dedication to the school and community is apparent in everything she does. Her empathy toward others, leadership abilities and charisma are rare qualities to find in young adults. I know she will take these attributes to college and beyond, and make the people of Huntington proud. The high school community will certainly miss her.”
“I'm most proud of my involvement in the student government, which has been integral to my high school career,” Ms. Lyons said. She has been president of the freshmen, sophomore and junior classes and heads the student government this year. The local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars recently honored her at its post for her fundraising efforts.
“Besides being a dedicated student, she has had a direct impact on our social studies classes now and in the future,” teacher Deborah Mellon said. “As a result of her decision to have student government sponsor a walk to raise money for disabled veterans, I was introduced to many honored soldiers who served our country. Three of these veterans visited my Global-10 class to tell them eyewitness stories of their experiences. It was wonderful. Again, as a result of Kristy, this year's graduation, and hopefully future graduations, there will be a full Color Guard to lead in the procession. Kristy's influence in the social studies department through these speakers, will last for years to come. Every graduation with the Color Guard will also be her legacy. Few graduates can claim that!”
The Huntington dynamo is headed to Boston College in the fall “and I can’t wait,” she said. “I'm going in undecided but I will probably go into communications, with a minor in business. I'll possibly dabble in political science - clearly I like politics. I definitely need to work with or around people because I'm the epitome of a people person.”
Over the past four years, Ms. Lyons took advantage of everything Huntington has to offer and was involved in so many activities that it’s hard to mention them all in a short article.
Loved High School
“I absolutely loved high school,” Ms. Lyons said. "Reflecting on the last four years, I can honestly say that I will miss Huntington, as it has been a huge part of my life. Some highlights from high school include being crowned Prom Princess at the prom my junior year, being nominated for Homecoming Queen this year, being elected class president every year since ninth grade and student body president for this year.”
“Kristy truly has been the backbone of student government,” said Anthony Troffa, a teacher and the group’s faculty advisor. “She has been involved and had a hand in organizing all of our events. She has been a wonderful leader and the other officers and student body look up to her. She is a true leader and will go on to do great things after high school and in life. Her enthusiasm and leadership in student government will be missed. We hope and are confident that our new G.O. president will use Kristy as an example to follow.”
“My most memorable experiences would definitely include the football, basketball and lacrosse games,” Ms. Lyons said. “I love all the school spirit in Huntington! Float Night was great because the whole school gets together.”
Over the past four years, Ms. Lyons has taken just about every Advanced Placement course at the high school. She especially enjoyed AP classes with teachers Deborah Beck, James Graber and Deborah Mellon. Her favorite teachers include Doris Quintilian, Joann Ferazi and Camille Tedeschi.
Great Contributor
“Kristy is a vivacious and intelligent student,” Mrs. Beck said. “She has been a great contributor to the Huntington High School community and her dedication will be missed. When I had her in AP Biology she injured her knee playing soccer and had to have it repaired surgically. She maintained an excellent average as well as an excellent attitude despite difficult circumstances. She is resilient and will be successful no matter what life throws at her.”
At the senior academic awards night held earlier this month, Ms. Lyons received a coveted alumni cup from the Huntington Alumni Association. She leaves the high school as one of the most respected students in recent years.
“Kristy epitomizes the high school experience,” Mr. Graber said. “Her scholarship and inquiry were matched only by her leadership and participation. Huntington High School was certainly better for having had Kristy and I look forward to hearing of the positive impact she will have on the world in the future.”
One gets the feeling that Huntington hasn’t heard the last from Ms. Lyons who graduates ready to set the world on fire.
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