The Greatest Experience for
Beth Johnson
In her finals weeks as a Huntington High School senior, Beth Johnson is excited about the future, which includes studying at North Carolina State University in the fall. The teenager has enjoyed some special times these past four years and will leave with many happy memories.
"I've had the greatest experience at Huntington High School with the greatest group of friends," Ms. Johnson said. "Graduation is going to be such a mix of feelings. I'm so excited for college but I'm going to miss so much here."
The senior has sought out courses and activities that have ranged from varsity athletics to volunteering in the community. Ms. Johnson has built strong relationships with classmates and teachers and feels well-prepared to move on and head out into the world.
At Huntington, Ms. Johnson played four years of field hockey, including three seasons on the varsity squad. "Unfortunately at the university I will be attending, they don't have a field hockey team, but I'm sure there's a club team I could join, so I don't have to give up the sport quite yet," Ms. Johnson said. "I love it."
While North Carolina State University is a long way from home, there will be a familiar face nearby and the teenager is more than happy about that. Ms. Johnson's best friend, Kianna Freitag is also headed to NC State. "Kianna and I aren't rooming together, but luckily we're three rooms away from each other in the same hall," Ms. Johnson said.
A member of the National English Honor Society, Ms. Johnson has volunteered extensively at Huntington Hospital, contributing 88 hours of service in all.
The senior said she's excited about attending college in another state since she plans on returning to Long Island afterwards. "I want to experience another lifestyle, which I will be doing so in the south and I'll have my best friend right there with me," Ms. Johnson said.
Throughout high school, Ms. Johnson has enjoyed spending weekends with her close-knit circle of friends. She's looked forward to attending the Blue Devil boys' lacrosse games each week, rooting on her boyfriend, Jack Cutrone. "I try and go as often as I can," she said.
What's her advice to incoming freshmen in the Class of 2015? "Put your full effort into all four years of your high school career," Ms. Johnson said. "Everyone says junior year counts most, but that doesn't mean that colleges aren't looking at your other three years as well."
Will Ms. Johnson miss Huntington High School? You bet. "The homecomings and proms and crazy weekends with my friends; it's going to be hard to give up," she said.
Ms. Johnson credits the Huntington school community with playing a role in her growth. "Many teachers, and even other students, have helped me through high school to improve myself and prepare myself for college," she said. Soon it will be time to move on, and the senior will be able to do so with confidence.