Esti Lodge Loves Huntington's Diversity
Esti Lodge is nearing the end of quite a journey. The Huntington High School senior has rode a roller coaster of education. She has enjoyed two very distinct experiences during her scholastic career.
"I went to a private Jewish day school called Solomon Schechter from kindergarten until eighth grade," Mr. Lodge said. Coming to Huntington as a freshman, the change of schools was a dramatic experience for the teenager and she has made the very best of it in every regard.
"My years at Huntington were at first difficult because coming into the school I knew close to no one, but it was easy to make friends and I love how I was able to experience both private and public school," Ms. Lodge said. "I love how diverse Huntington is. Being able to interact with so many people who come from so many different places has really opened my eyes to the world and I am forever grateful for that."
For the past four years, Ms. Lodge has been a member of the Huntington Highsteppers, the high school's competitive dance team. "Although it is hard work, I love my team and I have made so many friends because of it. I couldn't imagine my high school career with highstepping.
After arriving at the high school, Ms. Lodge settled into life there and quickly assessed all that Huntington offers. She's pursued advanced studies and excelled all along the way, earning the prized designation of Distinguished Senior.
"I love how Huntington is set up to cater to all students and has so many opportunities for each one," Ms. Lodge said. "I've really enjoyed all my classes. Some teachers who have been a great help along the way include Mr. [James] Graber, Mrs. [Aimee] Antorino, Mrs. [Joann] Ferazi, and many others."
The senior's post-graduation plans include a path less traveled. "Next year I am going to Israel for nine months on a program called Nativ," Ms. Lodge said. "I will be studying at Hebrew University for the first half of the year and then volunteering my time doing various jobs such as working with kindergartners, in a soup kitchen, on an ambulance and many more. I am so excited for this opportunity and look forward to immersing myself into the language and culture of Israel. From there, I will be applying to colleges."
Just four years ago Ms. Lodge was not only new to the high school, but to public education in general. Today she has some advice for incoming Huntington ninth graders: "I would tell freshmen to not be so scared," she said. "Seniors aren't that much older than you and although high school seems like a scary place, you'll get the hang of it very quickly. Freshmen should remember to just relax and have fun because your next four years will go by so quickly."