Four Years Speed by for
Rebecca Alligood
Rebecca Alligood is one of the most enthusiastic and proudest members of Huntington High School's Class of 2013. She enrolled at Washington Primary School as a first grader after moving into the district from Greenlawn. The teenager has embraced life here and achieved an impressive degree of success.
The teenager has played on the varsity softball team, performed in the a capella music group and the chamber choir, participated in the New York State School Music Association's All-State Festival and challenged herself academically with a solid slate of courses.
This year, Ms. Alligood is enrolled in forensics, multicultural literature, African-American politics, Project Adventure, advanced algebra, chamber choir and Spanish 5 courses and is engaged in a credit-bearing career internship with Huntington High School Spanish teacher Jessica Medina.
Ms. Alligood has developed close relationships with Mrs. Medina and Huntington music teacher/choir director Veronica Mainville. "Over the past four year Mrs. Mainville and Mrs. Medina have become two of the most influential people in my life," Ms. Alligood said. "No matter what time of day, I can go to either of them or e-mail them and they're always there to help and talk. They've really helped me become who I am today."
Not only is she a highly regarded vocalist, but Ms. Alligood is a fine athlete, too. One of her most memorable experiences includes making the junior varsity softball team as an eighth grader and playing in the high school program for five years. "I've been playing since I was six years old so it really matters to me," she said. The teenager came up as a shortstop and has since switched to second base. She wears No. 23 and bats right-handed.
Participating in the chamber choir as a junior and senior has been one of the highlights of Ms. Alligood's high school years. "I take pride in music and being able to audition for a class and get in is the best feeling," she said. "Getting solos in a capella, as well as chorus and performing every year in the duet-off helps to keep a smile on my face." She is a member of Tri-M, the national music honor society.
Ms. Alligood intends to attend Hagerstown College in Maryland next fall. "In July, I'll be moving to Maryland for good," she said. "My family has always wanted to move and it's a new experience that I'm excited about."
The teenager plans of studying foreign language in college and embarking on a career as a Spanish teacher. "Foreign language has always come easy to me and Spanish has always been my favorite class," Ms. Alligood said.
The senior advises incoming freshmen to "focus on your grades. Your friends will always be there. Don't worry about all the drama. Focus on your grades and enjoy it because it goes by faster than you think!"