HARTE Recognizes Tiana Thurmond with Scholarship
The Huntington Association of Retired Teachers and Employees has awarded a $1,200 scholarship to Huntington High School senior Tiana Thurmond, who is headed to the University of Hartford in the fall to study biology.
"HARTE is proud; very proud, to present this award to a very deserving senior," retired teacher Eileen Darwin said at last week's senior academic awards night in the high school auditorium. HARTE has presented an annual scholarship to a graduating senior for many years. The award is supported by dues from the organization's members.
Mrs. Darwin said that Ms. Thurmond "has a strong work ethic and a sense of independence and responsibility." The senior intends to pursue pre-med studies at Hartford and hopes to become a doctor.
"Reliable, talented, enthusiastic, mature are a few of the words that I would use to try to describe this complex young woman to you," said Bernadette Walsh, Huntington High School's college counselor. "On the surface Tiana seems like a typical high school student, involved with activities; an excellent student. But, when you take the time to look beyond the surface you will discover a young woman with an intuitive and inquisitive mind who is caring and thoughtful, very introspective. Tiana has learned the most difficult lesson of all during her high school years; who she is."
Ms. Thurmond has developed an "amazing ability" to prioritize and multi-task, said Mrs. Walsh. The teenager has participated in Huntington's after-school club and sports programs and still managed to work 20 hours a week at Wild Flours bakery in Huntington village where she took on a manager's role as a 16-year old. The senior possesses impeccable communication skills along with a remarkable degree of responsibility and maturity. She engages with customers in an enthusiastic fashion.
"Tiana is one of those students that you just know is going to make it through life and accomplish something extraordinary," Mrs. Walsh said. "Tiana has a gift of working with people, cutting through the nonsense of life and making well thought-out decisions. Her maturity will be missed and her focus and determination will have an impact wherever she goes."