ATH Presents Scholarship to
Emma Hughes
The Associated Teachers of Huntington presented a $1,000 scholarship to Huntington High School Class of 2014 member Emma Hughes at last month’s senior academic awards ceremony. She hopes to become an English teacher after college.
Huntington social studies teacher and ATH President James Graber made the presentation on behalf of the ATH before a crowd of more than 300 students and their family members in the high school auditorium.
The ATH is the professional organization representing teachers in the district. For the past five decades, the group has presented an annual scholarship to a graduating senior who plans to become a teacher.
Those seeking the ATH award are asked to complete an application that includes an essay detailing their plans to become a teacher. The scholarship is supported by the membership dues paid by Huntington’s teachers.
“As a person, Emma is outstanding,” said Bernadette Walsh, Huntington’s college counselor. “She is, without a doubt, one of the most sincere, reflective, hardworking young women that I have ever met. Her warm, friendly smile, in conjunction with her honest, sincere, compassionate nature renders her a young lady with a plethora of friends. She is always willing to lend a hand in any situation and is well respected by the students and faculty of Huntington High School.”
Ms. Hughes plans to study English education at the University at Albany in the fall. A member of the Nathan Hale Chapter of the National Honor Society at Huntington High School, she consistently earned fine grades over the past four years.
“In our society where there are so many pressures placed on teens, Emma consistently makes mature and positive decisions in her life and in school,” Ms. Walsh said. “She is hard working and always makes choices that she can always be proud of and will help her achieve her goals throughout her life.”
An integral member of the Blue Devil girls’ basketball team that compiled a 14-0 record in league play last winter, Ms. Hughes played guard on the squad. Huntington head coach Michael Kaplan presented the teenager with the Most Improved Award at the 46th annual Blue Devil senior athletic awards banquet last month.
“What I noticed right off the bat with Emma is her maturity,” Mrs. Walsh said. “She rises above the rest of her peers and carries herself in a way that exudes humble confidence. She is genuine, excited about new experiences and very willing and eager to share them with those around her.”
Recording secretary of Huntington’s Class of 2014, Ms. Hughes has been a longtime elected officer holder in the high school’s student government. Classmates and teachers say it wouldn’t be surprising at all if the teenager assumes a leadership position on the Albany campus in short order.