H-ton Senior Hailey Giordano Goes with the Flow
Hailey Giordano doesn’t get too worked up about anything. The Huntington High School senior is an easygoing teenager that just seems to “go with the flow,” but she’s a talented musician, skilled fashion designer, fine athlete and sensational student.
“I have had so many amazing memories during my time in Huntington there are almost too many to list,” said Ms. Giordano, who has been a student in the district since her first day of kindergarten at Flower Hill School. “The amazing people that have come into my life through school are irreplaceable. I have settled into an amazing group of friends. I can’t wait to see where they’ll go. I’m so proud of all of them! Between countless football, lacrosse and soccer games, cheering my peers on among countless amounts of friends has made my high school experience a memorable one.”
Ms. Giordano’s senior year schedule includes many Advanced Placement courses along with orchestra and fashion design classes. “I have played violin all my life and finishing up my last year in the Huntington orchestra program with Mrs. [Nicole] Castaldo has been amazing,” the teenager said. “Fashion design is one of my favorite classes. Mrs. [Amy] Worth has taught me almost everything I know, which will be of such use later on in my future. I thank her for everything I’ve learned these past few years.”
Choosing a “favorite” teacher is not easy for the senior. “I hate to play favorites, but Ms. [Camille] Tedeschi has had such an amazing impact on my life,” Ms. Giordano said. “She was my teacher from 9th-11th grade and it is hard not having a class with her this year. I always make it a priority to visit her in the classroom or library after school.”
The veteran social studies teacher also helped Ms. Giordano develop a new passion in life. “Ms. Tedeschi opened my eyes to travel,” the teenager said. “Together we have been to nine countries throughout Europe. She gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to travel two summers in a row.”
Ms. Giordano participated in EF Tours trips. The private journeys to foreign lands are not sponsored or approved by the school district. They are privately funded and Ms. Tedeschi and other teachers are hired by EF Tours to act as trip leaders and chaperones. Dozens of local students typically go on the treks.
“My favorite memory from my travels, and quite possibly from high school, was when we traveled to Milan last summer,” Ms. Giordano said. “The day we arrived we had already been on a plane and a bus and by that point many of us were exhausted. On our walk to the gorgeous Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) we had to walk through a huge mall. The second we stepped out of the doorway and saw the breathtaking church, I looked at Ms. Tedeschi and I bubbled with excitement saying ‘Ms. T we’re finally here!’ I cannot thank her enough for the memories she has given me while traveling and in the classroom. She is an incredible teacher and is amazing at what she does. I will miss her so much next year, but I know well keep in touch.”
Ms. Giordano has also played on the Blue Devil varsity tennis team. “We were undefeated in our league and won the league championship for the first time in years,” she said. “Mr. [Jamie] Fishlow is an amazing coach. He taught me determination and respect, all while having an amazing time.”
The teenager said she found a “home away from home” during the spring semester of her freshman year. “I auditioned for the musical and immediately found my place,” Ms. Giordano said. “Once rehearsals started I was immersed in all the amazing things that drama club had to offer. Everyone there saw me for who I was and who I planned to be. The club changed me for the better. I have learned acceptance and tolerance. I only have good thoughts to share about the drama club and I am ecstatic that I made that simple decision freshman year. Mr. [Michael] Schwenndemann has become another one of my favorites during my time at the high school. He is one of the most compassionate and hilarious people I know. He is always willing to listen and never fails to make me laugh. (A high school English teacher, Mr. Schwendemann is the drama club’s faculty advisor.)
“I plan on majoring in communications, focusing on public relations,” Ms. Giordano said. “I have applied to many schools, a few of my favorites being the University of Maryland, University of Georgia and the University of Massachusetts. I can’t wait to hear back from the schools I’ve applied to. I’m ready for a new experience. I hope to use my degree to get a job in New York City with a fashion company.”
Ms. Giordano advises incoming high school freshmen to “stay active” and partake in after school activities. “Join a club, go to a sporting event or get involved with your class,” she urges. “By doing so you will find amazing friends and high school will become an unforgettable experience. Enjoy it while it lasts because you finish high school in the blink of an eye.”
As she speeds through her final year of high school, the teenager is confident she is ready for whatever will be coming her way. “I am a ‘go with the flow’ type of person, so I am ready to take on whatever challenges face me in the future,” Ms. Giordano said.