Duke Bound Holly LoTurco Will Stay
a Blue Devil
Once a Blue Devil always a Blue Devil. You can take that literally as far as Holly LoTurco is concerned. The Huntington High School senior has been accepted by Duke University and the teenager can’t wait to start studying on the North Carolina school’s classic campus.
President of Huntington’s Class of 2016, Ms. LoTurco also serves as the high school’s National Math Honor Society chapter vice president. She has captained the Highsteppers competitive dance team and been a member of the mock trial team as both a junior and senior.
“Aside from the breathtakingly beautiful campus, I fell in love with the whole atmosphere of Duke and the students in general,” Ms. LoTurco said. “While the students do place an emphasis on having fun, they are equally as eager to succeed academically. The students and faculty together are all part of such a tightly-knit community, which truly shows through their long standing traditions, and enormous pride that they have in their school. The school spirit aspect of Duke greatly reminded me of that of Huntington. I cannot wait to continue to be a part of that.”
An exceedingly well-rounded young woman, Ms. LoTurco has been volunteering with Huntington’s Habitat for Humanity chapter since 2012. An All-American dance team member, the teenager has participated in educational tours to Peru and along the Mediterranean coast.
The senior chose Duke for all the right reasons. “I want to continue to academically challenge myself in a supportive environment that can provide me with many choices,” Ms. LoTurco said. “Since I am currently undecided on a major, Duke’s flexibility with course choices and the option of an interdisciplinary education will allow me to explore many of my academic interests until I find one that I would like to pursue.”
The Duke bound teenager has volunteered as a high school math tutor, served as a speaker and tour guide during freshman orientation each August, participated in the Safe Halloween program for elementary school age children, engaged in student teaching at Platinum Performance Dance Academy and been a counselor in training at the Bay Hills Beach Association’s summer camp.
Ms. LoTurco hopes to become active in several of Duke’s club program. “I am definitely planning on joining Duke’s Habitat for Humanity chapter as well as other civic engagement opportunities that they offer,” she said. “I would love to study abroad one year or participate in DukeEngage, which is a fully funded international program providing meaningful service in many countries. I am also hoping to continue taking dance classes or to join a club that will allow me to continue practicing.”
The senior has a challenging academic schedule this year, including Advanced Placement Calculus BC, AP Government and Politics, AP Economics; AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, AP Literature and Spanish V Honors.
“Over the years I have genuinely enjoyed being taught by all of my teachers at Huntington,” Ms. LoTurco said. “The teachers I feel that I have been closest with would probably be Mrs. [Monica] Racz, Mrs. [Lauren] Desiderio and Mrs. [Patricia] Avelli. I have always felt that all of them truly care about each and every student and they have had an immense impact on my motivation as a student. I also have become very close with Ms. [Camille] Tedeschi and Mr. [Erik] Bruckbauer over the years, although I was never able to have either one of them as a teacher. Between having them as student government advisors and traveling through EF Tours twice with them, I feel that they have also had a great impact on making my high school career successful.”
Ms. LoTurco has earned many academic awards over the years ranging from high honor roll every single semester to membership in numerous honor societies. An AP Scholar with honors, she also qualified for the National Society of High School Scholars.
“When looking back at Huntington High School I will always remember the closeness and support of the general community, including both the faculty and students,” Ms. LoTurco said. “It is amazing to see how in times of excitement and happiness or even in sadness, the entire school always seems to join together in mutual support. The friends that I have made and the memories that I have collected will serve as a reminder of the unforgettable experience that Huntington High School has provided me with.”
It seems like just yesterday that Ms. LoTurco was starting her freshman year. Soon she will be studying at one of America’s most highly regarded universities. What would she say if a ninth grader walked up to her and asked “what is the key to having a successful experience at Huntington High School?”
“I would tell them that the key to having a successful experience is to find a balance that works for you between academic studies and recreation,” said Ms. LoTurco about the hypothetical question. “It is important to remain motivated, while also remembering to enjoy life’s journey and taking advantage of the activities that come along with high school, because one day all of the little things in life will transform into some of your biggest memories.”