Hillary Hardardt’s Splendid
Huntington Years
Hillary Hardardt makes her way around Huntington High School with a spring in her step and a smile on her face. The well-rounded senior is one of the top members of the Class of 2015. She has excelled academically and athletically, participated in the club program and earned a loyal following of friends.
The teenager has proven remarkably adept at maintaining balance between all of her commitments. Juggling all of the daily pressures so expertly well has been one of Ms. Hardardt’s strengths and has paved her way to success.
Ms. Hardardt began her academic journey in a Southdown Primary School kindergarten classroom. She eventually moved on to Woodhull Intermediate School and then J. Taylor Finley Middle School before settling into Huntington High School.
The senior’s current classes include Advanced Placement Physics 1, AP Calculus BC, AP Microeconomics, AP Government and Politics, AP Literature and Composition, Spanish V Honors and a credit bearing career internship. The teenager even finds the time to tutor several younger students weekly in math and reading.
Headed to Boston College
“I plan on attending Boston College in the fall and couldn’t be more excited” Ms. Hardardt said. “At the Lynch School of Education, I will be double majoring in elementary education and mathematics. Although I will miss all the amazing memories I have from these past four years, I know the next four will bring even better ones.”
The teenager is vice president of the Math Honor Society, corresponding secretary of the Class of 2015 and a member of the National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, English Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Art Honor Society.
“One highlight of my high school experience was traveling to Belize with EF Tours at the end of sophomore year,” Ms. Hardardt said. “It was an incredible opportunity to travel internationally with some of my best friends and experience things I could only dream of. Climbing ancient ruins, zip lining through the jungle, and cave tubing were just some of my favorite memories. The trip was a major highlight of my high school experience.”
Fun times in tennis
The Huntington tennis produced many fun times for Ms. Hardardt. “Although I had never played the sport before, I decided to try out for the girls’ tennis team freshman year,” the senior recalled. “I went to the courts that day and was welcomed with open arms by the varsity coach, Mr. [Jamie] Fishlow. I remember him calming my nerves and telling me to just try my best and have fun. It turned out that tennis was something I really enjoyed and it became my favorite activity that I’ve been involved in during my four years here.”
Ms. Hardardt captained the JV team as a sophomore and then played on the varsity as a junior and senior. “It was incredible to be part of such a wonderful team of girls and winning the league championship last fall is something I will never forget,” she said. “Mr. Fishlow has been the most amazing coach I have ever had and I dedicate all of my success in the sport to him. He really has made a positive impact on my life and I will truly miss him as my coach and teacher.”
Some of the teenagers other activities include participating in Huntington’s Relay for Life, which raise monies for the American Cancer Society and the high school’s Key Club chapter. “Helping underprivileged children shop for their winter essentials and Christmas gifts during the Sears shopping tour with Key Club for the past four years has been very rewarding and special to me,” Ms. Hardardt said.
The past four years has been a special time for Ms. Hardardt, who is popular with Huntington’s teachers as well as with her classmates. She is someone that is easy to talk with and is kind and considerate toward others.
Enjoyed amazing teachers
“I have had many amazing teachers here at the high school and am confident I would not be where I am without them,” Ms. Hardardt said. “Two math teachers however have made a particularly special impact on my life. Mrs. [Patricia] Avelli was my Pre-Calculus BC teacher junior year. Not only was she an extraordinary teacher, but she is an incredible role model to me. When I would get discouraged because I was having trouble with the material, Mrs. Avelli would immediately notice and be by my side helping me to understand no matter how long it took. She is the most patient and caring teacher I have ever had and I know my success and love for math is all because of her. Just when I thought it couldn’t get better than that, I met Mrs. [Monica] Racz, my AP Calculus BC teacher this year.”
The mere mention of AP Calculus BC might scare some students, but Ms. Hardardt is not among them. “This class itself has been my absolute favorite class in all of high school and Mrs. Racz is the main reason why,” the teenager said. “She has helped me through one of the most challenging courses I have ever taken and somehow made it fun while doing it! I think it is safe to say on behalf of my entire class, Mrs. Racz has become a mother figure to every one of us and I don’t know what my senior year would have been like without her.”
As Ms. Hardardt prepares to head off to college, she will always remember these two special math teachers. “They are both truly incredible women,” the senior said. “I know Mrs. Avelli and Mrs. Racz are always there for me and I am forever grateful to them for that. Huntington High School is lucky to have such amazing teachers.”
Delivering math lessons
One of the academic highlights of Ms. Hardardt high school years has been her participation in Huntington’s career internship program coordinated by college advisor Bernadette Walsh and retired librarian Camille DeCanio. The senior has been interning in a third grade inclusion class at Southdown School twice a week.
“Starting by just observing and helping students one-on-one in the beginning of the year, I now teach the math lesson to the class, which I absolutely love doing,” said Ms. Hardardt about the internship. “I am thankful to my amazing mentor, Mrs. [Kim] Myers-Bender for all that she has taught me and inspired me to do. This internship has validated my passion for teaching and a career in elementary education.”
As her time at Huntington High School grows shorter, Ms. Hardardt is enjoying every last minute of it. She was recently honored at this year’s Distinguished Seniors dinner and has several more school events on her spring calendar.
“If I could give any advice to incoming freshmen it would be to get involved and make the most of your time at Huntington High School,” Ms. Hardardt said. “It is important to challenge yourself academically, but to also find time to participate in clubs and activities that you love and spend time with good friends. Work hard and enjoy the ride because it will all be worth it in the end!”