Meghan Plant Headed for the University of Alabama
Meghan Plant wanted to go to a college with plenty of school spirit and she’s going to get just that at the University of Alabama. The teenager will join one of her brothers on the Crimson Tide crazed campus.
“Well, I had terrific options to choose from,” said Ms. Plant when asked what led to her choosing the southern university. “I was accepted to Ole Miss, Penn State, University of Tennessee and University of Alabama. I was searching for a big, full of spirit school.”
Ms. Plant’s brothers both attend large colleges. Dan is at Rutgers University and Tom is studying at Alabama and she knew that she, too, wanted to attend a large university.
“Last fall I visited my brother at Alabama for the Alabama vs. Tennessee football game,” Ms. Plant said. “It was a crazy weekend with a country concert on Friday night and an all-day football game Saturday. The school has the atmosphere I need.”
The Huntington senior plans to study education and be a teacher. “Working at a summer camp and babysitting helped me make my decision to work with children,” Ms. Plant said.
The teenager’s long road through the Huntington School District began in a Southdown Primary School kindergarten classroom. Ms. Plant later moved on to Woodhull Intermediate School and then J. Taylor Finley Middle School before excelling at the high school for the past four years.
“Attending these schools has brought me close with so many great teachers,” Ms. Plant said. “Ms. [Diane] Grassi in sixth grade, Mrs. [Carlene] Cournane in third, Mrs. [Donna] Nugent and Mrs. [Patricia] Tagliente-Avelli in ninth and Mrs. [Victoria] Lombardi in tenth and eleventh and Coach Marissa Bergmann, who has been with me since seventh grade. All of them have taught me so much and helped make me the person I am today.”
Among Ms. Plant’s favorite courses are classes in math, physics, English and ceramics. She has played on the varsity field hockey and lacrosse teams and been an integral member of the student council.
“Being a member of the student government has helped me become so close with so many different people,” the senior said. “Homecoming is one of my favorite events and I’m truly going to miss it next year. Being in Habitat for Humanity throughout high school has changed my life. It’s a terrific club and what we do truly is great. I had the opportunity to get so close with Mr. [Robert] Gilmor, Ms. Youlanda [Carey] and Mrs. [Suzie] Biagi on these trips. They have taught me so much. I am the only person in 11 years to go on all four Habitat trips. I’ve been to Birmingham, Alabama and New Orleans twice and will be going this upcoming April.”
Ms. Plant will be recognized next month at the Distinguished Seniors dinner for her fine academic record. A member of the Spanish and Math Honor Societies, she is participating in a credit bearing internship with math teacher Michael Graziano.
The teenager is already giving some thought to what she wants to get involved in at the University of Alabama. “I wish to continue Habitat next year and join a sorority,” Ms. Plant said.
Like all seniors, Ms. Plant knows the Class of 2016 will be replaced in the building by hundreds of ninth graders next September. “Some advice I would give to incoming freshmen is to be who you are,” she said. “Friends come and go, but high school is about finding yourself and living the four short years to the fullest. Be friends with everyone and be true to yourself.”