Senior Rachel Carpenter Named Huntington High School Class of 2016 Valedictorian

A long run of academic and co-curricular excellence has culminated with Rachel Carpenter being named valedictorian of Huntington High School’s Class of 2016.

Ms. Carpenter was in a happy daze after a long day that included an unplanned trip to the Principal Brenden Cusack’s office. Fellow senior Olivia Stamatatos was also summoned and informed she is the salutatorian of this year’s graduating class.

“We are all so proud of Rachel and Olivia,” Mr. Cusack said. “They are outstanding examples for all of our students to follow. Their hard work and dedication are inspiring for our whole school community. By far the most enjoyable phone calls I’ve made as principal are those I had the privilege of making today, informing Olivia’s and Rachel’s families of their outstanding and well-deserved achievement. It was truly a moment to remember.”

“Honestly, the entire day I have felt like I’ve been on cloud nine,” the teenager said the Friday prior to the mid-winter vacation. I was truly surprised when Mr. Cusack called Olivia and me down to the main office! Honestly, I have been blessed with some of the best teachers, who have inspired me to not only do my best, but thrive and grow in the knowledge they have blessed me with. They have only spurred my desire to put my all into everything I do, and I could not possibly have reached this point without them.”

Ms. Carpenter has finalized her college plans. “I have been accepted to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the honors program no less,” she said. “It truly is an honor as UNC is one of my top schools. It would be great to study biology in the research triangle in North Carolina, but we will see what the next coming months holds before I make any definite plans.”

A cheerful, well-liked and widely admired young woman, Ms. Carpenter has seamlessly transitioned to life at Huntington High School. “When I first moved here four years ago, I had no idea I would have been in the position I am in now,” she said. “I have the people of Huntington High to thank for my growth and success.”

Ms. Carpenter spent the recent vacation touring through Costa Rica with many of her best friends. It was a long anticipated trip and one that she will cherish for the rest of her life.

As she glides toward graduation in four short months, Ms. Carpenter is savoring every moment she has left at the high school. “Overall, my senior year has been nothing short of wonderful,” she said. “I cannot wait to start production of the drama club’s spring musical, The Little Mermaid. Drama club has always been a way to keep a little laugher in my life amidst the stresses of school and being a teenager and it’s truly a bittersweet experience, this being the seniors last show. But, I promised myself I would revel in every sweet moment I have left of this year, bitter or not! It has flown by so fast already.”