Kaylyn Johnston Honored with NHD Research Award

Kaylyn Johnston’s in-depth study of the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire will long be remembered at Huntington High School, where historical research is celebrated in a very special way.

Ms. Johnston, who is headed to Fairfield University to study nursing, was the Class of 2013’s recipient of the National History Day Excellence in Research Award. It’s a prestigious honor in a school that annually produces some of the best historical research projects in the state.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better high school experience than what I had at Huntington High School,” Ms. Johnston said. “Coming from a small Catholic middle school to Huntington High was most definitely a difficult transition, but right off the bat I was able to meet some amazing teachers and students through classes and after school activities.” 

Huntington’s teachers hold Ms. Johnston in high esteem. She is a serious student and has the academic record to prove it. The teenager displayed a real knack for historical research and presenting her findings in a way that could easily be understood by others.

“Over the past three years I had the pleasure and privilege of working closely with Kaylyn in the National History Day club,” said Lauren Desiderio, a Huntington High School social studies teacher and the history club’s faculty advisor. “As a two-year participant in National History Day, Kaylyn displayed dedication, a strong work ethic and a passion for history.”

“Mrs. Desiderio was my favorite teacher at Huntington High School and I’m upset I didn’t meet her until my sophomore year,” Ms. Johnston said. “She pushed me to be the very best in my studies and would always be there to talk on a free period about anything! We definitely share a bond over our love of field hockey (even though she coaches our rivals, Harborfields) and I am following in her footsteps by attending Fairfield University in the fall!”

Ms. Johnston earlier earned recognition as a Class of 2013 Distinguished Senior for her fine academic record. A member of Huntington’s National Honor Society, English Honor Society and Science Honor Society chapters, she was also deeply involved in the high school’s extracurricular activities program. She completed many Advanced Placement classes and built an enviable academic record.

Co-president of Huntington High School’s National History Day club, Ms. Johnston was a member of the Key Club and was a Natural Helper, working to help other students deal with their personal problems.

“I grew very close to Mr. Gilmor after joining Natural Helpers,” said Ms. Johnston about Robert Gilmor, a high school dean and the Natural Helpers’ faculty advisor. “He is one of a kind and no matter what he was the ability to cheer you up in the worst of times. Mr. Gilmor is one of the sweetest most genuine individuals I have ever met and not seeing him every day next year is going to be hard for me.”

National History Day Honors

National History Day is an initiative that seeks to make history more relevant for students and requires them to use a variety of practical and creative skills during the development of their projects. Participants enter individual or group projects in various categories.

“My National History Day project was an experience I will never forget,” Ms. Johnston said. “Although I spent my entire Christmas break constructing and researching my topic, I could not have asked for a better end result. At the end of the day, I not only learned an incredible amount about labor laws and the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, but also research skills that will stay with me throughout college and beyond.”

Huntington Chairperson of Humanities Joseph Leavy presented the National History Day Excellence in Research Award to Ms. Johnston, who displayed a big smile when her name was announced.

“She created one of the most memorable individual exhibits with her replica of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire during her junior year,” Mrs. Desiderio said. “Kaylyn’s tireless efforts researching this project culminated her senior year when she was invited to attend and participate in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire anniversary ceremony in New York City last fall.”

Ms. Johnston’s work on behalf of Huntington’s National History Day club is also expected to pay future dividends. “Through Kaylyn’s dedication and mentorship of younger participants, our National History Day program has continued to gain national recognition as we continue to produce some of the best projects in New York State,” Mrs. Desiderio said. “Words can’t express how greatly I will miss her contributions to our program.”

“Being the president of the NHD club this year allowed me to mentor competitors and help them create amazing projects,” Ms. Johnston said. “I know the work may sound tedious when beginning the project, but all I can say to future NHD kids is that if you dedicate your time and put in a lot of hard work you will be rewarded!” 

Values Extracurricular Activities

Ms. Johnston believes that her extensive participation in extracurricular activities and the strong bonds she made with teachers, coaches, teammates and classmates allowed her to thrive over the past four years.

A star Blue Devil field hockey player who captured All-Conference honors, Ms. Johnston excelled at her link/defender position, specializing in preventing opponents from getting to the goal. Her coach, Kathy Wright said the teenager possessed “the keen ability to see the field and send the ball up to the forward line.”

“The list of highlights at Huntington is honestly endless, but I can say for sure I’ll always remember my senior season on field hockey,” Ms. Johnston said. “I was a team captain and we made it to the playoffs after thinking all season we were the underdogs. I was so proud of the girls on my team and our bond on and off the field is something I’ll always cherish.” 

While she excelled across the board academically, Ms. Johnston said one of her favorite high school courses was Advanced Placement Biology. “Some people might think I’m crazy for saying that but I have never learned more in a course than I did in Bio with Mrs. [Debra] Beck,” she said. “Not only did I feel prepared for every exam, but I knew I was going to ace the AP exam at the end of the year. I am excited to continue my studies as I enter my freshman year of college being a nursing major.” 

The summer has been busy for Ms. Johnston, who is working as a counselor with young children a beach camp. The teenager has also been able to spend a lot of time with her friends and has been making preparations for the transition to college life.

Advice for HHS Freshmen

As she readies for Fairfield University’s challenging academic program, Ms. Johnston said she believes incoming Huntington High School freshmen should face every opportunity “head on” in their new building.

“Embrace the next four years because although at times friendships get tough and courses may seem unbearable, at the end of it all, if you get yourself involved in activities and establish a bond with teachers and advisors you will have made your mark at Huntington,” Ms. Johnston tells incoming freshmen. “I know you all have probably heard it before, but it really does go by fast! Put yourself out there and try things you ordinarily wouldn’t have. I know for myself, my senior year of high school I auditioned for the spring musical instead of playing lacrosse, which I had been doing since first grade. That was one of the best decisions I have made and I met some extremely talented people who I never would have associated with otherwise. I was so proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone and being so happy with the end result.”