One of the top students in Huntington High School’s Class of 2020, Abby Semelsberger is a superstar. She has been exceptional in every way, from the classroom to the performing arts, impressing teachers, classmates and theater-goers and she hasn’t even hit her full stride yet.
Ms. Semelsberger is remarkably talented. She’s compiled a stellar academic record, displayed leadership qualities in four different executive board positions with high school clubs and organizations and sparkled as a vocalist and actress.
![Huntington High School junior Abby Semelsberger.](../../../assets/images/2018/november/cameo_20a.jpg)
Huntington High School junior Abby Semelsberger.
The junior’s academic schedule includes classes in Advanced Placement US History, AP Biology, AP Seminar, pre-Calculus AB Spanish 4 Honors, Psychology and Chamber Choir.
Some of Ms. Semelsberger’s closest friends are Jennifer Low, Madelyn Kye, Abigail Holmes, Natalie Ciccone, Faith Youngquist, Lucy Biblow, Julien Rentsch, Gabe Medina and Kyra DeSalvo, but this article is too short to publish the list in its entirety.
Ms. Semelsberger’s favorite teachers include Victoria Garbarino, Michael Schwendemann, Lauren Desiderio, Brian Stellato, Jason Giachetti, Joseph Cohen and Kenneth Donovan.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have taught Abby for the last three years,” Mrs. Desiderio said. “Without a doubt, I can say she is one of the most talented students I’ve ever encountered. She’s diligent, emphatic and lighthearted and always has a smile on her face. Abby has always dedicated herself 100 percent to whatever she has taken on, whether it is her academic studies, her musical and performing talents or devotion to clubs. Abby’s humor and wit always brings a smile to my face. It’s been an absolute pleasure to have her as a student as I can always count on her to give her best and help others.”
The teenager is one of Huntington High School’s best vocalists and actresses. She is exceptionally talented and has earned rave reviews from theater-goers.
“Abby is the best,” Mr. Schwendemann said. “Once she hits the stage she has no fear. She is willing to put herself on the line in order to win over the audience, which she does be it comedy, drama or musical.”
Every day brings about a new adventure for the teenager, whether it be in the classroom or in one of her numerous activities. “I’m very excited to see what this year has in store,” Ms. Semelsberger said.
Vice president of Huntington’s drama club, Ms. Semelsberger is secretary of the Tri-M Music Honor society, vice president of the National History Day club and historian of the choir the teenager is also integrally involved in the high school’s Interact Club and Relay For Life. In her free time she dances at Dancin’ Feet Dance Studio.
Ms. Semelsberger has been in Huntington UFSD since kindergarten at Southdown Primary School. She’s always been a standout among her peers and all of her teachers through the years have seen something special in her. She’s even won awards in the high school’s National History Day competition.
“I really would like to go into music education with maybe a minor in musical theater,” she said. “I want to become a chorus teacher, but still find a way to incorporate theater into my adult life.” Ms. Semelsberger has garnered several Hunting-Tony Award nominations for her spectacular performances in high school drama club productions.
As the school year moves along, Ms. Semelsberger is looking forwarded to many interesting and rewarding days ahead, including the spring musical in April and exciting projects with her clubs.
“I am so grateful for my time in Huntington,” Ms. Semelsberger said. “The opportunities I have gotten and the friends I have made could not be found anywhere else. I love this district and I cannot thank it enough for all it has done for me.”