Andy Ulloa knows what he loves and what he wants to do professionally. So when it came time to decide where he wanted to attend college, the Huntington High School senior made his decision with his eyes wide open. He’s convinced that SUNY College at Purchase in Westchester is the place where he can successfully go about accomplishing all of his goals.
Mr. Ulloa is both a seasoned performer and a mastermind behind the scenes of a show. He has performed with Huntington’s elite chorus and he’s played a large role in eight of the drama club’s successful productions these past four years.
Huntington senior Andy Ulloa.
“I chose SUNY Purchase because it has one of the best theater design and technology photos in New York and it’s a perfect fit for me,” Mr. Ulloa said. “I think what made it for me was the Purchase motto, ‘Think Wide Open.’ This connected with me because I am always looking to expand my education and explore.”
Mr. Ulloa considered Wagner College, Adelphi University, Marymount Manhattan College, SUNY Oswego and Brooklyn College before committing to SUNY Purchase.
“I will be majoring in theater design and technology with a concentration in state management and a minor in communications,” Mr. Ulloa said.
A wonderful vocalist, Mr. Ulloa has performed with Huntington choral groups before a wide variety of school and community audiences.
“Andy Ulloa is one of the most hardworking students I know,” said music teacher Victoria Garbarino, who heads the high school choral program. “He has worked as my student counselor for the SCOPE summer program for the past three years, student directed Mulan at Finley Middle School with me and has served as my intern this past year. He is the type of student who does things without being asked to. He goes above and beyond. To say that I will miss him is an understatement. Huntington High School won’t be the same without him.”
Mr. Ulloa is simply outstanding in the spotlight, but even more gifted behind the scenes heading up the stage crew or serving as the stage manager. “I hope to be a stage manager for Broadway one day and work on stage and do what I love,” he said.
The senior has developed tight relationships with everyone associated with the drama club. “Andy was an integral part of every production,” said Michael Schwendemann, a Huntington High School English teacher who serves as the drama club’s faculty advisor. “He was tireless in his quest to make each show run like a well-oiled machine. He is a true leader. He gave 110 percent and urged the stage crew to do the same. He will be missed!”
The teenager has been such an essential part of the high school that it is hard to imagine life in the building without Mr. Ulloa. But it’s time for him to move on and pursue his hopes and dreams.
Mr. Ulloa is popular with his classmates. “Andy has been a very close friend of mine for the last year or so,” fellow senior Shaye O’Beirne said. “He has incredible tenacity and his passion for theatre and the arts has been so inspirational for not only me, but many others in the district. I believe he will go very far with his talents.”
While he has enjoyed the ride through Hunitngton UFSD, Mr. Ulloa is excited about the experience that awaits him at SUNY Purchase. Still, he will miss the high school that has prepared him well for college and beyond.
“I will miss having the amazing support and love from everyone at Huntington, but I will always remember the freedom to express my creativity in the arts and music with all of my amazing mentors and friends,” Mr. Ulloa said.
