Ella Kamenstein is completely invested in her studies and extracurricular activities at Huntington High School where she is president of the sophomore class. She’s a dynamic young woman with the motivation and desire to accomplish everything she sets out to do.
Elected president of the Class of 2023, Ms. Kamenstein is also participating in the high school’s Habitat for Humanity chapter club and the AWOD (A World of Difference) club, which promotes anti-bias and diversity programs that allow students to better understand the issues of prejudice and bigotry as well as providing a forum for exploring diverse viewpoints.
“I have really enjoyed all of the clubs that I’ve decided to participate in,” Ms. Kamenstein said. “I hope to be able to make changes in our community through Habitat for Humanity and AWOD, even during the pandemic. Student government though will always be my favorite. I enjoy all aspects of the club, from planning events and spirit days to fundraising.”
The teenager is enjoying her sophomore year classes, especially English 10 Honors with teacher Aimee Antorino and French with Deidre Mayer. “English and language are two courses I have always been interested in,” Ms. Kamenstein said. “I love to read and look forward to challenging myself in Ms. Antorino’s class. I decided to take on French in my sophomore year to further my language education. So far, it has been very interesting and I am excited to learn the language.”
Popular with her classmates and respected by her teachers, Ms. Kamenstein is well on her way to making her mark. She is excelling in her classes and displaying the type of leadership qualities that her fellow sophomores expected when they elected her their president.
“My closest friends include Stephanie Wickey, Tessie Maerz, Leah Sheran, Anna Bell Young and Lilly Pollack,” the sophomore said. “They have all been there for me throughout the years and helped me become who I am today. Mrs. [Cindy] Espejo-McGivney has been a teacher who has helped me a lot. She offered encouragement and guidance whether it was in math or student government.”
Ms. Kamenstein said that throughout her time in Huntington UFSD, her Spanish teachers “have always been amazing mentors.”
The teenager participated in the district’s dual language program starting as a kindergartener at Southdown Primary School “and since then, every single one of my teachers have helped me through the years,” Ms. Kamenstein said. “Mrs. [Ingrid] Moreira, my seventh and eighth grade teacher, helped me become more interested in Spanish. She always made the lessons fun and interactive and helped me work on my fluency. I look forward to continue to work with Mrs. [Elizabeth] Casazza on Spanish this year.”
The teenager’s advice to incoming ninth graders? “Don’t be intimidated,” Ms. Kamenstein said. “Join the clubs you want and take the classes that interest you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to teachers, they are always there to help.
The sophomore is still unsure of her college interests, but she does know that she would like to pursue studies in either language or business since they are both longtime interests of her.
“I am really enjoying my time at Huntington so far,” Ms. Kamenstein said. “I have had some amazing opportunities and have been able to work with great people. I look forward the rest of my Huntington experience.”