Senior Kate Balm Chooses University of Texas

Kate Balm has so many balls up in the air at any one time that it’s amazing how she manages to juggle so many different activities and do all of them so well. The Huntington High School senior certainly qualifies as a high achiever. She plans to pursue college studies at the University of Texas at Austin.

“I chose the University of Texas at Austin because of the amazing research programs it has to offer, the school’s overall reputation for academics and the location in the city,” Ms. Balm said. “The welcoming atmosphere, as well as the students who I met while touring, really helped me to feel like I was at home, even though I was 1,800 miles from Huntington. The size of the campus, the student-led organizations and other activities such as the athletic programs really appealed to me.”

The senior believes the key to her success has been the hard work she has devoted to the pursuit of excellence, remaining in Advanced Placement classes and the support of Huntington’s faculty and support staff.

“UT Austin is a highly ranked public university with an extensive list of academic courses that offer me the opportunity to study the subject matter I’m interested in,” Ms. Balm said. “I also loved the idea of having a campus located in the middle of a large, active city with lots of things to do beyond the campus. I plan to study sociology as my major, with the intention to work in psychology when I graduate.”

A member of seven separate academic honor societies, Ms. Balm has also won gold at the New York State School Music Association’s Majors for Chamber Orchestra.

“Though I am still exploring different paths I can take with my intended major, I am very interested in going the criminal justice route and working as a criminal psychologist,” Ms. Balm said.

Challenging courses and pursuits in the arts, athletics and in the club program have kept Ms. Balm busy throughout the past four years.

“Among the many highlights that I’ve had while at Huntington, I particularly enjoyed my experiences on the girls’ varsity tennis team, my roles in Key Club, my participation in the various music programs and creating life-long friendships with classmates,” Ms. Balm said. “The girls who have made up the varsity tennis teams over the past four years are like family to me and we have done so many incredible things together. Performing at the pep rallies, making playoffs and participating in charity events are all memories I’ll cherish. Coach [Jamie] Fishlow and Coach [Eric] Mininni both worked very hard to make the tennis program enjoyable and successful. I will very much miss playing on the courts every day after school.”

An articulate, popular and altogether engaging young woman, Ms. Balm is very much respected by her classmates and the high school’s faculty.

“Key Club has given me the opportunity to actively help our community with events like blood drives, Target Tour, toy and food drives and K-Factor,” Ms. Balm said. “Being president of the club this year has been both very rewarding and a great honor as I have been able to work alongside so many amazing students and teachers like Mrs. [Kelly] Krycinski and Mrs. [Gina] Colica.”

Ms. Balm has strived for balance throughout the past four years and she has found it in a most impressive fashion. She manages her time well and enjoys each day for what it brings.

“The music programs have been tremendously exciting because of the events we have participated in, the honors we’ve won and the variety of music and songs we have performed,” Ms. Balm said. “Mr. [James] DiMeglio’s enthusiasm and dedication to the orchestra program and his students has been outstanding. As for the choral program, with Ms. [Victoria] Garbarino, I loved singing the wide variety of songs she has picked over the past two years. Through the classes I have taken and the programs I have participated in, I have made some great friendships along the way that have made my high school experience such a pleasure.”

A great for year run will be over soon, but Ms. Balm is growing more excited and enthusiastic about the future and what lies beyond at college.

“Overall, my time at Huntington has been fantastic,” Ms. Balm said. “I have created great memories at Huntington and it has prepared me well for continuing my education at UT Austin. I will miss the teachers and staff who have supported me throughout my time here, but I am looking forward now to a new set of experiences.”