Walter Lopez Makes Plans for Career in Acting

The first six weeks of the new school year have gone well for Walter Lopez. The Huntington High School sophomore has been immersed in his classes, clubs, the JV golf team and auditioning for the drama club’s fall production.

“I had to go through an audition last year to get into chamber choir, one of the courses I’m taking this year,” Mr. Lopez said. “I’m having a great time so far! I honestly couldn’t have picked a more entertaining course than this one because everyone is so talented. I am also involved in United Amigos, which is a club that aims to make ENL students, or any student new to the country feel welcome.”

The sophomore was recently cast to play the role of “Juan” in the Huntington High School drama club’s December production of “Humbug.”

“I can’t wait to be working with such a brilliant cast and Michael Schwendemann, who is a very fun and creative director,” Mr. Lopez said. “Participating in drama club is something I will always look forward to, especially the spring musical where we also get to work with Victoria Garbarino, our queen mother.”

The teenager considers himself to be “very fortunate” to have played on Huntington’s first ever junior varsity boys’ golf team this fall. “Coach [James] Graber taught me a lot of new things about the sport,” Mr. Lopez said. “Unlike many team sports, golf is personal. Most of the time, you play against yourself to try and beat your own previous record. This makes working hard and attempting to improve upon your previous performance more enjoyable.”

Mr. Lopez participated in Finley Middle School’s drama club before making his musical debut last spring on the high school stage.

“My experience at Huntington High School has been amazing,” Mr. Lopez said. “I have met so many students and teachers who have really impacted my life tremendously. I don't think there is any other school like this one. I've belonged to a number of clubs where everyone is treated like family, which brings me so much joy. I can’t wait to continue making more memories at this school.”

The teenager spend last summer attending an acting camp at the John W. Engeman Theater at Northport, where he performed in “Shrek the Musical” as Papa Ogre, a knight and as a tap dancing rat. Mr. Lopez devoted the majority of his summer to spending time with family and friends.

“Even though I’m not sure which college I want to attend, acting is definitely a career I want to pursue,” Mr. Lopez said. “It’s been my passion for so many years. The reason I love acting is because it’s an opportunity to temporarily put my identity aside and adapt to a completely different person while still meeting new people. I am aware that it's an incredibly difficult field to get into, but I will put in all the effort it takes to make that dream come true.”