Kate Balm Captures LI Blood Services Award

Kate Balm used her position as Huntington High School’s Key Club president to help coordinate the collection of much needed blood and in the process saved the lives of countless strangers in desperate conditions. In recognition of exceptional public service, Long Island Blood Services presented the teenager with a $250 scholarship award.

Huntington’s Key Club has been holding blood drives for decades and in the process collected many thousands of pints of the valued substance, which in turn was converted in numerous blood products that are vital to saving lives.

The Long Island Blood Services scholarship is awarded to students who exemplify community service and volunteerism in the organization of a high school blood drive. With fewer than two percent of the New York community giving blood, coordinating a blood drive is not easy.

Ms. Balm is headed to the University of Texas at Austin. “I chose it because of the amazing research programs it has to offer, the school’s overall reputation for academics and the location in the city,”she 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.”

Inducted into seven different academic honor societies, Ms. Balm 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.

Ms. Balm played on Huntington’s varsity tennis team as well as filling a variety of positions with the Key Club, culminating in the presidency. She was also deeply involved in the high school’s music program.

Huntington High School guidance counselor Evelyn Hernandez told the awards ceremony crowd that Ms. Balm “demonstrated leadership and community service in the organization of the school blood drives. She helped make a difference in people’s lives while giving back to the community.”

The teenager will be missed by everyone around the high school. “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.”