Senior Victoria Befumo Chooses Temple University

Victoria Befumo performed the due diligence that any big decision deserves and this certainly qualifies as a big decision. The Huntington High School senior reviewed all the pros and cons; the plusses and minuses and came to a clear decision that Temple University was the perfect fit for the next phase of her life.

“I chose Temple University because of their well-known art program at Tyler School of Art and Architecture,” Ms. Befumo said. “This is one of the top ranked schools for art. Since I will be studying graphic design and photography, I wanted a school that was well recognized for their art. I also wanted an NCAA Division I university so I can attend sports games and cheer on sports teams. I wanted to get out of New York, but still be in a city environment so Philadelphia was one of the perfect options for me.”

The teenager said the key to her success has been a great support system, including her friends, family, teachers and classmates. “I may double major with graphic design and art education with a minor in photography, but I am unsure yet,” Ms. Befumo said. “I am interested in working at a magazine as an art director/creative director. I also want to explore the opportunity of working as a high school art director with art education.”

One of the highlights of the past four years for Ms. Befumo was meeting high school photography teacher Pamela Piffard and taking classes with the highly regarded faculty member.

“I think that being involved with so many clubs and organizations has given me different opportunities,” Ms. Befumo said. “Such as being vice president of Habitat for Humanity. I have been able to attend many builds and help build homes for those in need.”

The Key Club’s publicist, president of Natural Helpers and vice president of Grandfriends, Ms. Befumo has been engaged in a credit bearing internship with professional photographer Darin Reed. “He really taught me to bring my photography to another level,” she said. “He taught me that ‘my camera is my ticket into anywhere’ and that taking pictures is important because they are memories for the people in them. I cannot thank Mr. Reed enough for the opportunity he gave me to be his intern.”

Ms. Befumo was recently celebrated as a Distinguished Senior and the same week won an award in the Huntington Camera Club’s annual high school competition. “These were both achievements that I worked long and hard for and it was so nice for my talent and academic ability to be recognized,” she said.

This spring the senior is playing on Huntington’s Unified basketball team. “I joined in order to help with the program,” Ms. Befumo said. “The team means so much to me as it brings me so much joy and happiness. I am excited for the rest of our season and to continue playing with the team.”

Looking back over the past four years, Ms. Befumo said she’s “very proud of myself.” And for good reason. She counts many achievements, including helping to spur development of Huntington High School’s first ever girls golf team.

“Being able to accomplish what seems like a lot in only four years proves to myself that I can do great things,” Ms. Befumo said. “I wouldn’t have gotten here without the help and support of so many teachers such as Mr. [Robert] Gilmor, Mrs. [Pamela] Piffard, Ms. [Suzi] Biagi, Mr. [Joseph] Cohen, Mrs. [Kristina] Morell, Mrs. [Cara] Bernal and Mr. [Brian] Stellato. Also all of the teachers and students in Natural Helpers. It’s been such an honor to be president of Natural Helpers and I honestly could not have done anything without them. I have made it to May of senior year with a smile on my face still and I feel as if that has a lot to do with the faculty, staff and students here at Huntington High School.”

I can't wait to attend Temple University in the fall and I can’t wait to see where the opportunities there bring me.