Kayleigh Bender & Harrison Baliber Win Kleet Scholar Awards

The Kleet family has always adored their community and they have operated Kleet Lumber on Park Avenue in Huntington in a way that demonstrates for everyone the qualities they hold dear. The family very much cares about the young people who live here so they decided to honor a pair of leading seniors in Huntington High School’s Class of 2024.

Kleet Lumber funded a pair of $500 scholarships and earmarked them for exceptional students who combine academic and athletic excellence with evidence of leadership and community service and all the other qualities needed to be regarded as a good classmate and teammate.

The Kleet Scholar Athlete Awards were presented by Huntington UFSD Deputy Superintendent Christopher Hender at the 56th Blue Devil senior athletic awards ceremony in the high school auditorium. Kayleigh Bender and Harrison Baliber were chosen from a group of strong candidates for the scholarships.

The Kleet family has a deep affection for the area’s youth. The two scholarships they fund demonstrate their desire to recognize and reward all-around excellence.

Kayleigh Bender

Kayleigh Bender is one of the top students and athletes in Huntington High School’s Class of 2024. She has been an integral member of the Blue Devil basketball and lacrosse teams, playing key roles on both squads and winning an assortment of post-season honors.

One of the most prolific scorers on Long Island, Ms. Bender has been recruited by Hofstra University to play on its NCAA Division I women’s lacrosse team. She plans to study to become a teacher. She said the support and encouragement she has been given by her teachers, coaches, family and friends along with her personal drive has been the key to her success.

In the most recent marking period Ms. Bender had a near perfect academic grade average of 99.5. She said her mentors have guided her to strive for nothing but her best in all aspects of her life.

She captained the high school basketball and lacrosse teams and is beloved by her teachers, classmates, coaches and teammates. Ms. Bender is known as an extremely hard worker with a heart of gold.

Harrison Baliber

Harrison Baliber is a hardnosed competitor who displays a gentle disposition along with an exceptional work ethic. He has been a starter on Huntington’s basketball and baseball teams, serving as team captain of both and winning honors and awards in each sport. He has been recruited by SUNY New Paltz to play on its NCAA baseball team. He plans to study business.

Mr. Baliber has compiled a 92 academic grade average while competing at a high level. He played on Huntington’s first county championship baseball team in 61 years. The Blue Devil catcher is the team’s field general, calling pitches and positioning players.

Mr. Baliber has volunteered with Huntington’s Habitat for Humanity chapter and been chosen by his classmates as a Natural Helper, assisting others as they work through difficult personal and family situations. He is also a member of the high school’s A World of Difference club which combats, discrimination, racism and anti-Semitism.

Mr. Baliber credits his success to the support he has received from his family and friends. He said he has benefited from developing relationships with classmates, teammates, teachers and coaches