K-Factor 2024 Memories Will Last Forever
May 21, 2024
Those who performed in last Friday night’s K-Factor talent show at Huntington High School will always remember the experience and so will everyone in the large crowd filling the auditorium. It was a special evening.
Staged by the high school’s Key Club chapter and generously supported by folks of all ages across the community, the event showcased dozens of talented performers and raised funds to benefit kids fighting cancer at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and their families.
This year’s show was once again dedicated to Rachel Antorino, the daughter of Huntington High School English teacher Aimee Antorino. Rachel lost her battle with leukemia in August 2018 when she was only 14 years old. In her memory, Ms. Antorino created the foundation, Rachel’s Dance for the Cure to help relieve the financial burden placed on families of pediatric cancer patients.
Visit www.rachelsdanceforthecure.org to learn more about Rachel’s Dance for the Cure, which accepts donations year-round.
This year’s Key Club officers include Charlotte Gordon (president), Jack Ruthkowski (vice president), Samantha Koepele (historian), Brooke Parks (secretary), Giovanna Lanfranco (treasurer), Jaipreet Singh (chief financial assistant) and attendance officers Marianna Diaz, Nicolas Francis and John Joyce were all involved in the drive in one way or another. Gina Colica and Kelly Krycinski serve as the faculty advisors.
“We had an amazing time at K-Factor,” Ms. Krycinski said. “This year we had over 20 competitive student acts that included singing and dancing. In addition, we had hilariously entertaining teacher acts and wonderful performances by organizations such as the United Amigos and Highsteppers.
A panel of eight distinguished judges oversaw the competitive aspects of the evening. Principal Brenden Cusack was one of the judges and he came dressed in style. The panel did “a fantastic job of choosing the winners of the night,” Ms. Krycinski said
Mia Molina won first place for the Best Overall Act for her performance of “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse. Josie Sullivan captured second place and Best Vocal Performance for her performance of “In the Kitchen” by Reneé Rapp. Zaida Correal and Ariana James garnered third place honors and the Best Dance Award for their enchanting dance routine.
“Key Club outdid themselves this year preparing for the event,” Ms. Krycinski said. “President Charlotte Gordon and Vice President Jack Ruthkowski led the officers and members with ease as they worked tirelessly to organize for the show. We are so proud of them and the show’s success is proof of their excellent leadership.”
The Blue Devil Broadcast team of Casey Campos and Ana Sarducci host the show alongside the always entertaining and energetic Michael Schwendemann.
“The 13th annual K-Factor was an incredible show,” Ms. Gordon said. “We are so grateful to all performers and attendees and everyone else who worked tirelessly to ensure that the show was successful.”
The evening’s tribute number was “Under Pressure” by David Bowie and Freddie Mercury in memory of Rachel Antorino. It was magnificently performed by sophomores Lily Wososki and Naomi Lyons and featured stage crew director Michael Zigon and Ms. Krycinski. It was a moving performance reminding the crowd about the financial need of the families whose children are battling cancer at Stony Brook Hospital.
“In total, due to the support of the administration, staff, PTSA, students and the community, we raised approximately $9,000 for Rachel’s Dance for the Cure Foundation,” Ms. Krycinski said. “It’s yet again proof that the Huntington High School is a place filled with wonderfulpeople who can truly make a difference when they come together.”
