Senior Kevin Bilzi Continues a Family Tradition
The Bilzi family name and Huntington High School have been intertwined for more than eight decades. That tradition will continue later this month when current senior Kevin Bilzi steps on stage to receive his diploma. He’s just as proud as his predecessors to call this town home.
Mr. Bilzi said he’s had “amazing experiences” in his classes and on the athletic field. “I've really enjoyed all the friends I’ve made, as well as some of the awesome teachers I’ve had,” he said. Two teachers in particular stand-out: Ken Krummenacker (English) and Deborah Beck (AP biology).
“When I look back at my high school career, I hope to remember the amazing times I’ve had with all my friends, as well as the successes I’ve had within the classroom,” Mr. Bilzi said. “The wide range of classes offered in Huntington really allowed me to realize what my interests are.”
Accepted as an early decision applicant at Hamilton College, Mr. Bilzi intends to play lacrosse there and study either engineering or economics. He’s already eyeing graduate school, too.
Glancing through decades of old Huntington yearbooks, the role played by the Bilzi’s in the high school becomes apparent. Family members have been star athletes, student council leaders, scholars and popular classmates.
Mr. Bilzi’s father, Tom, graduated in 1972 and his brother, Brian (2003) and sister, Claire (2006) are also counted among the school’s alumni. There’s also Leo (1925) Victoria (1935), Angelo (1935), Helen (1939), William (1941), George (1943), Isabel (1944), Steven (1968), Ellen (1970), Carol (1972), Patrice (1975) and Jill (1979).
“The one thing I’ll always remember is the attitude of everyone that went to Huntington,” said Mr. Bilzi, who captained the lacrosse team and started at midfield. “Regardless of whether or not they were on a sports team, everyone here had such school spirit and you could tell we felt as if we were the best. Every other town I visited seemed to simply be missing something and I was always glad to come back to Huntington.”
After a productive high school run, Mr. Bilzi has some advice for incoming freshmen. “I would tell them that they're about to experience four of the most fun years of their lives, and to make sure not to take it for granted, because those four years will fly by,” he said.
What will ultimately become his career, Mr. Bilzi cannot say at this point. “I'm not sure exactly what I want to be when I graduate, but I've always been interested in the science behind how things work, so I felt as if a major in engineering would be a good place to start,” he said.
As good as he’s been in the classroom, and Mr. Bilzi has been very good, sports have played a towering role in his Huntington experience. “I've had some of the best times of my life playing for the teams at Huntington,” he said.
Those good times have transcended specific sports. “Whether it was football or lacrosse, you could tell that everyone on the team was so proud to be playing a sport for a school with the reputation that Huntington has,” Mr. Bilzi said. “However, on the lacrosse field was really where I was most happy, as coach [Paul] McDermott, coach [Kip] Lukralle, and coach [Eric] Triolo have really helped me mature into the person I am today. I can’t wait to continue playing next year up at Hamilton, as well.”
All graphics, photographs, and text appearing on the Huntington Public Schools home page and subsequent official web pages are protected by copyright. Redistribution or commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. Comments or Questions? email the Public Information Office