H-ton Senior Holly Grabowski Chooses Queens College
Holly Grabowski knew all along what she wanted when it came to choosing a college. The Huntington High School senior plans to attend the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College where she plans to study music education on the viola.
“When considering colleges, I knew I wanted to be in a vibrant environment filled with culture and opportunities,” Ms. Grabowski said. “From visiting as far up as Potsdam to Brooklyn, Queens College caught my eye. Not only can you see the skyline perfectly from the main courtyard, but it’s the perfect distance between New York City and home if I ever need anything.”
Every student has their own criteria for making up their mind about where to go to college, including Ms. Grabowski, an articulate, personable and intellectually sharp young woman.
“What really helped me decide to choose the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College for Music Education on the Viola was that it was my only audition where the viola professor personally asked me if I wanted to take a private lesson with him and sit in on one of his master classes,” Ms. Grabowski said. “I accepted his offer and the lesson went great. He was so knowledgeable and taught me concepts pertaining to my instrument that I hadn’t really thought about. I was very impressed.”
Ms. Grabowski has been an essential member of the Huntington music community for many years. “I can say with full honesty that the music teachers I’ve had throughout the years have influenced my love for teaching and music,” she said. “Mr. [Frank] Battista and Ms. [Chelsea] Jablon introduced me to the exciting band world on the marimba and French horn. Mr. [Brian] Stellato and Mr. [Jason] Giachetti influenced my decision to join marching band, which has changed my life in so many incredible ways. Mrs. [Christina] Bhasin, Ms. [Lisa] Leonardi and Mrs. [Nicole] Castaldo expanded my knowledge and helped shape my love for the viola.”
The teenager is a fine student and has developed many rewarding relationships with members of the general high school faculty. “In academics, Mrs. [Joann] Ferazi and Ms. [Judy] Paz in particular guided me further than I thought I could go and always believed in me,” Ms. Grabowski said.
The senior’s time in the district has been marked by many enjoyable experiences. “Some of my highlights include being part of marching band since eighth grade and eventually becoming section leader my last two years in the program, symphony orchestra, pit orchestra, Natural Helpers, my internship with fine and performing arts director Sarah Gill and teaching private music lessons independently,” Ms. Grabowski said. “All of these activities have shaped who I’ve proudly become over my Huntington school career.”
Ms. Grabowski began her long trek through Huntington as a student at Washington Primary School and she has been a standout every step of the way. “One of my favorite things in the district is the fact that in the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School auditorium hangs a large banner of a photograph of my three friends and me from when we were in first grade,” she said. “I love walking in to see that and realizing although we have all grown up, the photo will always be there to connect us.”
It won’t be long before Ms. Grabowski is sitting in a Queens College classroom as she begins the next phase of her life. As members of Huntington’s Class of 2016 prepare to head off into the sunset, a new group of incoming ninth graders stands ready to invade the high school next September.
“If I were to give advice to an upcoming freshman, it would be to always try your best at everything you do and always be yourself,” Ms. Grabowski said.