Emily Kustera Chooses Indiana’s Kelley School of Business

Emily Kustera has that personal magnetism and connection to her audience that every successful stage performer requires. The Huntington High School senior has cut out an incredible path as a vocalist, musician, actress and dancer, displaying her talents during plays, musicals, concerts, solo and duet performances and the annual K-Factor talent show.

Ms. Kustera is an essential member of the Huntington drama club family and the choir program. She has played key parts in show after show, year after year. Always delivering her lines or hitting her notes with a certain type of flair and grace that only she can do.

“Being a part of the drama club has been one of the best experiences of my time in Huntington,” Ms. Kustera said. “Being  involved in musicals starting at Woodhull when I was in fifth grade and especially performing in ‘Mean Girls’ has been unforgettable. The friendships I’ve built through drama club and chorus are incredibly special to me. These bonds have made high school not just bearable, but meaningful and I know they’ll stay with me for a lifetime.”

The senior said she was “excited to perform” at last Friday night’s K-Factor talent show. She performed a solo act before playing an accompanying role in the Josie Sullivan & Company act that won the Audience’s Choice Award. “It’s always amazing to see how much talent Huntington has,” Ms. Kustera said.

The teenager has notched a near perfect academic grade average over the past four years and that record gave her dozens of college options from which to choose.

“I’ve decided to attend Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business in the fall,” Ms. Kustera said. “Their finance program is one of the best in the country and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to attend not only a top business school, but a university that has one of the top music schools as well. I plan on exploring a dual major; possibly finance and music business.”

Ms. Kustera has also been accepted into Kelley’s first year business honors program known by the acronym ACE (Advanced Curricular Experience). “I’m excited to explore so many opportunities at Indiana and am planning on studying abroad at some point,” she said.”

As the senior heads toward the finish line of her high school years, Ms. Kustera reflected on some of the personalities, professionals and experiences that made her time at Huntington unforgettable.

“Ms. [Danielle] Raguzin made Advanced Placement Chemistry both challenging and rewarding by constantly encouraging curiosity and pushing me to think critically about complex concepts,” Ms. Kustera said. “Her enthusiasm and support not only deepened my understanding and interest in chemistry but also boosted my confidence in tackling academic challenges.”

Huntington High School stage manager and musician Michael Zigon has also figured prominently in Ms. Kustera’s experience over the past four years.

“Mike Zigon has nurtured my love and passion for music throughout high school by sharing his expertise, offering feedback, and inspiring me to express myself more deeply through performance,” Ms. Kustera said. “His guidance helped me grow not only as a musician but also as a more creative individual, making music truly meaningful and one of the best parts of my time in Huntington.”

Huntington faculty members believe that Ms. Kustera is far from finished achieving in and out of the classroom. She’s just moving on to a much bigger stage at Indiana University.