Senior Isabella Palacios Pursues Interest in Medicine

Isabella Palacios likes to stay busy. That’s a good thing since the Huntington High School senior has a full plate and then some with classes, clubs, sports and internships accounting for much of her time.

The teenager has compiled a strong academic record, while also playing key roles on multiple Blue Devil varsity athletic teams. Ms. Palacios started on defense for last spring’s Suffolk and Long Island champion Huntington girls’ lacrosse team, rarely coming off the field.

“Honestly, my experience in Huntington has been so special,” Ms. Palacios said. “With my uncle winning a state title in wrestling here, I’ve always felt inspired to carry on that legacy, and my goal is to win a state title in lacrosse this year. But it’s not just about sports. Our staff and classes have pushed me to work hard academically, too, and I feel really supported in every way. Between the coaches, the teachers, and the community, Huntington has given me so many opportunities to grow both on and off the field.”

A member of the National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, English Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society and Math Honor Society, Ms. Palacios plans to fulfill her commitments and responsibilities with each of the organizations.

“This year, I’ll be playing both tennis and lacrosse, which are such big parts of my life,” Ms. Palacios said. “I’m also returning to the Investment Club with Mr. [Bryan] Ousten and the Dispatch, our school newspaper. Outside of school, I’ll be co-organizing the Pink Aid Doubles Tennis Tournament, a fundraiser for breast cancer in collaboration with Cold Spring Harbor and Harborfields. That cause is especially close to me because of my grandmother and it also connects to my experience shadowing Dr. [David] Light, a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, which has been incredibly inspiring and has sparked my interest in medicine.”

Ms. Palacios is considering a variety of highly regarded colleges and universities. Her interests lean heavily toward medicine. She has engaged in several high profile internships that are sure to impress college admission officers.

“Between all of this, I definitely won’t have a lot of free time,” Ms. Palacios said. “And while it’s still in the works, I’m also hoping to bring Generation S.O.S. to our school. It’s a program focused on opening up conversations about substance misuse and mental health. I think it could have a big impact here.”