Senior Isabella Palacios Chooses Univ. of Michigan

She was accepted at some of the finest and most popular colleges and universities in America, but when it came time to make a final decision, Isabella Palacios found that the University of Michigan checked all the right boxes for her future.

“Michigan, honestly, just drew me in right away,” Ms. Palacios said. “The pride at the school is something you can feel immediately, and it reminded me so much of what it feels like to be a Blue Devil. When I first visited the campus, the energy stood out to me because everyone seemed so connected to the school and genuinely excited to be there. It didn’t feel forced, it felt real. Even something as simple as wearing a Michigan sweatshirt showed that. The first time I wore one, I had multiple people say ‘Go Blue’ to me, and that stuck with me. It showed how strong and unified their community is. That sense of pride and belonging is something I’ve always valued at Huntington, so finding that same feeling at Michigan made it feel like the right place for me.”

The teenager intends on studying biology and then continue on into the medical field. “Right now, I’m still figuring out exactly what path I want to take because there are so many different options, which is honestly exciting,” Ms. Palacios said. “I’m really interested in helping people and making an impact, and I know the medical field will give me the opportunity to do that. Michigan offers so many resources and different directions within biology, which makes it a great place to explore and grow while I figure out exactly where I want to go.”

The senior is closely identified with the Blue Devil athletic program. “Playing sports at Huntington has meant everything to me,” Ms. Palacios said. “It’s honestly unlike anything else because of the amount of support you feel throughout all four years. One moment that really stuck with me was when the younger HV LAX girls came to support us at regionals, because it showed how connected the program is and how much people truly care. Being a multi-sport athlete has also helped me become more well-rounded. It’s taught me how to manage my time, stay organized, and push through challenges, even when things get busy or stressful.”

She might be headed to Michigan, but Ms. Palacios will never forget her experiences in Huntington. “Wearing the Blue Devil uniform is something I’ve always taken a lot of pride in,” she said. “It represents more than just a team; it represents a community. You realize that younger athletes are watching you, and that pushes you to be the best version of yourself both on and off the field. It’s a really special feeling and knowing I’ll still be wearing blue next year makes it even more exciting.”

Ms. Palacios has fully embraced Huntington and especially the high school during her time here. “All of my teachers and coaches have played a huge role in shaping who I am today,” she said. “They’ve supported me, pushed me when I needed it, and always believed in me. Whether it was in the classroom or on the field, they held me to a high standard and helped me grow into a more confident and disciplined person. I wouldn’t be where I am without that support system.”

Participating in after school sports and clubs consumes countless hours, but Ms. Palacios believes they are worth the time. “I would definitely recommend playing sports to anyone starting their high school career,” she said. “It’s such an important part of becoming a well-rounded person. Sports teach you discipline, time management, teamwork, and how to handle both success and failure. They also give you a built-in community and some of the best memories you’ll have in high school.”

Ms. Palacios offered some advice to next September’s incoming freshman class. “I strongly recommend playing multiple sports if you can,” she said. “It keeps you active throughout the year, challenges you in different ways, and helps you grow as both an athlete and a person. It’s not always easy balancing everything, but that’s what makes it so valuable. It teaches you how to stay organized and push yourself, and those are skills that will stay with you long after high school.”