By Benjamin Shipp
NKyTribune intern
We have all heard the cliché that leaders are made, not born, but it is sometimes hard to truly understand the meaning behind this timeless phrase.
Huddleston and friends at graduation (provided photos).
Every once in a while, however, a person can rise to the times and set himself apart from the rest, bringing clarity to that adage. Sam Huddleston, a recent graduate from Boone County High School, is one such individual.
He epitomizes what it means to not only be a young leader, but a prospective future leader in the Northern Kentucky region for years to come.
Huddleston strived for academic, athletic, and community excellence all throughout his young life. As editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, as well as captain of the tennis, cross-country, and academic teams at Boone County High School, Huddleston has quickly hoisted himself upon a pedestal in which success can surely blossom in his near future.
While some of his academic accolades include a 4.0 unweighted grade point average and graduating near the top of his class, one he is most proud of is his title as Governor’s Scholar of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
“I actually studied creative writing as a Governor’s Scholar”, said Huddleston “while I would say that I am more comfortable with numbers, I pursued this because I don’t mind a lot of work and I desired the challenge.”
This is, at its core, the most telling aspect of why Sam is a leader of his peers: not only is he privy to the idea of a challenge, he welcomes them.
Huddleston’s high school achievements included academic excellence, community involvement and participation in athletics as seen in this photo from a cross-country competition.
Huddleston will be attending the J.B. Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville in the fall pursuing, a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
“The reason for me choosing the Speed School is because the program offers me the chance to receive my bachelors and master’s in engineering in five years,’” Huddleston said.
While college is the next major rung on the ladder of life, Huddleston is quite literally shooting for the stars. His ultimate goal would be to work in aerospace technology and one day fulfill the daunting task of getting men to Mars.
Dr. Julie Metzger-Aubuchon, vice-mayor of the City of Florence, said, as a product of the Boone County Public School System, Huddleston is a shining example of what our schools attempt to instill in children.
“There a lot of people who can research or study a subject, but it takes a certain kind of person to apply and network their skills in the real world” Metzger Aubuchon said. “Some of it is that there are excellent teachers and excellent administration in our schools, and some of it is your own personal drive and determination. I think that Sam is a product of a well-run school system and has been mentored by wonderful parents who have shown him from early on that being involved in the community is a benefit to not only yourself, but those around you.”
Even with all of these accolades, Huddleston describes himself as like any other kid living in Greater Cincinnati’s fast paced environment. He enjoys playing video games and making music. He’s part of a self-avowed garage band called Dad’s Chili, that mostly covers old Weezer songs.
Huddleston is just one of the young leaders blossoming in Northern Kentucky that have set themselves apart through hard work and sheer determination. He feels fortunate to have grown up in Northern Kentucky and plans to return after college and make a real impact here.
“I don’t see myself living anywhere else after college”, he said. “Florence is home and that’s why I chose to go to Louisville. It’s far enough away that it gives me a little time to get away from home without feeling too far from home.”
Benjamin Shipp is an intern at NKyTribune and a student at the University of Cincinnati. Contact the Northern Kentucky Tribune at news@nkytrib.com
