The Herkimer Central School District Spotlight showcases student, graduate, and staff member successes.
Patrick graduated from Herkimer High School in 2010.
What’s your favorite high school memory?
I was in a band with a couple of my friends, and the cool thing is, the school used to let us set up rock shows in the cafeteria on a regular basis. The school really embraced music and creativity. On the last day of school, they let us play in the lobby when everybody was getting on the bus. We played “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper.
What have you been doing since you graduated?
I was fortunate enough to get a scholarship from Herkimer College, which was awesome. I’m a huge proponent of community college — it’s inexpensive, you can live at home, you can get a job and really cut down on your debt, and you can transfer out to other SUNY schools. Herkimer College really is such an important resource, and I really recommend for people to go there.
I transferred to SUNY Oswego, and I did multiple internships including at WUTR in Utica. I got a job in Watertown at the station WWNY TV 7 News, in June of 2014, and I’ve been there ever since. I now am an anchor, reporter and producer.
Did anyone from Herkimer Central School District influence you in becoming who you are today?
Mr. Krause, in the drama and music department, is one of the people who pushes you to think outside the box and burst out of your own personality. That really helped me a lot.
I also had a teacher in eighth grade, Mr. Mitchell, who would tell you a story, and you’d have no clue if he was going to give you a quiz on it. He taught me to listen to people. It was true for a lot of my teachers that, not only did they teach you the subjects, they also taught you life and common sense.
What advice do you have for current Herkimer High School students?
Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. That’s the reason you go to school — to learn. The only way you’re going to learn is by asking the questions you need. Don’t ever be afraid to approach someone, and don’t ever let an opportunity go by and not take it. Always try new things and always, if you’re interested in something, always check it out.
Connect with Patrick on Twitter at @PatrickMalowski