Panthers Beyond PHS: Kalliope Primis

For Kalliope Primis, Pleasantville High School was a place where she found both her passion and her community. 

Throughout her four years at PHS, Kalliope immersed herself in the performing arts as a member of chorus, Camerata and the spring musical. She also took on a leadership role as secretary of the Performing Arts program, experiences that shaped both her high school years and the person she has become. 

"While at PHS, I was extremely involved in the performing arts. Some of my best memories in high school were on the PHS stage. It gave me an opportunity to express myself and gave me a community that made me feel loved and accepted. I was a member of chorus, Camerata and the spring musical all 4 years as well as took on leadership opportunities such as being the secretary of the performing arts." 

As she prepares for college, Kalliope says Pleasantville High School helped her recognize the value of being part of a close-knit community. 

"Pleasantville High School showed me the importance of support in a small community." 

She also credits one teacher with having a lasting impact on her journey. 

"Someone who made an extreme impact on my journey was Ms. Hagey. Her AP government and politics class helped me learn many valuable lessons, not just about money and my role in government, but by preparing us for college lecture halls by sharing her best advice and tips. Not only is she an amazing teacher, she is also an amazing person. I always felt I could go speak to her no matter what, class or non-class related, and she treated us with respect as soon-to-be adults, which I appreciated as a senior." 

One lesson from her time at PHS will stay with her as she begins this next chapter: 

This fall, Kalliope will attend Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she will major in Nursing while fueling her passion for musical theatre as a minor or by taking vocal and acting classes. She is especially looking forward to experiencing a new city. 

"I am most excited to be in a new city. I love being in urban environments with a lot of culture and new experiences, and I'm very excited to explore the music scene in Cincinnati." 

When asked what advice she would offer younger Panthers, Kalliope shared words of encouragement that reflect her own high school journey: 

"Your story is going to unfold exactly as it should. Don't put pressure on yourself to be perfect and without error. Failures are the steppingstones for success." 

Congratulations, Kalliope! We wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter at Xavier University.