Brandon Balogh

Henderson Bay High senior works hard to achieve academic goals, is newly enlisted U.S. Marine

Brandon Balogh recently joined the U.S. Marine Corps and will be leave for infantry basic training shortly after he graduates. He will fall into the footsteps of his parents, Drew and Lorraine Balogh, both of whom were Marines.

Balogh said that, although his parents didn’t influence his career choice, he has wanted to be in the military service since he was a boy. He said he chose the Marines because of their good reputation and professionalism, and he said he’s ready despite being in a time of conflict.

“I’m a little nervous, but I think of all the people who have gone before me,” he said. “If they were able to do it, I should, too.”

Those who know Balogh say he is a young man of high integrity and impeccable manners.

“Many young men entering the workforce are well-prepared technically by the study curriculum that they have completed,” said family friend Donald Henderson, a former military pilot. “However, not nearly as many also have the moral character development necessary to use their technical abilities with the integrity and courtesy required to be a genuine credit to the employer. (Balogh’s) honesty and considerate ways will make him a great asset to all those he may be involved with in the future.”

Balogh has pushed himself to achieve his goal of graduating this year. He fell behind during his junior year, so he performed independent study and extra work. He said having supportive friends was important to his success.

“He has a healthy curiosity about the world, which causes him to ask good questions and engage in interesting conversations,” said Peter Liljengren, a Henderson Bay High School teacher. “Doing quality work for his classes goes without question.”

Balogh has not decided yet whether to turn his Marine service into a long-term career or go to college after four years. He said he’s interested in mechanics as well as psychology.

“Brandon gives me the confidence that, as his generation steps up and accepts the leadership of our country, my welfare is in good hands,” said Alice Couch, a Henderson Bay High School teacher. “I know that Brandon will assume his role as a citizen of the world by bringing to it the same commitment and integrity that he has shown as my student.”

Brandon Balogh

Education: Senior, Henderson Bay High School

Parents: Drew and Lorraine Balogh

Activities/achievements: Student of the Month; Rotary Club Award; World Vision volunteer award; certificates of achievements in music, language arts and others; Fitness and Health Improvement Award; Career Day Certificate of Recognition.

Favorite teacher: Dawn Jiminez, fourth grade teacher, because “she taught me a lot about ways things are in the world,” Balogh said.

Best thing about high school: The teachers. “They all sincerely care about the students, and they take time to talk with each one of us,” he said.