Senior Spotlight: Luke Krombholz

Luke Krombholz is a fundamental member of Metuchen High School’s Class of 2025. From singing and acting to playing golf, he makes you wonder if there’s anything he can’t do. Along with his wide array of talents, Luke carries a magnetic energy with him everywhere he goes, exuding positivity and compassion. He’s made a substantial impact on the MHS community and has been a true gift to Metuchen High School. 

“Luke is one of the most dedicated people I know. Luke is constantly perfecting his golf swing or rehearsing for a play for hours on end. As time goes on, the results of his hard work are shown through his amazing achievements that he continues to receive. Also, Luke is a great friend that always wants to help. At the MHS blood drive, Luke was not assigned a specific role when he volunteered, but decided to help me with supporting donors as they walked after they donated for the entire day. Luke’s great character is always on display and he is among the best people I have ever met.” - Danny Galligan 

Luke has an extensive background within MHS Footlighters. Not only was he a member of the show from the fall of his freshman year to the spring of his senior year, but he grew up around his mom, a teacher at MHS, directing the shows. Watching the shows that his mother directed, as well as the kids in the classes above him, inspired him to join Footlighters himself. Seeing their successes and the joy it brought them to simply be a part of such a production was enough to convince Luke to join. He’s become very experienced throughout his four years in the show, saying that the hardest part of the show is admitting that there are improvements to make and having the ability to take constructive criticism. His time with the production has greatly expanded on his previous strengths, teaching him focus and teamwork. He had to establish connections with his castmates in as little time as a couple of weeks and had to consecutively perform in front of large audiences, neither of which were simple tasks. Footlighters have not only taught Luke long-lasting skills but also given him memories that he will continue to cherish for a long time to come. 

“Luke was one of the very first students I got to know when I started at MHS three years ago. I met him during his audition for the 2022 fall play, Puffs. He's since participated in every single Footlighters' show and is in my 12H English class. Luke has a way of making all situations positive ones. He is cheerful, upbeat, enthusiastic, and all around, a great role model. He's the first to jump in and help, sometimes anticipating needs before I ask. I feel so lucky to have gotten to know him through Footlighters, and now through class. We'll miss him very much at MHS, but he's got a lot to share with the world as he continues on his journey.” - Ms. Jacobi 

Another integral part of Luke’s high school career is golf, being a key member of the high school golf team throughout his time at MHS. He’s been playing golf since he was just two years old, explaining how he first began to find enjoyment in the sport at around five years old. Through the First Tee organization, a junior golf program, Luke was able to find a sense of community within the sport at such a young age, allowing him to build both foundational golf and life skills. Luke plans on continuing to play golf well into the future, whether that be collegiately or professionally. Luke reflected on one of his favorite golf memories, from when he was around seven or eight years old. He was placed alone against two kids who were a few years older than him. Although he lost the match, he was able to score one of three points against them, fostering his competitive spirit and inspiring him. Out of the various activities and programs that Luke is a part of, he’s most passionate about golf, proving the profound effect that the sport has had on his life. 

“Luke is a very helpful and encouraging teammate. He helps everyone on the team improve and helps them strive to be better. He is a very kind and honest person, who betters everyone around him.” - Chris Ahn 

Luke is also a member of the high school’s Choral Club, which he began around seventh grade in the middle school choir. He’s been a member of the club all four years of his high school career and has even managed to take it as a class this year. His mom once again was a strong influence on Luke when it came to the musical side of his life, teaching him a lot of the love he has for singing. He joined Choral Club hoping to not only be able to sing with a group, but also establish connections with other like-minded students who he might not have been able to even meet otherwise. He believes that Chorusnis unique from his other activities because it is such a tight-knit community, with the club meeting only once a week and the class having only twelve students. One of the best parts, in Luke’s opinion, is the different types of students that are in the Choral Club, each with different backgrounds but all brought together to learn and enjoy music. 

“Luke is a gifted musician. He has been singing his whole life and that has helped him develop his ear and his memory.  He can learn and retain music quickly. Even when he was little, he'd start singing a song (maybe one a little too mature for his age) and he'd not only have the tune but the words. I have loved having Luke in choir for 6 years, and I have been thrilled to see him succeed in Region and All State Choir and as a Footlighter. Proud Mom and even more proud as a teacher.  Oh, and Luke's a pretty good golfer too, but that's harder for me to watch- I get way too nervous when he's playing golf-but we can sing together all day!” - Mrs. Krombholz 

Media Club is another standout part of Luke’s high school achievements. He has been a commentator on MHS sports in the past, despite some technical difficulties with the commentary this year. He also does a lot of off-camera work, including writing as well as helping to set up and organize the various interviews, podcasts, and sporting events that they conduct. He was drawn into the club by his brother as well as other friends of his. They supported him through joining the club and helped him explore his interest in a different side of sports, whether that be commentating on a game or conducting an interview. Luke specifically enjoys the morning meetings that he has with other members of the club, where they are each able to collaborate and bounce ideas off of each other for upcoming projects/events. 

“I met Luke when I was a freshman and he was a sophomore during MHS Footlighters. We became fast friends because of his incredible ability to talk to you about almost anything. Most of the time, we discuss simple things, like fishing, or sightseeing, or cheese. But when it’s necessary, Luke has the power to lift you out of even the deepest of ditches, and remind you that a better future is worth working towards every single day.” - Ryan Stein 

Luke is a member of the student council at Metuchen High School as well. After being a member throughout middle school he became a member of the class board during his freshman year, subsequently taking a two-year hiatus to focus on his numerous other activities until he returned to serve on the executive council board in his senior year. Serving on the executive board intrigued him, as he would then be able to help plan and contribute to wider school events. Luke believes that having a spokesperson for the student body is especially important in a school setting. It allows for an efficient means of communication between the student body and teachers, as well as benefits the organizational and financial aspects of planning events, as the members of the student council board can directly communicate the wishes of those in their class. 

“I taught Luke Krombholz in his junior year.  He's one of those students I'll always remember because he was a great English student but then when you go deeper you realize he's got a lot of other things going on beyond my classroom.  I was amazed to see what a dynamic performer he was in "The Little Mermaid".  I also realized that he was REALLY busy with golf, as well.  Somehow, being as busy as he is, he still is just the nicest guy around.  I'll miss our conversations...usually about golf.  I think Luke proves that you can be involved and follow your passions and still do well in school and still have a great attitude about everything.  He's going to be missed next year.” - Mr. Levy 

One of Luke’s favorite parts of his time at MHS has been simply spending time with his classmates during his senior year. He explained that everyone has been sort of coming together and spending more time with each other, as the senior class prepares for their next chapter after high school. Luke’s biggest role model is his brother, who he said was able to do everything he wanted to do first, setting a bar for him to reach and motivating him whether it was in baseball or golf. As he looks toward the future, Luke is aiming to study Professional Golf Management at Penn State, after which he hopes to enter the golf industry whether that be playing, coaching, or otherwise. Luke is a true light within MHS. He certainly “did it all” during his high school years and he hopes that MHS underclassmen do the same. He is unafraid to follow his passion and has a drive greater than most. His wide display of talents allows him to stand out from the rest of his peers, and he is well deserving of the bright future that is about to come his way.