Gigi Blumberg

Gabriella Pilat

You might have heard the name Gigi Blumberg, probably from reading this paper. Gigi is an editor of the Blue Devil Beat. Excitingly, Gigi is finishing up her time here at Kenmore West and planning to head to Saint Bonaventure University in the fall for journalism. Before her time comes to a close, I wanted to give her the spotlight that she so rightfully deserves in a paper that she created.

Gigi has been a long-time inspiration of mine, in more ways than one. She is a big part of Theatre West, having participated in six plays, three musicals, and too many extra things to count. Gigi is such a strong actress. With her impeccable comedic timing and perfect characterization, she is a force to be reckoned with. I guarantee that if you ever came to a spring show, you giggled at at least one of her lines. But what is arguably more important are her leadership skills on and off the stage. Gigi is always bonding with her castmates and showing them the ways of the stage. That’s how we became friends actually. In theatre class and rehearsals, her bubbly and inviting personality makes people want to be her friend. You never have to be worried on stage with her because she will support you. One time during West’s production of “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” a key character forgot to come onstage so Gigi improvised with fellow senior Nora Kiel for 2 ½ minutes. As just a sophomore, she had the skills to work well under pressure in a situation that would have made most crumble while keeping character and making those around her look good. Throughout the next two years, her leadership skills have only grown making her the amazing person that she is today.

Not only is Gigi a leader on stage, but she is also the fabulous and fearless leader of The Blue Devil Beat. When I first pitched the idea of reviving the school newspaper to her in August, she was immediately on board. Getting this newspaper off the ground has been nothing easy, but Gigi has been by my side every step of the way. What was originally known as Devil’s Digest will and forever be known as the Blue Devil Beat thanks to her. She is always providing great writing advice and a positive voice in our Monday meetings. Gigi provides an example that all writers strive to follow and perfectly demonstrates the three principles of the Blue Devil Beat: to educate, inspire, and entertain. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her this year, if only for one year. 

I have had the pleasure of being friends with Gigi in and out of Kenmore West. I can tell you for certain that there is nobody that I trust more. She is my go-to girl. Whether I need to laugh, cry, or just want Starbucks, Gigi is the one that I turn to. She shows me how to find joy in the smallest of things. When I recall my happiest memories from the past few years, most all of them involve Gigi. She is truly the person that I call my home. I just know that she is going to go on to do great things at Saint Bonaventure next year and my heart swells with pride to see her going on to do what she loves.

Evangelina Greenwood

I am happy to say that I have been friends with Gigi for about three years and have been blessed by every moment that we have spent together. From the moment that I met her as a new student in the Kenmore area, I knew I had found a place and a family within Kenmore West. Gigi was able to give off such a bright light in school that made you want to join in on all the fun. I will forever be grateful to say that she was one of my first true friends and I am glad to now call her one of my best friends. In the time that I have known Gigi, it did not take long for her to become one of the most outstanding role models in my life. I look up to her as she radiates joy and brings laughter to any situation. When you talk to almost anyone that knows and loves Gigi they can tell you that she is one of the most effortlessly funny people that they know and I stand by that claim. Not only has Gigi been able to lift me up with a laugh in hard times but she has taught me something that has transformed my high school experience. Through knowing her I have learned to embrace being a kid. High school is hard, and in this generation, we tend to focus on the negatives which leads us to become blind to the beauty around us. Gigi has shown me how to stop and appreciate my wonderful friends, all of my opportunities, and the beautiful world that we live in. I will forever be grateful for all of the laughs that we have shared together and the joy that I feel being able to spend time with her. Seeing as Gigi will be going away to college sooner than I like to think about, I know I will feel her absence in a big way, but I cannot wait to see how she conquers the world. Thank you, Gigi, for just being you and allowing me to call you my friend.