On Nov. 27, 2007, News 12 Long Island recognized Kristie Kalenka, a senior at The Wheatley School, for her all-around achievement in scholarship, athletics, leadership, and school service by awarding her the Citibank - News 12 Long Island Scholar-Athlete Recognition Award. Kristie, who was featured on News 12, will be presented with a $1,000 scholarship. Director of Sports at News 12 Long Island Bob Wolff began this student-athlete recognition program in 1988. Each week of the school year, an outstanding Long Island student-athlete is recognized and profiled.

Kristie, a starter for the Lady Wildcats soccer team, was one of the team's captains. As the team's goalkeeper, she stabilized a solid defense, provided leadership and inspiration to her teammates on a daily basis and contributed to the team's 2006 State Finalist and 2007 League Championship finishes. This fall, Kristie received All-Class honors and was selected to play in the Exceptional Senior soccer game. At the Nassau County soccer awards dinner, Kristie was also awarded the Suzanne Link Memorial Scholarship, a most prestigious award, which is presented annually to a female soccer player in memory of a gifted scholar-athlete who was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident. Kristie is also captain of varsity basketball and softball, where, as the starting point guard and sure-handed shortstop, she continues to be a leader in both sports.

While pursuing a most challenging academic program, Kristie has achieved a perfect grade point average of 4.0. She has maintained a high profile in a variety of school and community programs. She is president of United Student Government and the Varsity Club, vice president of Future Business Leaders of America, secretary of the Italian Club, and is a member of S.A.D.D./Peer Educators and the Principal's Leadership Council and is involved in the Institute for Creative Problem Solving for the Gifted and Talented. She is currently enrolled in seven AP courses and has been inducted into the Latin, Spanish and National Honor Societies. As noted above, Kristie is a three sport athlete, participating in soccer, basketball and softball, is captain of each team and, still finds time in her busy schedule to volunteer her considerable talents to serve the needs of others as a tutor.