Q&A With This Year’s Valedictorian

Sayville High School Class of 2010 valedictorian Amanda Rizzo recently took some time to answer a few questions about her academic journey.

Q:What are some of the activities you were involved in during your tenure at Sayville High School?

A: Science research, Anchor Club, Students Working for Enhanced Environmental Protection (SWEEP), Sayville High School Site-Based Team, Jazz Choir, Chorale and Sayville Players

Q: Where are you attending college in September?

A: Tufts University with a major in biology, pre-med. I also might possibly double major in Community Health or Spanish

Q: What are your career goals?

A: I am not currently sure about my career goals. I am sure that I want to travel, interact with people and do something related to biology. I have always wanted to be a doctor, but I am not sure what kind. I am recently fascinated with neurology.

Q: What is your favorite memory of your years at Sayville High School?

A: I have so many memories inside and outside of school over the past four years. My favorite memory, though, must be my trip to Costa Rica this past February. It was the best week of my life.

Q: Why is Sayville such a great school district?

A: The teachers. I have been so fortunate to have the most amazing teachers a student could ever hope for.

Q: Was becoming the valedictorian a goal you've been working toward most of your high school career?

A: It has certainly been a goal of mine. Ever since I saw my rank as number one on my first transcript, I have worked to maintain it. Though getting the best grades possible and putting out my best possible work was my primary goal, I have always wanted to be the Valedictorian. Thankfully, my best was good enough to let me hold on to the #1 position in my class.

Q: What is your favorite subject and why?

A: I love science. As someone who has learned about science through textbooks, classroom teaching, and personal research, I don't think there is anything more exciting than learning how to better understand the world around us.

Q: Are there any stand-out teachers who've particularly influenced you along the way?

A: I can honestly say that every teacher I have ever had in Sayville has influenced me in some way. I am lucky enough to not only love how my teacher's teach, but I love all of them as people. They go out of their way to help whenever I need them. I could give you a very long list of stand-out teachers. To name just one, from a scientific research perspective: Mrs. Maria Brown has been the most supportive, amazing teacher I could ever ask for.

Q: How did you strike a balance between studying hard and having a social life?

A: It has certainly been difficult to find balance. And while I have gotten much better, I am still looking for the perfect balance. I have sacrificed certain things for school work, although, my friends can attest to the fact that I do have a life outside the books. It really comes down to prioritizing.

Q: What advice do you have for students going into Sayville's senior class this coming fall?

A: Enjoy every minute of it. I seemed to be wishing the time away at certain points, and it truly does go fast. Do your absolute best in school, but don't forget to have fun along the way. I certainly have.