Q&A: Raymond Kelly, Class of 2012 Salutatorian

The school year is ending, and from is here.

The will take the field at the to on , , at 6:30 p.m.

According to the , the Top 20 in the class included, in no particular order, Colleen Ames, Ajsha Mekulovic, Amanda Armbruster, Alissa Montalbano, Emily Crichton, Priscilla Morelli, Joseph Curry, Cassandra O'Connor, Alissa Eckert, Allison Perna, Briana Iannacci, Cassandra Price, Kerri Keeler, John Rinaldi, Raymond Kelly, Michael Rinaldi, Luke Konopka, Danielle Vozzo, James Lynn and Adam Wawro.

(See also the accompanying photos.)

They were recognized at the on , but Lindenhurst Patch spoke with a few of the of the graduating class.

Here’s what , who was named salutatorian, had to say about making it to the top of class.

How does it feel to be salutatorian?
“It’s an honor. I worked really hard, and it all paid off in the end.”

Did you expect this?
“I knew I was close to the top, but I was excited when I found out.”

What does it mean to you?
“It means that there’s more motivation to work hard in the future. I feel like I’m representing my school.”

What went into achieving this honor?
“I realized in ninth grade that I had the chance to be ranked that high, so I started working toward it. I worked as hard as I could. I put a lot of diligence and effort into my work and studied.”

In what activities were you involved?
“I was on the that won the and the this year. The team went 17-0. It was the first time in school history the volleyball team’s ever done that. We all played together since seventh grade. I was also in the National Honor Society. I played baseball in the , and soccer in the .”

What’s the one thing people should know about you?
“I try not to take things too seriously, and take life as it comes.”

Where are you going to college and what are you studying?
“I’ll be going to Seton Hall University and studying biology with a concentration in pre-med so I could continue to medical school and become a doctor. I love science, and biology is a favorite subject of mine. I found I had the capability to do this, and I want to use my talents and help people.”

What’s your advice for fellow classmates?
“Just continue your hard work in college. Follow your dreams. Don’t put things off. And enjoy life while it comes.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
“It’s a long way till then, [but] I see myself becoming a doctor.”