Croton-Harmon High School Announces 2016 Salutatorian

From Croton-Harmon Schools:

Susan Rykowski, Croton-Harmon High School’s Class of 2016 salutatorian has an impressive résumé – class president for four years, the only female member of the school’s golf team, member of the debate team and all-around, high-achieving student.

But as her school counselor, Leslie A. Troise, pointed out, “…she is so much more than book smart.” Troise noted that Rykowski “observes and processes diverse information, whether interpersonal or situational, in a way that far exceeds her years.”

She counts some of the rigorous math classes she has taken throughout her high school career as some of the highlights of her academics in Croton.

“Last year, I took AP Statistics and really liked that and this year I am in AP Calculus,” Rykowski said.

In addition to math, Rykowski has enjoyed studying English and two languages – Chinese and Spanish – at CHHS. Outside of her time at school, she has spent time volunteering at Teatown Lake Reservation and tutoring younger students in math.

“I think high school has definitely taught me how to have a great work ethic and how to manage my time well,” she said. “I have also had great experiences getting to know some of the teachers and faculty here and establishing great connections.”

Rykowski credits the growth she has achieved over the years to the opportunities the CHHS setting offers for one-on-one attention with teachers.

“You may not find that in other school districts,” she said, adding, “I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of this class – we have been together since kindergarten and at this point we know each other so well.”

Rykowski, in looking for a campus to continue her education in the fall, sought out a university that mirrors Croton-on Hudson – one that would offer a similarly intimate learning environment in a supportive community close to a city. These criteria led her to select Villanova University, where she plans to study business and accounting.

Photo: Croton-Harmon High School’s salutatorian Susan Rykowski (right) with valedictorian Duncan McManus (left) and Principal Alan Capasso.