For Hicksville High School senior Sebastian Niculescu, being named valedictorian is gratifying, but it’s not the most stand out moment of his time in high school.
“I’m appreciative of the opportunity I’ve been given, but I don’t think it’s the be all end all of high school,” Niculescu said.
For him, what really stands out about his high school career is the relationships he’s made with his classmates and teachers.
“I’ve had incredible teachers that have shown me what I would like to do and their passion has instigated my own passion,” he said. “Those relationships will stand out to me the most. They taught me so much.”
He said all his teachers have had an effect on him, but his art teacher, Beth Atkinson, math teacher, Jason Cetron and English teacher, Michael Biondi have taken their role as teacher to the next level.
“They are the most passionate people I’ve ever met. They really want students to feel the same excitement they do about their work and that passion they have instigates passion in students,” Niculescu said.
During his time at Hicksville High School, Niculescu’s been involved with several clubs and extracurriculars but his time on the Model UN and Science Olympiad have been the most meaningful because of the family environment they fostered.
“They’re both not only academically challenging and very in-depth, but they also foster a sense of family within the clubs,” he said. “You learn from students what you may not have learned before. Everyone supports each other and you all just have that family dynamic. It’s more than just a club.”
After graduation, Niculescu plans to spend his summer interning at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In the fall he will be attending the Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design’s dual degree program, where he will get a degree in either math or physics from Brown; and sculpture or film from the Rhode Island School of Design. He hopes to have a career in research, but still pursue his artistic talents.
“As long as I can remember, I’ve really loved both of those subject areas. To have to choose between them was a scary prospect. This was the perfect medium where I got to do both,” Niculescu said. “It’s pretty intense, but I think I can take it because I get to pursue both passions.”
Also taking honors is salutatorian Priya Mishra. When she found out she was second in her class, her thoughts went to the people who had supported her along the way.
“I was happy, but not really for myself. The only reason I’ve gotten to become salutatorian is because of my parents,” Mishra said. “I knew when they heard they’d be thrilled and I knew it would open a lot of doors.”
One of those doors was getting into her dream school, Columbia University, where she is considering majoring in computer science or economics in the fall. She said Columbia was an ideal choice for her because of the diverse range of classes she can take and its prime location in New York City, which is close to home.
Mishra credits her success largely to the support she’s received from her parents, who are first generation immigrants from India.
“They managed to raise me into someone who’s made them proud,” Mishra said. “I wouldn’t be anywhere without my parents’ love and support. You don’t get anywhere alone.”
Like Niculescu, Mishra credits Atkinson and Cetron for being two teachers that have had an incredible impact on her.
“Mrs. Atkinson’s been like a mom to me. It’s so amazing to watch her in her flow making her own art, and it’s so gratifying when I make a piece and she says I do a good job. She makes me feel like I can do anything,” Mishra said. “And I’ve never seen anyone teach like Mr. Cetron does. It’s never about [test scores] for him, you do your best as a student and you’re there to learn. He makes you love math and he’s such an inspiration to all of us. He’s a role and mentor to all of us.”
The Hicksville High School Class of 2015 graduation ceremony takes place Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m. at the high school.
