Whiz Kid: Rob Mariani

Name: Rob Mariani, 17 years old

School: Eastchester High School, Senior

Accomplishment: EHS class of 2011 Valedictorian

Key to Awesomeness:
On June 24 at 10 a.m., the senior Eagles of Eastchester High School will fly off to life’s next peak--adulthood. Leading their convocation is Rob Mariani, who recently found out he was named the class valedictorian.

“I was called into Dr. Capuano’s office and he gave me the news, it was really exciting to find out," Mariani said. "It’s a nice accomplishment, but I wouldn’t say that it was my main goal in high school. I was more focused on getting into a college I wanted to go to. I think being valedictorian was secondary, but it’s definitely exciting to get that honor."

Not only is he a spectacular student who covers all the bases in academics, music, and sports.

“I play the trombone in the school concert band, jazz band, and full orchestra. In the concert band  we do parades and play at football games.  I have auditioned every year for all county and all state groups.  Since fifth grade I’ve been selected for both all county and all state groups," he said.

"Besides the trombone, I play basketball and baseball.  I was on junior varsity in ninth and tenth grade and varsity in eleventh and twelfth grade for both sports.  This year, I was team captain for both basketball and baseball."

He’s a triple threat as far as colleges are concerned. As it is for most students, the application process was stressful and required a lot of work, but Mariani is looking forward to life after high school.

“I am just excited to know that I am graduating and I’m going to be moving on to the next level of my education,” Mariani replied.

Next stop for Mariani is Cornell University where be attending the School of Engineering and is likely to study mechanical engineering in the fall.

Before venturing off to Cornell, he gave a sneak peak into that all-important valedictorian graduation speech.

“One point I definitely want to emphasize in my speech is to never forget where we came from and to always remember Eastchester High School, the teachers that we’ve had, our family, our community and that we should never lose sight of that no matter where we go in the future,” said Mariani.