Academic Scholar: Ryan Young

Don't call Ryan Young a valedictorian, even though he graduated Sunday at the top of his class. That's because Commack High School has a different name for the honor: academic scholar.

"It's not a big deal, I still give a speech, we don't really know why they changed the titles," Young said.

Since moving to Commack from Babylon for the 8th grade, Young has excelled in academics and extra-curricular activities in the district.

"I worked on the newspaper, The Courant, from 10th to 12th grade. It was a big commitment, but a fulfilling one. The coolest thing I got to do was meet Bob Costas. I also worked as news editor in junior year and sports editor in senior year. It was a leadership position but I had more fun when I had more responsibility," Young said.

Costas, the famed sports reporter, is a Commack alumnus.

Young was also a member of the Math Team, which made it to the finals at Penn State. Last summer, he also took a course in number theory, as he's planning to major in math in college.

"That helped me prepare for moving away," Young said.

Next year, Young heads to Columbia University.

"I'm going to miss the nurturing from my teachers, my relationships with them. This last week, being able to go back and talk to them about how much I've changed since freshman year was great. I know I won't be able to talk about the Mets with my professors at Columbia, it's different," Young said.

He hopes to work in the sports industry in some way in the future.

"I might end up in journalism, maybe math; that's what the next four years are for–figuring it out," Young said.

His advice for the class of 2011? "Don't stress over everything. It seems like college applications will never end, but they will and you'll get through it. Enjoy the second half of the year–you'll miss it."