Q&A: North Babylon Valedictorian Matthew Pecoraro

Matthew Pecoraro was named the valedictorian of the North Babylon High School Class of 2018.

Pecoraro will be attending Yale University in the Fall to study either Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Political Science.

Check out Patch's full interview with the valedictorian below:

Patch: What are your plans for after graduation?

Pecoraro: I plan to study either Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Political Science, or a combination thereof at Yale University as an undergrad. Following this, I plan to immediately attend graduate school and eventually pursue a PhD. I hope to work in the field of energy systems development (and its relation to the development of new batteries) and dedicate my life to such research, whether that be in the private sector or in academia.

Patch: What will you miss most about high school?

Pecoraro: I'll miss most the ability to do what I want to do whenever I wish to do it. In high school, I've been granted the ability to study whatever I'd like to. I've taken courses, as most students have, from Literature to Physics and Government to Band. I've studied what I've enjoyed outside of school (especially for Quizbowl) ranging from obscure French history to the chemical reactions we experience daily, and I've participated in a myriad of activities from Drama to the Boy Scouts. I fear that when it comes to my future, as I gain more responsibilities I'll lose this freedom of choice over what I can do and when I can do it, which I'll miss greatly.

Patch: What are you most looking forward to in moving on to college?

Pecoraro: I'm most looking forward to the atmosphere of curiosity present in Yale. I'm looking forward to the ability to have passionate discussions with my classmates about everything in academia, from intense scientific discussions over the debated existence of dark matter to heated political debates over the newest major piece of legislation. Most of all, I'm looking forward to the ability to conduct scientific research and leave my footprint in the world of science.

Patch: What was your favorite memory of high school?

Pecoraro: My favorite memory of high school is most definitely Quizbowl. For those of you unaware, Quizbowl is basically a difficult trivia game - think Jeopardy but with much longer questions. I'll always remember the intense nervousness before a major match and the need to think so intensely but quickly in order to get an edge on the opposing team. I'll never forget the team dynamic I've had the privilege to be a part of over the last four years and the hours of studying every subject, from the interesting to the mundane. I'll always keep with me the lessons I've learned from Quizbowl, including inquisitiveness, teamwork, and the fact that I will never know everything there is to know.

Patch: What advice would you give to underclassmen?

Pecoraro: Do both what you need to do and what you want to do. Robotically participating in activities for no truly felt motivations, such as to apply to colleges, will ultimately lead you to feel unfulfilled. Do what you need to do; Graduate high school, study hard, and try your best, but also do what you want. Learn how to play an instrument, play sports, hang out with friends, study what you enjoy, and most of all be yourself. Your actions should represent who you are and want to be.

Patch: Any teachers/staff that stood out throughout your journey?

Pecoraro: There's just too many to mention. Two in particular stood out above the rest, however. First, there's Ms. Casserly. Casserly was my AP US History teacher and somehow managed to teach US History in a very engaging and interesting fashion. More importantly, Ms. Casserly was my Academic Team coach. She dedicated more time and money to Quizbowl then I've seen any faculty dedicate to any other activity. She encouraged me and the rest of the team to study, coached us on how to compete effectively, and was always there to arrange the next match and coach the next generation of players. Secondly, there's Mrs. Bongiorno. Mrs. Bongiorno was my AP Chemistry teacher. She would teach us the material in such a way that encouraged great independent thinking, and I credit her for my intense enjoyment of Chemistry. She'd entertain every question I had, from the logical to the theoretical, and taught us about postulates and formulas that greatly overreached what was necessary for the curriculum to help us get a better understanding of the course. Both of these teachers have had a tremendous impact on my development as an intellectual being, to which I cannot credit them enough.

Patch: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Pecoraro: I'm not entirely sure where I see myself in ten years. By that time, I hope to either be working on or have already attained a PhD in some STEM field (most likely either Chemistry or Chemical Engineering). I hope to be working in either academia, preferably as a researcher, or in the private sector working in engineering. Regardless, I see myself enjoying my career choice and still constantly learning new things about the world that surrounds us on a daily basis.

Patch: Name a fun fact about yourself.

Pecoraro: I started and finished my application to Yale University on the day that it was due. I have a bad habit of procrastinating things, especially those which are important, and this application was no different. Nonetheless, I didn't only get accepted by Yale (and enrolled), but I also received a Likely Letter from them.

Congratulations to Matthew Pecoraro!