Pearl River High School Salutatorian: Your Voice, Actions Matter

PEARL RIVER, NY — This year's valedictorians and salutatorians are an extraordinary group of young people. Patch asked them to answer a few questions about their high school experience and what they look forward to in the future.

Today, meet Hanna Preston, Salutatorian at Pearl River High School.

Question: What will you miss most about high school?

Answer: I will miss the simplicity of my routine and knowing that I could count on seeing my friends every day.

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

A: I am really excited to branch out - I want to take new types of classes and meet new people. I think a lot us in Pearl River have similar experiences, so it will be exciting to meet someone who I haven’t gone to school with since at least fifth grade, if not earlier.

Q: What was your favorite high school class?

A: My favorite class I took at PRHS was our RCC English class taught by Mr. McNerney. I love English, and it was a different completely approach to English than I had previously done. We started analyzing all media (not just writing) and connected it to a lot of real-world philosophies and ways of thinking.

Q: What clubs or extracurriculars were you involved in?

A: Since eighth grade, I've been a part of the PRHS Theatre Department - I’ve been in ten shows during my time at PRHS. Aside from theatre, I’ve been a part of the choirs, the Academic Team, Girls Learn International, Model UN, and numerous honor societies.

Q: What advice would you give to underclassmen?

A: I would say do not think that just because you are young your actions do not matter - in terms of both your academics and life in general. Just because you’re a freshman, it doesn’t mean that the classes you take and the grades you earn won’t help you out or boost your GPA later on. And in life, don’t think that just because you aren’t an adult your voice does not make a difference.

Q: Any teachers/staff who stood out throughout your journey?

A: A lot of teachers have stood out to me. I mentioned Mr. McNerney above; he has taught me to look at everything critically but with an open mind. Also, Mrs. Shepard stands out as she really helped me develop my voice as a writer and was a huge help during the college-application process. One last teacher is Ms. King who made me love biology and gave me a place to allow my curiosity to take over.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: I really have no idea. As of right now, I’m interested in human biology and medical research, so I’d like to be doing some sort of research along those lines. And I’d like to have a job (hopefully) so I can pay off student loans.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about you.

A: I have a huge obsession with all-things Disney. I actually wrote a part of my application to UVA about my love for Disney.

Image via Pearl River school district