When Pearl River High School presents its academic awards for students in grades eight through, the top 10 percent of the graduating seniors are also recognized, with principal William Furdon reading off their accomplishments.
Current senior Terence Hughes just wanted to be in that group, which he will be at the Grade 8-11 Academic Awards 7 p.m. tonight in the high school auditorium.
"They have the top 10 percent on stage and they read off their accomplishments and where they are going to college," Hughes said. "I knew that was my goal to be on the stage with my peers. Valedictorian or Salutatorian wasn't a thought."
It is reality now. Annette Krysiewicz is the 2013 Valedictorian and Hughes is the Salutatorian.
"When (Guidance Counselor) Mr. (Joe) Hanlon told me, he was so thrilled and I was shocked," Hughes said. "I was confident that I'd be on stage, but to be that far up, I was shocked."
Hughes, who carries a 98 average, has earned high honor roll each year of high school and is an AP Scholar with honors. He also took a Brown University pre-college course, "Exploring Medicine," but Furdon will have more to read when he goes through Hughes'; accomplishments tonight.
Hughes has worked as a tutor of math, chemistry and Spanish. He volunteered as an assistant in the pharmacy department at Nyack Hospital, which fits in with his interest in medicine. Hughes will attend Dartmouth in the fall, studying Pre-Med, Biology. He would like to be a doctor, but he is still open to following other paths as he goes through college.
"I liked AP Bio last year," Hughes said. "That's because that's what I want to do in college. I'm interested in that stuff, studying life and science. I'm going in Pre-Med, Bio, but I feel like it will probably change. You are exposed to so many new things in college."
As a volunteer, Hughes also took part in the Pearl River High School Junior Class Car Wash and planted trees to help save river trout at a Pennsylvania Farm in 2011 with Trout Unlimited. He has assisted at St. Margaret's Church in Pearl River and sold raffle tickets for the Pearl River Scholarship Fund.
Hughes ran cross country and track since is freshman year, giving up baseball to run it this spring as well. He was named co-captain this fall. He has competed in Science Olympiad, Academic Team an Math League while being involved in extra-curricular activities including SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and VAASA (Varsity Athletes against Substance Abuse)
Hughes is a founding member of Pearl River High School's Yellow Ribbon Club, which works with the USO to help troops, veterans and their families.
"The reason I was passionate about that is my cousin served his first tour, came back, and he's back over there again," Hughes said.
Hughes said that the long list of activities helped him rather than interfering with academics.
"Originally, I was thinking I won't have time for my work," Hughes said. "Sports and clubs take up so much of my time. After a year or so, I was so passionate about school and activities. I found they were fun, almost a release. Especially running. I took an AP Physics exam and I was going nuts. Then I went for a run (and relaxed). It helps me manage my time better and relax."
Editor's note: Check back with Patch for more on Valedictorian Annette Krysiewicz
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