Alam said that one of his favorite moments came last September, when he and Siegelaub were called to Principal Richard Howard’s office, where they were informed that they were the school’s top two students. “We went back to our classroom, and our friends were so supportive and happy for us,” he said. “It really made me feel proud that we have such a good group of friends.”

“Nathan and Hassan are two young men who have truly made East Meadow High School a better place,” Howard said. “They’ve had a profound impact on our school community. We’re very proud of their accomplishments and wish them the very best in the future.”

Asked what advice they would offer future graduates, the pair kept it simple. Alam suggested not worrying too much about specific classes, and instead focusing more on the people you surround yourself with.

“Go about everything with an open mind,” said Siegelaub. “Approach every situation with a smile. If you give respect to people and are available to people, you’re going to get a lot of stuff in return.”