Lynbrook alumnus is a 'Survivor'

The hit CBS game show ‘Survivor’ will celebrate its 30th anniversary when the newest season premieres on Feb. 25, and A Lynbrook High School graduate will be one of the guests on the island.

“I’m taking my talents to Survivor, to show the world my athletic skills and will to win at any cost,” Joaquin Souberbielle, 27, of Valley Stream, told CBS when asked why he wanted to be a contestant. “I’ve always managed to find a way to survive in every situation life has thrown at me. I’m sure I’ll be just fine.”

Souberbielle has lived in New York his entire life, graduating Lynbrook High School after attending Valley Stream Central High School for three years. He went on to study at the University of Albany, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. He now works as the marketing director for Five Towns Neurology in Lynbrook, and said much of his motivation comes from a New York icon.

“Derek Jeter,” he said when asked who was the main inspiration in his life. “For his dedication, finesse and choice in women, of course.”

The show was taped in 2014, but has yet to air, and the results of the competition which pits 18 contestants against one another in a “last man standing” format while they live on a remote island, are still unknown. Before leaving for the show, Souberbielle said he had two goals for his time on Survivor; bring a new flavor to the island, and come home victorious.

“I’m not like any prior contestants. It’s the first time you’ll see anyone like me. I promise you will enjoy this,” he remarked. “I’ll be the sole survivor because I have all the attributes it takes to win this game. I’m smart, social and unbelievably athletic.”

His self-described claim to fame is “living a life that has allowed me to overindulge and experience so much of the beauty the world has to offer,” and said if he could bring just two things with him to the island, he would have everything necessary to make sure he and the other contestants are always having a good time.

“Alcohol because everything’s better with alcohol. A speaker with music for entertainment, and that’s all we really need. Add it together and we have a party!”

He will be competing on the White Collar team, squaring off against the Blue Collar and No Collar contestants. In his introductory interview for the show, he expressed plenty of confidence leading into the show.

“I’ll be the sole survivor,” he boldly proclaimed. “I have all the attributes it takes to win this game. I’m smart, I’m social and unbelievably athletic.”