Joshua Sarlo: Lynbrook High School valedictorian

Joshua Sarlo will follow a different path than most of his classmates after officially completing his time in the school at graduation on June 25. Rather than beginning college in the fall like, he will take a “gap year” has he attempts to find a Division I school that will offer him a hockey scholarship.

Joshua has his eyes set on minding the net for an Ivy League college or university. He has been a goalie for as long as he can remember, most recently for the North Jersey Avalanche, a team based in New Jersey. He said he has learned a lot from the game, particularly about balancing his obligations and priorities.

“I really learned how to manage my time,” he said. “I have practices in New Jersey and games there, or in Connecticut or wherever else, and I had to learn how to balance becoming a better player with my school work and making sure I’m not letting anything slip through the cracks.”

He credited some of his success in finding that balance to the close-knit community he found at Lynbrook High School. He said that without fail, each person at the school, whether a teacher, student or another member of the staff or faculty, was friendly and supportive, and wanted to help him find ways to succeed.

“There really is just such a great atmosphere here at Lynbrook,” Joshua said. “Whether it was students, teachers, administration everyone was always open to working with my schedule the best way they could.”

Joshua, the son of Grace and Tony Sarlo, said he plans to study business and economics. A member of the National Honor Society and the Toy Lending Club, he described himself as a “numbers guy,” and said he always enjoyed studying math and science the most.

He advises current and future students at his soon-to-be alma mater to go after every opportunity that is presented to them over the course of their four years.

“I’d tell them to work hard everyday,” he said. “Make sure you’re constantly giving it your all. Obviously make sure you have fun, but don’t relax too much … you never know how what you’re going to do today will affect your future.”

Joshua will address his classmates at their graduation ceremony, and said he plans to speak with them about the transition that each of them will soon be making.