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Mostly Cloudy Lynbrook High School names top graduates
Kramer, valedictorian; Gus, Salutatorian
Valedictorian Daniel Kramer
It was no mistake that Lynbrook High School Class of 2011 Valedictorian Daniel Kramer was chosen to play the part of Yoda in the senior class’ Star Wars-themed skit on Class Skit Night. Like Yoda, he displays a gentle unassuming countenance, while demonstrating Jedi-like wisdom, and mastery in nearly every challenge he has taken on during his high school career.
Danny was named an AP Scholar, a National Merit Commended Student, President of the Lynbrook chapter of the National Honor Society, Editor-in-Chief of his school’s award-winning newspaper “Horizon,” a finalist in the National History Day competition, and a semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search. But, when asked to describe him, the first words that come to the minds of his friends are not “genius” or “whiz kid.” Instead, they characterize him as kind, friendly, personable, even-tempered, and good-humored—the same words he chose to describe himself.
“I would most like to be remembered for not just succeeding,” said Danny with a smile, “but for having fun succeeding and for being a nice person.”
As he takes his place among the past valedictorians whose photos are hung in the halls of Lynbrook High School, his legacy will be one of humility and caring for others. As National Honor Society President, he was in charge of the organization’s tutoring program. He and his fellow honor society members logged countless hours, sharing their own knowledge to help their fellow students reach success throughout the program. Outside of school, he volunteered at SIBS Place, helping the siblings of children with terminal illnesses. “I really felt like I made a difference in the lives of those kids,” he said of the experience.
Calculus and Advanced Placement Biology were the two classes that most influenced his perception of the world, and his place in the world, he said. “In Calculus class, I learned that math is in everything,” he said. “AP Biology helped influence me to pursue a career in medicine.”
