Lynbrook High School's top of the class

Lynbrook Schools/Collage Mary Malloy/Herald

VALEDICTORIAN: SKYLER KESSLER

Equally at home in the science lab or the photo lab, riding waves or playing jazz, Lynbrook High School senior Skyler Kessler has found both satisfaction and success as a scientist, artist, athlete and musician.

An award-winning science research student, Skyler studied this past summer as a research intern at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. This experience helped him decide to aim for a dual major in biology and business when he heads off to Washington University in St. Louis this fall. While shadowing an emergency room physician at North Shore University Hospital this year, he confirmed his desire to pursue a career as a physician.

The founder of his school’s Photography Club and photo editor for the school newspaper Horizon, Skyler has shared his love of photography with fellow students, while garnering multiple awards for his work. As a freelance photographer with his own business, Skyler often has his photo credits pop up in the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald. He also has many satisfied customers, whose family events and special occasions will be remembered fondly through his photos.

Skyler has been on the varsity tennis team since freshman year and enjoys the thrill of athletic competition. A certified lifeguard and skilled surfer, Skyler also enjoys the thrill of catching a perfect wave.

“Working as a volunteer lifeguard at the 2012 New York City Ironman was a very touching experience,” recalled Skyler. “It was amazing to help swimmers during some of the most physically straining times of their lives. I actually witnessed one of the swimmers die after going into cardiac arrest. That memory will always be with me.”

As a member of the Lynbrook High School Jazz Band, Skyler has performed at the Duke Ellington Festival, the Herricks Jazz Festival and the NYSSMA All-State Festival. He and his fellow band members also turn up at events around town to lend a touch of melodic pizazz.