South seniors ready for the next step

Classes and testing are almost finished and the seniors of Valley Stream South High School are ready to graduate and take on the new challenges they will face. Yearbooks have been passed out allowing the students to reflect on the memories and friends they’ve made.

Before stepping out of the hallways of South and moving on to college and planning for their futures, a few seniors took time to share their goals and reflect on their time in high school.

Sushmita Sadhukha

College: Dartmouth College 

Plans to study: Biology, hopefully on pre-med track

Dream job: I would like the opportunity to go to anyone I met, anyone I saw, just to ask them their story and then write about them. In medicine, I’d want to be an emergency room physician.

Elementary school: William L. Buck 

Activities: Falcon Report news broadcast, Quiz Bowl team, academic honor societies, National Honor Society

Best high school memory: I don’t have one memory. I believe in cherishing small moments. The other day I was walking in the hallway and a seventh grader was walking in the opposite direction. She looked up at me and smiled. It was unexpected and unwarranted. I kind of saw some of myself in her. 

Summer plans: I want to read more books, like “David and Goliath” by Malcolm Godwell. I’ll possibly volunteer at Franklin Hospital. 

Joseph McCarthy

College: Virginia Military Institute

Plans to study: Mechanical engineering 

Dream job: Combat engineer in the Army

Elementary school: Brooklyn Avenue

Activities: Track and field, cross country, Athletic Honor Society, National Honor Society, Athletic Leadership Council 

Best high school memory: My whole junior year. My Advanced Placement Western History teacher Mr. Vizone was great. He really knew how to make you feel special. He was key in me opening up. Prior to that, I was an introvert.

Summer plans: I’m going to be doing a lot of competitive runs, like Spartan races. I’m going to be doing a lot of physical training to prepare for the academy. I’m also going to study calculus to give me a boost before the academy.