Schools

Meet the Valedictorian: Comsewogue's Krystal Ramsamooj

Krystal is headed to Boston University in the fall.

Krystal Ramsamooj has a bright future: the Comsewogue senior graduated from high school as the valedictorian of the Class of 2013, with a 99.78 grade point average, and is headed to Boston University in the fall. 

She delivered a memorable speech on Friday – not just full of encouragement for her fellow seniors, but also with a few comedic twists. "What I admire most is how up to date we are, always with the latest technology. Take, for instance, our security system," she said. "If there happens to be an intruder, we hide in a triangle in the corner of the room. What’s with the triangle, I don’t know. We can barely fit in there. I know the budget is tight, but we couldn’t afford a more spacious geometric shape?"

Krystal was involved in several organizations during high school: Habitat for Humanity, Bringing Unity Through Youth (BUTY), Spanish Honor Society, and Leading and Empowering to Achieve our Potential (LEAP), for example. She has also volunteered at Jefferson's Ferry Retirement Home, and said the BUTY program was the most rewarding.

"We raised money and awareness for people suffering from ALS," she said. "It was a great experience to meet Chris Pendergast, participate in a “Ride for Life,” and help at an annual dinner. It always feels good to volunteer, no matter what the cause may be." 

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Before she and her classmates collected their diplomas and threw their caps high in the air, Patch had the chance to ask Krystal a few questions about her success in school. 

Patch: What were your favorite classes at Comsewogue HS?
Krystal: I would have to say Computer Science was my favorite class at Comsewogue. It was challenging, but I had never previously taken a programming class, so it was also interesting. Especially in the high-tech world we live in today, the importance of learning these types of skills is essential. The ability to understand and make my own program in the class was fascinating.  

Patch: What's your approach to schoolwork and studying?
Krystal: I like to face things “head-on.” The most challenging class I took was AP Physics when I was in 10th grade. It was definitely a struggle, but I never dropped the class and when I reached the end of the year, I was so proud of myself for never quitting. I keep this in mind whenever any of my others classes become difficult. I know to succeed I have to work hard and study often.

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Patch: Outside of academics, what's the most important thing you learned in high school?
Krystal: I’ve learned a lot about myself throughout my high school career. My parents gave me my values and work ethic and I was able to develop that at Comsewogue.

Patch: What advice would you give to younger students?
Krystal: I would like to pass on the insight I gained from Physics class. It taught me a lot about what I was made of and could accomplish. I want younger students or even just students in general to know that although something is difficult, you should never give up, just give it your best; I guarantee you will be proud with yourself in the end. 

Patch: What will you miss about high school?
Krystal: I will miss all the people at Comsewogue: friends, teachers, administration. These are the people I grew up with—some since Kindergarten. It is difficult to separate from the people you have grown close to for so many years. 

Patch: What are you looking forward to in college?
Krystal: I am looking forward to new experiences, independence and academics that specifically revolve around my interests. College should be both exciting and a little frightening, as change usually is, but I’m ready for it.   


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