Meet the WI High School Class of 2010 Salutatorian

For West Islip High School Class of 2010 Salutatorian Kevin Schauer, being accepted to a top college or university was always a goal, but being named number two in his class with a 103.52 weighted grade point average has its perks too. "I know that I have excelled in high school, but being Salutatorian will give me more confidence in college," he said.

Schauer, 18, the youngest of three brothers, attributes his success to many factors, most notably, though, is hard work, a concept he says he learned at a very young age, "I always knew I was not going to be handed things, I was always hard working and determined," he said.

After racking up countless honors in high school, including being named to the academic honor roll throughout in academic career, and achieving honors in excellences math, science and English, as well as receiving the American Chemical Society Award, Schauer is planning to expand continue his academic career at SUNY Geneseo in the fall.  

Having found success in the math and science fields, subjects that have come easy to him, he is aspiring to major in biology with a pre-med emphasis. "I have always been fascinated with how the human body works, functions and heals," he said.

Schauer also said he is looking forward to a career that will allow him to "go to sleep every night knowing that he has made a difference in someone else's life".

Schauer shed light on some of the factors that contributed to his decision to attend SUNY Geneseo, including the rising cost of college, something he wanted to minimize with the possibility of medical school looming in the future.

While attending West Islip High School, Schauer has participated in a wide array of extra-curricular activities, but perhaps the one that stands out the most is ice hockey, a sport that he says has not only opened his eyes to teamwork and friendship, but his aspiring major as well.

Schauer cites an injury he experienced as a child as a major influence in introducing him to "a whole different world…it was then that I took an interest in how the body works," he said.

According to Schauer, the sport provides him with relief from the stresses and problems of everyday life and allows him to compete on a high level, doing something he loves.

Schauer says he grew up in a household that was very supportive but chock full of sibling rivalries, and while experiencing the competiveness of two older brothers was challenging at times, he claims it has it rewards too. "They are very successful and I feel that this has pushed me to strive for the same," he said. "They always supported me."

While graduating high school and entering college can be a bit scary, it is also a time that Schauer relishes. "This is one of the most exciting times in my life; doors are closing and opening at the same time," he said.

Though Schauer's excitement hardly exceeds his achievements, his goals remain unwavering. "Hard work will eventually pay off sooner or later," he said.