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Academic and athletic star, Ryan Guzman, was named this year’s King’s Park High School valedictorian. He graduates with an astonishing 107.96 cumulative weighted average. A testament to Ryan’s academic excellence, he is a Coca-Cola Scholars Semifinalist, Jefferson Scholars Regional Semifinalist, JSHS Semifinalist, and Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award recipient.
Beyond academics, Ryan demonstrates exceptional leadership as President of the Science Olympiad team, the Senior Class, and co-president of both the Culture Club and Independent Science Research Program. He is earning the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, a Seal of Civic Readiness, and an AP Capstone Diploma.
Ryan’s talents also extend to athletics as captain of the Varsity Boys Track Team and is a 4x All-County Athlete. His musical side shines through while playing the trombone in both the Symphonic Winds and Jazz Band ensembles.
Ryan’s commitment to his community is evident through his work as a private tutor, volunteering with a local track league, and serving on Smithtown’s Youth Council. He distinguished himself even more when interning at a pharmacology lab at Stony Brook University, where his research on Major Depressive Disorder was published.
This fall, Ryan is taking his impressive record to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he will major in neuroscience.
Sierra Healy, a music, science, and athletics enthusiast is King’s Park’s salutatorian. She graduates with a stellar 107.52 cumulative weighted average. Sierra’s achievements reach outside of the classroom, as she was named a prestigious National Merit Finalist for 2024.
A gifted musician, Sierra plays violin in both the high school orchestra and chamber orchestra. Her talent was recognized with her selection to perform in the NYSSMA All-State Orchestra this year. She is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and uses her musical experience to give back as a tutoring coordinator for the National Honor Society.
Sierra’s interests also include science. As co-president of the Independent Science Research Program, she tackled a critical issue, conducting research on pancreatic cancer at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Her work on adoptive T-cell therapy to combat immunosuppression during cancer treatment earned her a well-deserved JSHS Semifinalist distinction.
Sierra is also a dedicated athlete, competing in both swimming and triathlons. Her well-rounded talents are taking her to Duke University in the fall, where she plans on majoring in mechanical engineering.
Congratulations to both Ryan and Sierra on their achievements!
