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Remsenburg-Speonk Elementary alumnus Nick Borruso was recently named valedictorian of the graduating class at Westhampton Beach High School. We are so proud of Nick! 

He is now headed to Yale, where he will study Neuroscience on a pre-medical path.

We sat with him to ask how his RSE experience impacted his life and academic career. 

What did your RSE experience mean for you in your educational journey?

“RSE was a unique learning experience. Due to the small class size, there were many opportunities afforded to me that wouldn’t have been otherwise. Some of my experiences that have left a mark are my kindergarten teacher Mrs. Johnson who sang us through our days and played the piano; Spanish class beginning in Kindergarten; Marimba band; the yearly Reindeer Run Event in gym class; the afterschool clubs like cooking, lego building, and art; and the opportunity to join a competitive problem-solving team. More than anything, learning was fun. I am an innately curious person, and the opportunities that presented themselves at Remsenburg allowed me to foster that curiosity.”

Do you have any specific teachers or memories you’d like to highlight?

“Mr. Albert! He was my 5th and 6th-grade teacher. He was definitely the toughest in terms of the expectations he placed on myself and my peers, and anyone who had him during that time will remember him for his vocabulary packets. Looking back, the packets did much more than help us build a robust vocabulary. He taught us accountability as we gained the study skills necessary to be successful, as we moved on to middle school in Westhampton Beach. In the process, he also provided us with some great incentives. My favorite was when he gave pencils that he had embossed with our initials if we found errors in printed text. I still have mine!”

How gratifying is it to be named Valedictorian?

“Being named Valedictorian is an excellent validation of my hard work, dedication, and achievement to this point in my academic journey. I view it as a stepping stone to my future academic success.”

What has been your most significant motivational factor for success/growth?

“My curiosity and willingness to tackle problems have inspired my drive to pursue my passions. I’m motivated by a desire to learn.”

Tell us about your career goals.

“My goal is to become an academic neurosurgeon. I plan on pursuing an MD-PhD program after undergrad.”