Joseph Mozdzierz, of Mahopac, will graduate from Lakeland High School on Saturday with the special distinction of achieving top academic rankings in his class. He has been named salutatorian.
The 18-year-old will be attending Manhattan College where he will be studying either biology or biochemistry. Not only has he earned top grades, Joseph has been an active member of the school. He is a member of the National Honor Society, student government, varsity indoor/outdoor track and field team.
He has also participated as a volunteer in the Midnight Run and has received the Superintendent’s Award for Academic Achievement, as well as the Excellence in English Award.
Patch interviewed the student to get his take on his high school experience and plans for the future.
Patch: Did you imagine you'd be named top student – was this your goal?
Joseph Mozdzierz: Without a doubt I was striving for the highest possible achievement going into high school and in reality, I was simply planning on doing my best. In the end, it inevitably paid off, but I was certainly surprised at the initial result; it was truly unexpected.
Patch: Was there a particular class or academic experience that changed you?
Mozdzierz: Oddly enough, one of the classes that happened to make a difference in my life was an elective film class. Prior to taking it, I was somewhat interested in the world of film…and by that I mean, I watched movies from time to time. However, throughout the semester, I was taught to “read” the film and discover deeper meanings within seemingly shallow scenes. This idea can be applied to life as well, because it always pays off to read between the lines.
Patch: In your opinion, is there anything you'd like to see the school district do differently?
Mozdzierz: Given my immense interest in the sciences, it would be nice for the district to offer a few elective science classes to enable the students to greater specify what they truly have an interest in; provided that is the path they choose.
Patch: What's your dream job of the future?
Mozdzierz: I intend to work as a researcher for a pharmaceutical company or continue on an academic path and educate the future generations of students.
Patch: What was your experience at Lakeland High School like?
Mozdzierz: My four years at Lakeland were filled with nothing but positive experiences. Everyone quickly got to know each other and as a result, there was a true feeling of community among the students. Not to mention, whenever I sought assistance, the teachers and staff were always available and ready to help.
Patch: What will you miss when you graduate high school?
Mozdzierz: I will definitely miss the friends and teachers that have so greatly impacted my life over the past 4+ years.
Patch: Please share a funny or embarrassing story about your high school experience?
Mozdzierz: I would honestly have to say that one of the funniest moments in my high school career was our Mr. Lakeland event. Even though it was not necessarily one single moment, it proved to be one of the best nights of my life. It was hilarious seeing my friends out on the stage showing off their ridiculous talents or sharing their best pick up lines. Mr. Lakeland will undoubtedly be something I remember forever.
Patch: What advice will you give SHS juniors?
Mozdzierz: Possibly one of the most important things I could tell the soon-to-be seniors of Lakeland is to finish up their college applications early; it will make the beginning of the year that much better. There is a common misconception that senior year does not require hard work, when realistically, things do get bumped up a notch. Also, I would have to say, take advantage of the little things that go on in the background, because there is no reason to pass up an opportunity that could leave a lasting memory. Senior year is an amazing time, and it should be enjoyed.
Patch: What are some objectives of your speech? What message do you hope to send at graduation?
Mozdzierz: My speech looks to accurately sum up the past four years and relay a lesson that was learned at the end of each year. Hopefully, these lessons will remain in the hearts and minds of the class of 2013 and will be carried with them as they proceed into the next chapter of their lives. I would have to say the overall theme is to take advantage of each and every day, because life moves rather quickly.
Patch: Four fun, quick questions. Ready? What's on your iPod, what's your favorite late-night snack, your favorite book and what comfort item will you bring from home to college?
Mozdzierz: My iPod has an interesting mix of music, incorporating classic rock, rap, dubstep, and even a little classical music thrown in. I would have to say my favorite thing to eat late at night is a hearty bowl of Special K…the best cereal in existence. Fight Club definitely takes the cake for my favorite book given it’s interesting concept and its ability to make the reader think. It’s safe to say that I’ll be bringing my Rubik’s Cube to college, it helps me to concentrate my thoughts and oddly enough, to relax.
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