Eastport-South Manor’s top of the class

The Eastport-South Manor Central School District is pleased to announce that seniors Ryan Lee and Layla Warsaw are valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Class of 2024.

The district congratulates both Ryan and Layla on this outstanding accomplishment and looks forward to hearing them speak at the district’s graduation ceremony, to be held on June 26, at 7 p.m., on the stadium field.

RYAN LEE

Having acquired top ranking in his class, Ryan achieved a 107.77 grade point average. He is a National Merit Semifinalist, an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a member of the National Honor Society, English Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. An avid musician, Ryan plays the clarinet and is a member of the Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School marching band. Ryan is also on the school’s tennis team and is a member of the chess club. While off campus, Ryan gives back to his community through volunteering at Eastport Bible Church’s Hangtime program. His academic interests lie strongly in science and engineering, as he is a science research student and has plans to attend Binghamton University this coming fall to pursue a major in mechanical engineering.

Ryan’s words of wisdom to the class are to be true to yourself. “Don’t force yourself to be someone you’re not, just to ‘fit in,’ because there will always be people who don’t agree with you. And besides, there’s no one better at being you, than you,” he said. 

LAYLA WARSAW

As salutatorian, Layla acquired a 107.69 grade point average. She is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a member of the National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society and National English Honor Society, where she holds the office of president. Layla is also treasurer of the Best Buddies program. A talented tenor sax player, Layla is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, is a member of the pit orchestra, and section leader of the marching band. She also plays on the school’s tennis team. Like Ryan, Layla’s academic interests lie in science. She has not yet committed to a college or university this fall, but plans on pursuing biochemistry as a step to a career in cancer research.

Layla’s advice to her peers is to always strive to be the best you can be. “We all have incredible potential, but the only way to reach that potential is to apply yourself,” she said. “If you indulge yourself in the things you love and are passionate about, you can’t go wrong.”