Schools

Danny Kramer — Lynbrook's 2011 Valedictorian

Top student had a gentle unassuming countenance in high school, friends say.

It was no mistake that Lynbrook High School’s 2011 valedictorian, Daniel Kramer, was chosen to play the part of Yoda in the senior class’ Star Wars-themed skit on Class Skit Night.

Like Yoda, he displays a gentle unassuming countenance, while demonstrating Jedi-like wisdom and mastery in nearly every challenge he has taken on during his high school career.

Kramer was named an AP Scholar, a National Merit Commended Student, president of the Lynbrook chapter of the National Honor Society, Editor-in-Chief of his school’s award-winning newspaper, Horizon, a finalist in the National History Day competition and a semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search. But when asked to describe him, the first words that come to the minds of his friends are not “genius” or “whiz kid.” Instead, they characterize him as kind, friendly, personable, even-tempered and good-humored — the same words he chooses to describe himself.

“I would most like to be remembered for not just succeeding,” says Kramer with a
smile, “but for having fun succeeding and for being a nice person.”

And as he takes his place among the past valedictorians whose photos adorn the halls of Lynbrook High School, the legacy he leaves behind will be one of humility and caring for others. As National Honor Society President, he was in charge of the organization’s tutoring program, through which he and his fellow honor society members logged countless hours sharing their own knowledge to help their fellow students succeed.

Outside of school, he volunteered at SIBS Place, helping the siblings of children with terminal illnesses. “I really felt like I made a difference in the lives of those kids,” he says of the experience.

Of all the classes Kramer took at Lynbrook High School, he says that Calculus and
Advanced Placement Biology were the two that most influenced his perception of the world and his place in the world. “In Calculus class, I learned that math is in everything,” he says. “AP Biology helped influence me to pursue a career in medicine.”

Of all his experiences, the one that had the most profound effect on him was the
summer he spent at Rockefeller University, working under the direction of his mentor, Dr. Alex Proekt, where he developed a research project about the genetic mechanisms that control circadian biology. Not only did this research earn him a place as an Intel semifinalist, but it also helped him define his plans for the future.

Kramer will be heading off to Harvard in the fall with the hopes of one day becoming a doctor, splitting his time between practicing medicine and conducting scientific research.

“Dr. Proekt taught me how much fun and rewarding science can be,” he says. “Working at Rockefeller, I saw that people really could change the world.”

As he looks back on his four years at Lynbrook High School, Kramer offers these
parting words of advice for incoming freshmen. “Appreciate every moment. Always
work hard, but have fun along the way. Above all, make sure to find what you love.”

This article was submitted by Rosemary Leonetti of Syntax, public relations firm for the Lynbrook School District.


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