Lynbrook High School 2012 Salutatorian: Tim Keegan

A modern-day Renaissance man, Tim Keegan is equally at home in the classroom, on the basketball court and under the bright lights of the high school stage.

Among his many honors and achievements, the salutatorian of the Lynbrook High School Class of 2012 is a National Honor Society member, a National Merit Commended Student and an AP Scholar.

Athletically, he is a varsity basketball player.

Musically, he is an All-County vocalist who has performed in the Show Choir, Varsity Chorus and Jazz Concert.

A master of the written word, Keegan has authored many articles for his school newspaper, Horizon.

Currently the president of Lynbrook High School’s Drama Club, Keegan has appeared in every dramatic and musical production in his school over the last four years.

In addition, Keegan was selected as the Town of East Rockaway’s Boys State Delegate and a leader in his school’s Athletes Creating Excellence program. His extracurricular activities also include a past internship at the New York City Public Defender’s Office and refereeing at Long Island Lutheran’s Youth Basketball Camp.

Of all these activities and accomplishments, three in particular helped define Keegan — basketball, journalism and theater.

“I love basketball more than anything,” Keegan said. “It has taught me how to persevere, be dedicated and stay dedicated — how to earn something through hard work. The bonds I’ve made with my teammates are priceless. Coach Chris Rube has been a huge influence in my life, and he really helped me mature as a person and player.”

Keegan continued: “I was also blessed with the opportunity to perform in eight shows at Lynbrook High School. Each was as incredible as the next. When I started off in Drama Club, a lot of older actors guided me and helped me find myself on the stage. As a result, I better found myself in life. The confidence I gained through acting is incredible for me. As president of the club during my senior year, I felt empowered to help younger kids in their acting careers and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

He added of his literary affection, “Writing for the school paper allowed me a public outlet for my creativity and the opportunity to grow and develop as a writer.”

But success did not always come easy to Keegan. As a ninth grader, he met with his first high school failure when he was cut from the basketball team.

“Basketball was my entire life, it was my love. I was devastated,” he said of the defeat. “But I knew I loved basketball too much not to play again. I knew I had to get better and work harder. I made the team the next year and have been a staple of the basketball program for the last three years.”

Keegan credited his parents with being his role models, his grandparents for showing him what it means to be altruistic and his mentor Mike Coleman, director of the New York City Public Defender’s Office, with teaching him to shun injustice and welcome equality.

The salutatorian also recognized Superintendent of Schools Santo Barbarino, who showed him the true meaning of selflessness, inspiring him to give back to the community.

When asked for the best piece of advice he could offer to incoming freshmen as they begin their high school journey, Keegan said, “Don’t be afraid of failure; it happens to everyone … it shapes and strengthens us. Success isn’t only measured in the classroom; it is measured in the fields, on the stages, in the hallways, and in how you interact with your peers.

"At Lynbrook High School I learned to be a total student, and I became well-rounded. I also learned responsibility and how to advocate for myself in life," Keegan added.

These lessons, well-learned, will serve this salutatorian well as he heads off to Binghamton University to face new adventures, challenges and successes.