Glen Cove's Honorarian: 'Humble And Genuine'

Glen Cove High School announced that Mario Serrano Sosa is the Class of 2013 honorarian. The school district supplied this bio. 

Ranking third highest in the Glen Cove High School Class of 2013, Mario Serrano Sosa is this year’s honorarian. Mario came to the United States with his family in 2003, barely speaking the language. Ten years later, he has proven his academic ability through challenging coursework, as well as his courage and ability to overcome any obstacle that comes his way.

Mario chose an extremely rigorous academic program throughout his high school career, focusing on honor and AP courses as well as an assortment of electives. He always performed strongly in his classes, receiving academic honors in almost every AP and honors class he took, and embodying every characteristic of a fantastic student. Further demonstrating his commitment to academics, he was awarded the Principal’s Cup as a junior and the Superintendent’s Award as a senior. He was also on the Principal’s List for three consecutive years. He is well-versed, well-spoken and well-rounded, with comprehension and insight sophisticated beyond his age.

“Mario is a beautiful human being,” said guidance counselor Margie Tockman. “He has a true balance of intelligence and grace. I have the utmost confidence that Mario will make great contributions to the world of medicine. He is a real fighter, courageous and devoted to helping others with the gifts he possesses.”

Outside of the classroom, Mario had been an active member of the Distributive Education Clubs of America, National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars and Student Athlete Leadership Team, spending his summers as a camp counselor at Glen Cove Summer Day Camp. Always finding ways to give back to the community, Mario has assisted with cleanups after services at his church and has participated in the JDRF 5K Walk to Cure Diabetes for three consecutive years and the Fight World Hunger 5K walk as a sophomore.

Mario is also a talented athlete, with his passion being football. He assisted his team in heading to the county playoff game this year, representing the true meaning of a team player and leader for his peers while serving as a captain this past year. He was named one of Nassau County’s “Golden Eleven” athletes during his senior year – a distinction reserved for the top 11 scholar-athletes in the county. He was also a vital component of the wrestling and track and field teams, demonstrating humility and loyalty both on and off the field.

“I cannot say enough about Mario,” said Ms. Tockman. “I joined my profession to motivate and inspire students, but in this case, Mario as well as his family have motivated and inspired me. It has been my sincere pleasure working with such a humble and genuine student as Mario.”