For Alexis Tchaconas, 17, her autistic brother Nikolas, 22, is the foundation of her passion for genetic research, something she plans to continue pursuing in college.

"I spent a lot of time researching autism genetics, it was interesting because I got to work in the lab and then bring it home to work with my brother," Tchaconas said.

In addition to being the president of the science honor society, Tchaconas is an avid athlete – competing throughout high school on varsity golf and swimming. She also participated in a golf-training program – The First Tee Program in Nassau County–and with the Special Olympics bowling, golf and swimming leagues in Commack.

A native of Whitestone, Queens, Tchaconas moved to Commack in time to attend Commack Middle School. Tchaconas will be attending Columbia University in the fall and is excited for the transition "back to city life," although she will miss some things. 

"I'm going to miss the guidance that you get from the teachers and the staff. In college, you're more on your own," she said.

Tchaconas also served as a student government representative, a class of 2010 executive board member, and is a member of the science, national, math, history, English and Spanish honor societies. She was also a staff writer for Commack High School's newspaper–The Courant– and a member of the concert band group.

Tchaconas is most proud of her work as a medical research intern in the summers of 2008 and 2009. In '08, Tchaconas worked as an intern in the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and in '09, Tchaconas worked with the Simons Summer Research Fellowship at Stony Brook University.

"I am truly proud of the work I did with genetic autism research when I look back at my high school career, because it is something I initiated despite discouragement and obstacles I faced along the way," she said in an email.

Her advice for the class of 2011? "Enjoy your high school years; take advantage of everything that comes in senior year. It's a year of bonding."

Tchaconas is also the recipient of the Commack High School science award, science research award and the Alan Katz Memorial Scholarship. She is a resident of East Northport, within the Commack Union Free School District limits.