Academic Scholar: Matt Parmett

Matt Parmett spent 13 years in the Commack Union Free School District, and is ready for the change he will make this fall–all the way to the University of Pennsylvania.

"I wanted to be in a city, because Commack is a really small town. The campus atmosphere, combined with the city, will help me make a good group of friends. I didn't want to be in the college bubble," Parmett said.

On Sunday, Parmett was first to give his speech to parents, classmates and board members as the traditional salutatorian role requires, although he too is referred to as an academic scholar, like Ryan Young.

Having attended North Ridge Primary School, Burr Intermediate School and Parmett is quite familiar with the Commack community and feels he will miss his friends the most.

"I know I won't be able to keep in touch with everyone; I'll definitely lose some of the relationships we had this year," Parmett said.

He is traveling to the University of Pennsylvania with another Commack High School alumnus and so feels he won't be out of his element.

"It makes me feel better that I'm not alone and hopeful for the type of people that will be there. If Drew Meyers and I got accepted, I'm sure there will be similar people and that's a good thing," Parmett said.

Another comfort to Parmett is his experience with the University itself. Last summer he participated in a summer program where he lived on the campus. He is interested in political science and economics, but will go into the university with an undeclared major.

Parmett was most involved with the student council while at CHS and feels that it was good "life experience." As treasurer, he was responsible for handling the finances of the council and also with planning many of the community events.

His advice for the class of 2011? "Work hard, because the more effort you put in, the more successful you are, the most options you'll have.