Long-time friends top Central’s senior class

Luke Demas and Brian Sinko have known each other since they were first graders at Wheeler Avenue School. Twelve years later, they graduate as the top two members of Valley Stream Central High School’s class of 2012.

Demas, the valedictorian, said he was very excited when he found out earlier this year that he earned the top rank in the senior class. Sinko said he learned in 10th grade that he was second and worked hard to maintain that. “It was always between me and Brian,” Demas said. “There was no question about that.”

In the fall, Demas will head to Harvard University. Although he put chemistry as his likely major on his college application, he said he isn’t sure that is the field he will pursue. “I figure my first year I’ll just take a lot of classes, see what interests me and continue from there,” said Demas, who added that he doesn’t like the word “undecided.”

Demas said he will probably end up majoring in one of the sciences. He explained that he likes science because there is always a right answer and a wrong answer. It also opens up doors to several possible careers including medicine and research.

Sinko will attend Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh where he plans to be a business major. “I’m keeping my options open when it comes to business,” he said, adding that he hasn’t settled yet on a particular concentration but is leaning toward finance. He said the School of Business there is well known for its finance program and is admitting only 86 freshman next year.

College, Sinko said, will be an exciting time. He is looking forward to being in an environment where everyone is focused on learning and making the most of their lives.

The pair have certainly made the most of the opportunities available at Central. Demas was captain of the varsity volleyball team and ran track. He played saxophone for the District Band and Jazz Band, and sang in the gospel choir. Additionally, he had a lead role in two school musicals, “Rent” and “A Chorus Line.”

Demas was president of the National Honor Society and a member of the Science Honor Society. Sinko also was admitted to the National, Science, Math, History, English and Foreign Language honor societies.