Musketeer Monday Part Two: Valeria Berrios

Meet Central Islip High School senior Valeria Berrios in this week's Musketeer Monday spotlight!

Valeria is focused on her senior year of high school while eagerly anticipating her future at SUNY Cortland, where she plans to major in U.S. history and pursue a career in teaching.

Beyond academics, Valeria showcases her artistic side through her passion for drawing and coloring. Her dedication to humanitarian efforts is evident in her active involvement in the community. She provides community service at St. John of God R.C. Church, with a particular focus on collecting food for the church’s pantry and participating in clothing drives for her parish. “This work is very important to me,” Valeria explained. “My grandmother was very religious, and I grew up the same way. There are a lot of people who don’t have enough food and essentials.”

Valeria attributes much of her personal growth to her parents. “My parents are both very hardworking. They always support me and tell me to never give up,” she said. “I am a very hardworking person and dedicated to the things I believe in.”

At school, Valeria has found inspiration in one teacher in particular: Mr. Matt Hawker. “When I was in Mr. Hawker’s U.S. history class, he made it so easy to learn and understand what he was teaching us,” she shared. “He actually made it fun to learn, and when it comes to school spirit, Mr. Hawker goes all in!”

Mr. Hawker is equally proud of his former student, sharing, “Valeria Berrios was a quiet student who always did her work and kept to herself. She was the kind of student you have in a larger class who transitions from a C+ average to an A+ average. You could really see her academic growth.”

Valeria is proud to be part of the Musketeer Family at Central Islip High School. “Being a Musketeer means being united and working together as one team. There are so many fun activities to participate in, and we all show our support for our school as a team. We’re all very loud at events as we cheer each other on!”

Congratulations to Valeria Berrios for shining in this week’s Musketeer Monday spotlight!