Long Beach High School is proud to announce Dillon Razler and Patrick Morris as the Class of 2018 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Both seniors have numerous achievements to their names and are National Honor Society members as well as International Baccalaureate Diploma Program candidates. 

Dillon is president and founder of the high school’s Future Physicians Club, which has connected students with doctors who can offer insight about the medical field. He will set out on the pre-medical track after graduation and has committed early decision to Cornell University, where he plans to study biomedical engineering. Also Key Club treasurer and a member of the Class of 2018, Math Travel Team and Math Club, he has provided many contributions to life at Long Beach High School. He is an IB student ambassador, focusing his Extended Essay on civil rights legislation, integrating baseball. Last year, Dillon earned the Excellence in Spanish award from Circulo De La Hispanidad as well as the Gaelic Quatrain Prize. 

An exceptional athlete, Dillon is in his third year on the varsity soccer and baseball teams, has participated on travel baseball and soccer teams and was recently named a Wendy’s High School Heisman Award winner. He is also musically inclined and, as a member of the marching band and wind ensemble, has performed at Surfer’s Healing events, home football games, the Columbus Day Parade and the Newsday Marching Band Festival.  

In addition to his busy school and sports schedule, Dillon has given back to the community. He volunteered at youth soccer and baseball clinics, coached a travel baseball team and is a member and co-coordinator of the American Cancer Society’s Spin Rides for the Cure. Additionally, he has served as an advisory board member for the Gavin’s Got Heart Foundation, which provides support to families of children affected by congenital heart defects. He also volunteers as a physical therapy assistant and accompanied the wind ensemble at the annual Surfer’s Healing event. 

Patrick is involved with the Key Club, Student Organization, Trivia Club, Future Physicians Club and Class of 2018, the latter of which he served as treasurer for two years. He has been a member of the Model Congress since his freshman year and currently holds the role of delegate chair. As a sophomore, he was named the school’s primary candidate for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Metro Leadership Seminar and earned an Award of Excellence at the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. His IB Extended Essay addresses how cryptography impacted the outcome of World War II. He plans pursue college studies in neuroscience or genetics. 

A talented musician, Patrick serves as section leader of the French Horn/mellophones in the marching band. He also plays the French Horn in the Pit Orchestra and has performed in the school musical productions. Additionally, Patrick has an impressive martial arts background; he obtained a black belt in Shotokan Karate and became a Sempai and student teacher. 

Patrick’s philanthropic spirit is evident in his community service work. He brought P.S. I Love You Day to the high school, assisted with Relay for Life, co-organized the Color Run fundraiser, offered free tutoring services and provided volunteer construction work. Through his marching band involvement, he performed at the Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk Suicide Prevention Walk, in addition to Surfer’s Healing. 

As Dillon’s resume demonstrates, he believes it is important for high school students to allow room in their schedules for sports, clubs and other activities beyond the classroom. “Find time to do things you like,” he said. “Make the most of the free time you have.” 

Patrick agreed. 

“Get involved in extracurriculars,” he said. “It allows a break in the academic life.”