Musketeer Monday Part Three: Katelyn Reyes

Welcome to Musketeer Monday, a weekly series in which we feature students and staff around the Central Islip School District. If you’re interested in nominating a fellow Musketeer, please click the link below to submit your nomination:

Musketeer Monday Form

Musketeer Monday Part Three: Katelyn Reyes, 12th Grade, Central Islip High School

Q: What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
A: My favorite subject in school is math. I love seeing formulas be applicable to problems that don’t look remotely solvable, or when two very different problems can be solved using the same formula.

Q: Are you involved in any school activities or clubs? If so, which ones?
A: Marching Band, STEP Club at NYIT, Stage Crew, Action Committee, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Varsity Girls Tennis (9th–11th grade).

Q: Have you ever taken on a leadership role at school? Please describe your experience.
A: Yes. I serve as Drum Major 1A of the Marching Band, Vice President/Treasurer of the STEP Club at NYIT, Lead Sound Engineer of Stage Crew, and Treasurer of the Islip Town NAACP Youth Branch.

Q: Have you received any awards, honors, or special recognition? Tell us about them.
A: I’ve received the NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award, the College Board National Recognition Program’s First Generation and School Recognition Awards, and the AP Scholar with Distinction honor. I also serve as an Ambassador for Childhood Cancer Awareness.

Q: Do you participate in any activities outside of school? Please explain.
A: Yes. I’m involved in the STEP Club at Suffolk County Community College, the Islip Town NAACP Youth Branch, and the Doctors of Tomorrow program.

Q: Have you ever been involved in any activities or hobbies in the past that were meaningful to you?
A: I haven’t acted on stage, but as a member of Stage Crew I’ve worked behind the scenes on school productions. I manage set movements for shows and, as of last year, I now work in the sound booth operating mics and sound effects for plays and concerts—including elementary school performances.

Q: Who are your biggest role models in school and outside of school?
A: My biggest role models in school are Mrs. Villatoro, Mr. Ryan, Mr. Pyle, and Mr. Ehrhardt. Each has played a vital role during my time in high school, offering valuable guidance both in and out of the classroom—especially as I begin the college application process.
Outside of school, my parents are my role models. They’ve shown me what true hard work and perseverance look like, motivating me to always give my best effort in everything I do.

Q: What qualities do you believe make someone a good leader or role model in school?
A: A good leader is confident in what they’re doing. When you show assurance, others trust that they’re in capable hands. A leader is also someone who’s willing to advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves.

Q: How do you contribute to creating a positive environment at your school?
A: I try to create a positive school environment by treating everyone with respect, listening to others, and offering support whenever possible. I do my best to include everyone and speak up for those who need it.

Q: Please list a teacher or staff member who has made a positive impact on you. Explain why.
A: Mrs. Marge, who is now retired, made a lasting impact on me when I attended Mulvey Elementary. She was always kind, supportive, and encouraged me to strive for greater things.

Q: What is your favorite part about your school?
A: My favorite part about my school is how supportive and uplifting the entire community is. Everyone is rooting for you to accomplish your dreams and provides the tools to help you achieve them.

Q: What are some activities you do in your spare time outside of school?
A: Outside of school, I enjoy watching crime documentaries, exploring new genres, and playing badminton and tennis recreationally.

Q: What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show right now? Why?
A: My favorite show right now is Brooklyn Nine-Nine. It’s such a funny show that I can’t help but binge whenever I get the chance—I’m currently on season 7!

Q: How would your friends describe you?
A: From what I’ve been told, I’m compassionate, optimistic, and dedicated.

Q: What does being a good classmate or friend mean to you?
A: Being a good classmate or friend means being supportive of your peers, offering constructive criticism when it counts, and being willing to work together as a team.