WHS Salutatorian Nicholas Hanagan is Always Up for a Challenge and Adventure, Especially with Friends
When it comes to skiing, what WHS Salutatorian Nicholas Hanagan likes most about it is the speed and solitary nature of the sport. “I like to be able to rely on myself,” he shared. However, when speaking about his academic success as a Greenburgh Central School District student, it’s the whiff of friendly competition amongst friends that fuels his motivation and places him in second position. “My friend group can be competitive, in the best way possible. We share common interests, goals, and aspirations,” he said. “We are in the top 10 because we work hard and care. I like to surround myself with people who are better than me in certain aspects. And, most of all, I know that there is strength and support in numbers.”
Coming up through the Greenburgh school system since kindergarten, Nicholas has a genuine fondness for his schoolmates and the nurturing, diverse school community. He cites US History with Dr. Fritz as one of his favorite classes and Spanish as a favorite subject. “Dr. Fritz is a fun teacher who creates memorable learning experiences and builds close bonds with his students,” said Nicholas. “I enjoy Spanish because it's a different language and culture. I also love to travel, so it’s a language spoken in many countries.” A recent trip to Costa Rica, organized by Dr. Fritz synthesized Nicholas’ interests and provided an opportunity to travel with two of his friends - who happen to make up the Class of 2025 top three - Leo Llorente Valin and Treyson Thelusma. “We had an amazing time eating the local food and exploring and learning the culture,” said Nicholas. “I wouldn’t consider myself fluent in Spanish, but when we were in Costa Rica, I held my own.”
Nicholas’ love of travel and experiencing different cultures fits his naturally adventurous mindset. As an IB Diploma Programme student, a recipient of the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (Japanese and English), a member of the Spanish National Honor Society, and a WMHS Mandarin Club performer, the strong global connection is hard to miss. As he takes his education to the next level after graduation, Nicholas will be embarking on a new adventure studying international business at Sophia University in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. “Growing up I was immersed in Japanese culture because of my mother, so whenever we visited Japan it was meaningful and enjoyable. It's starkly different from America, and I like that contrast. I applied to U.S. colleges as well, but Sophia University was my number one choice,” he said. “I’m excited and up for the adventure.”