Coming to Pine Bush High School after attending elementary school at Most Precious Blood in Walden, was a big change for Julian Lazaro. He went from a tiny 8th grade graduating class of about a dozen to being a freshman at PBHS with 350 other students.

“It was a big change for me,” said Julian. He has handled it well.

On June 24, Julian takes to the podium to give his address to his classmates after earning the title of salutatorian for the PBHS Class of 2022.

He had a quiet confidence from day one. Four years ago, the members of the incoming freshman class were asked to write their names on a piece of paper and give it to the assistant principal if they thought they would be in the Top 30 of their graduating class.

“I was one of them,” he said.

Did he think he would be in the top two? “I thought I would probably be in the top 10.”

Math and science are Julian’s favorite subjects, but he has a passion for music too. “I’ve played piano since I was 6,” he said. He met music teacher Brian Shaw at PBHS and his love for music just grew.

“He introduced me to jazz and made it so much fun,” Julian said.

It expanded Julian’s interest in music too. He played in the jazz band and wind ensemble, and he also played piano for the musical this year, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

“Music is a big part of my life,” he said. “I don’t listen to music often. I make music. It’s distracting if I’m focusing on something else.”

Julian said he has made many good friendships through music and that’s something he truly values. He’s also been part of the Interact Club and the section champion math team at PBHS. Outside of school, Julian likes to work out – he does CrossFit – and volunteer. “In the past I would go to nursing homes to play piano for the residents.”

Julian will attend Binghamton University in the fall, majoring in biology with plans to go on to medical school. His parents, Joseph and Jessica, are physical therapists. “I always wanted to be in the medical field,” he said.

On Friday, his proud parents, younger brother and sister Johan and Joelle, will watch with hundreds of others as Julian has the honor of addressing his class. He’s got this.

Congratulations Julian! You make us all proud here in Pine Bush.