Dear Sam Cohen,

Wow, it is hard to believe that in just two short weeks you and I will be taking the stage at graduation as we usher in a new and exciting phase in our lives. Our time together began about 15 years ago in pre-school at Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Center, and I could not be more delighted to say that our academic journey together will not end at Lynbrook High School. Harvard University has no idea what’s coming!

The name “Sam Cohen” has become so well-respected by kids, parents, and teachers in our community that I really think it has become synonymous with all that you encompass– being a Renaissance man. Sam, you have always set the standard for academic and personal excellence. You are a voracious learner, an eloquent writer, a virtuous leader, an exquisite musician, and, most of all, a supportive friend to everyone who is lucky enough to call you one.

I have had the pleasure of being in many clubs and classes with you throughout all of our years, but I think the first time I realized we would be in it together for the long run was in the fifth grade Voyager program. You, Alyssa, and I worked on an ExploraVision project called SkullReady, and this was just the first of our many partnered endeavors throughout the years.

One of my fondest memories of the two of us is from this year’s Science Olympiad competition at Kellenberg High School. You, Kyle, and I were partners in the Codebusters event. We were presented with a 94 character aristocrat cipher that we needed to break with minimal hints, a seemingly impossible task. Working against a ticking clock, we both contributed our unique insights to solve the problem. In all of its combinatorial complexity, we cracked the code with less than a minute to spare. We had achieved something that we both knew would not have been possible if we had worked individually. We shouted, hugged (multiple times), and truly made a scene as the rest of the room worked in silence while we were basking in the excitement that lies in the power of working collaboratively.

What I have always admired about you is that when you are passionate about something, you radiate it. You probably don’t even realize this, but by so effusively embracing your own interests, you inspire all of those around you, including me, to do the same. I love being your friend because you challenge me. You are one of the only people who I can converse with about books and math while also being a person with whom I can have a lot of fun.

Above all else, you are genuine. With your extraordinary intelligence, one might expect you to brag about your stellar grades and awards, but you don’t. You are a real person.

You aren’t in it for the fame or fortune. You fearlessly work to make our world a better place because you are just principled in that way. Sam, it is with my utmost sincerity that I say, I know you will move mountains one day. You have the drive, the ambition, and the humility to be successful in all of your endeavors, and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for you. Here’s to the next four years in Cambridge, Massachusetts!

Your friend,

Kaylie Hausknecht