Southold cross country star Ryan Duffy earns National Merit honor

Southold High School senior Ryan Duffy is a true student-athlete.

The Settlers’ cross-country star has earned National Merit Commended Student recognition, adding to a growing list of accomplishments that includes record-setting runs and leadership in NJROTC.

The National Merit Scholarship Program bases its recognition on students’ PSAT/NMSQT scores, typically earned during junior year. Ryan scored 211 on the program’s Selection Index. Other North Fork students recognized include Mattituck’s Dominic Tusa, Trevor Fitzgerald, Charles Carter, Marlo Colomore and Andrew Tusa.

“I saw on Instagram that the results were coming out, so I checked and realized my number was above the Commended cutoff,” Ryan told The Suffolk Times. “I asked my guidance counselor, but they didn’t know yet. About three days later, they called me down and told me I received the award. I was presented with it in Dr. Rusch’s office. I kind of knew beforehand, but it was still awesome.”

Ryan also scored 1,510 on the SAT, or 1,520 using his highest section scores from multiple test sittings, he said.

As a junior last year, Ryan broke two program records in back-to-back cross-country races. He set a course record at Mashashimuet Park in Sag Harbor, running the five-kilometer course in 16 minutes, 52 seconds and breaking Owen Klipstein’s decade-old mark by one second. At the Suffolk County divisional meet in Kings Park, he broke Southold’s record at Sunken Meadow State Park, finishing in 17:55, also one second faster than the previous mark.

He was the top overall finisher at the Gavyn’s Favorite 5K memorial fundraiser, held on Oct. 18 at Orient Beach State Park, crossing the tape in 17 minutes, 28 seconds.

Ryan is also involved in NJROTC, serves as class treasurer, is vice president of the Ambassadors Club and treasurer of the National Honor Society, and joined the robotics team this fall. He has developed an interest in engineering.

“Consistency and time management have been really important,” Ryan said. “I have to make sure I schedule everything and dedicate enough time to my schoolwork, studying and running. I think having that structure has helped me develop the habits necessary to succeed.”

Major Bill Grigonis, the lead instructor of the school’s NJROTC program, has worked with Ryan since his freshman year. He has watched him grow from a quiet, attentive student into a confident leader.

“I saw his potential on day one of his freshman year,” Mr. Grigonis said. “It was only a matter of bringing out the confidence to lead, which we had to work on in the program. That culminated in him being selected for the Leadership Academy and Sail Training in Newport, Rhode Island, at the end of 10th grade.”

Ryan has soared through the ranks to become the battalion executive officer and is expected to become battalion commander in January.

“It’s all earned through dedication, determination and a desire to lead his fellow cadets and students,” Mr. Grigonis said. “He’s beyond reproach! Calm, coordinated and caring. This young man is the ‘Best of the Best’ and one of the top students I have instructed in the NJROTC Program in my 26 years.”

Ryan said NJROTC has helped him become a better citizen and strengthened his integrity and leadership skills.

“Academically, I used to be more reserved,” he said. “Now, I’m more comfortable speaking up, sharing my opinions and helping others. I’ve also learned when to ask for help. The program has given me the tools to be a good team member, whether I’m leading or supporting someone else.”

Ryan’s plans after graduation are not yet settled. He is considering West Point, engineering schools and the possibility of an ROTC scholarship, he said.

He credited his parents with supporting him in his various pursuits.

“They’ve always pushed me academically and encouraged me to do the best I can,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a reason not to do your best and see what you’re capable of. They’re always encouraging me to take the next step and try new things. I’m really appreciative of that because they’ve helped me academically and made me a better person.”