Justin Mayer, Commack grad 2001

JUSTIN MAYER

Age 17, Commack High School

Interests: Trumpet, golf.

What's Ahead: Music major,

Hartwick College, Oneonta, N.Y.

It's easy to see why one of Mayer's favorite stage productions is "The Music Man" -- he's going to be one. At this point, it's a toss-up between a career as a children's music educator or as the person in the pit wielding the baton over a Broadway show's orchestra.

To prepare for these choices, the young trumpet player has put his high school years to good use, performing with the marching band, jazz band, stage band and classical orchestra. A member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, Mayer also found time to be manager of the junior varsity golf team and to serve as a member of the Peer Leadership Advisory Network, where he was responsible for group meetings with ninth-graders. Mayer earned a weighted grade-point average of 80.

"Playing jazz is one of my prime enjoyments," said Mayer, "but I like rap, rock and virtually everything else that has a beat." He has met the challenges posed by having leukemia since he was 12 with courage and success. The disease is in remission, but Mayer still must undergo weekly chemotherapy. He has experienced the debilitating effects of the treatments.

"I've never let it get the best of me and have tried to lift the spirits of my family and friends as they have stood by my side," he explained.

"One of the things that has helped me get through all of this has been my love and appreciation for music."

Mayer's mother, Diane, is a secretary and his father, Robert, is an attorney. He has a brother, Chris, 25, who is a computer designer.