Nick Waga wears many hats: Student Life Vice President, Varsity Basketball point guard, and high honor roll student of CHS. He has to juggle a lot on his plate.
“It comes to sacrifice. I have to sacrifice a lot of things. Being involved in so many clubs and organizations and trying to spend time with family, I learned to sacrifice things- it’s really what I prioritize. My number one priority is mental health,” said Waga.
In addition, Waga stars in promotional videos for school events. He continues to be a vital asset to the Office of Student Life. One can hear Waga on the morning announcements during homeroom. His time in high school directed him towards a path of leadership.
“As I was going through high school, I got to experience all the events around the school put on by Student Life. I feel like joining Student Life was a way to give back to the school during my senior year. This school has offered me so much that I want to give back to the people in it,” said Waga.
Waga’s interests include history, philosophy, global politics, and law, which makes his chemistry with Student Life adviser, and IB HOTA teacher, Richard Suchopar work so well.
“Nick is very well-rounded. He is very inquisitive. He always asks deep questions. He has philosophical questions, writes poetry, is outgoing, and also displays a lot of leadership characteristics. He is excellent at reaching out to students of all grade levels and encouraging them to be a part of the school culture,” said Suchopar.
Nick serves in the Office of Student Life and has been at the forefront of a new media initiative called ‘Faculty Friday’. Every week, a member of the faculty is interviewed and asked spicy questions.
“Nick has been one of the faces of faculty Friday, interviewing teachers and staff members. He has helped form a strong connection with our administrative team. He brings a unique energy to this office of hyping people up and getting people excited,” said Suchopar.
“My favorite quality of Nick is his commitment to his craft, whether it be playing basketball or his dedication to his friends and schoolwork. He is a very committed guy, and I appreciate that about him,” said senior Gavin T.
At a game against rival Northport on February 2, the student sections of the south gym were packed. Waga led his team to a 44-41 victory with crucial assists by senior Evan K. Waga notably made a three-pointer and two free throw shots that sealed the deal in the fourth quarter.
“Nick is different; he is not really similar to anyone else at this school at all, and it makes him special. At games, he gets buckets that no one else gets. He makes it interesting, energy-wise, he changes the game,” said Gavin T.
Waga has an innate ability to be the people’s favorite, even for his work in the school’s Office of Student Life.
“We went to a leadership conference in Carle Place and met with ten other Student Councils from other districts. During the conference, schools separated into groups by position, with different council members from each school. We looked around the room, and of course, Nick was at the head of his table running the discussion with all these students he just met, who chose him to represent them as a presenter at the conference. Nick has done a good job of taking Student Life and extending it beyond this office to the student body, to the faculty, and even to student bodies in other school districts,” said Suchopar.
Outside of school, Waga’s hobbies include reading, writing, and DJing. He is open-minded and likes to try new things and is always looking to improve himself.
“One of my new year’s resolutions was to pick up a new skill,” said Nick.
Nick’s extracurricular interests lie in philosophy and metaphysics, and he likes to spend his time examining literature and pondering thought-provoking questions.
“I read and write to challenge myself to think about the bigger picture; I like to write about philosophy and deep concepts such as the meaning of life and purpose: questions that don’t have a direct answer,” said Waga.
Waga gets his motivation from his strong beliefs and religion. As he works to balance his busy life, he keeps happiness at the forefront of his mind.
“As I get up every day, I feel that God gives me a purpose to wake up. I believe that he created this world so I can do his work – tomorrow is not promised. I want to be happy as long as I live in this world,” said Waga.◼️
