A Wizard’s Path: Joseph Mullan

Washingtonville High School Class of 2026 valedictorian Joseph Mullan's secret to success is simpler than you might think.

In the classroom, on the cross country course, at track meets and through community service, he approached every commitment the same way. He gave it his full effort.

"You're here eight hours a day," he said. "Why not give it your all?"

Consistency, discipline and letting his actions do the talking run through everything Joseph has done. The mindset not only earned him the title of valedictorian, but shaped nearly every other part of his high school experience too.

He challenged himself with a rigorous course load that included AP Calculus BC, AP Environmental Science and advanced Spanish, and eventually developed an interest in business and finance through classes with Nina Giordani and Elizabeth Bierling-Powers.

Joseph’s all-in approach shows up in how he takes care of himself. He prioritizes sleep, eating well and training consistently, and he's come to enjoy the discipline a healthy routine demands. 

Nowhere was his dedication more visible than on the track. Joseph joined the program as a freshman, and running quickly became one of the defining parts of his high school experience. He went on to captain both the varsity cross country and track and field teams, racing everything from the 800-meter to the mile, two-mile and 5K.

The distance events demand physical and mental endurance, and Joseph built both through the same consistent habits he brings to everything else. Some of his favorite memories came from strength training sessions with teammates and workouts organized by Coach Mallard.

The results followed. He earned a podium finish at the New York State Cross Country Championships, three Most Valuable Runner awards and recognition as the OCIAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year, placing him among Washingtonville's all-time top performers. He closed out his career with one of his proudest accomplishments, a 4:18 mile at the state championships.

But the medals aren't what he points to when asked about the impact running had on him. Of everything he did in high school,
Joseph says athletics shaped him the most — and not because of the wins. 

"Just teamwork, cooperation, leadership and all those attributes," he said. 

As a captain, he learned to work through challenges, support his teammates and help keep the program's culture positive. Most of all, it gave him the friendships he's proudest of. 

"I think just the friendships I made," he said. "Both in the classroom and off the track." 

He counts the relationships he built through running among the most rewarding of his high school years.

Joseph's commitment carried beyond academics and athletics. He served as treasurer of both the National Honor Society and the Math Honor Society and was inducted into the National English, National Science and World Language honor societies. 

He also gave back to the community through the Recycling Club, helping collect bottles and cans that were redeemed for charitable causes, and he volunteered as a buddy with Beautiful People Adaptive Sports, introducing children with special needs to athletics and recreation.

"I had a couple kids I worked with and they really enjoyed it," he said.

Throughout high school, Joseph earned eight Certificates of Recognition, the Sojourner Truth Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Mathematics and the St. Michael's Book Award for Community Engagement.

This fall, he'll attend the University of Notre Dame, where he plans to major in finance. The path was inspired in part by former track and field captain Jason Ariano, who went on to study finance at Fordham University. Joseph is especially interested in investment banking and has already started testing his skills through long-term investing in index funds.

"My time horizon is basically retirement," he said. "If you have your money in the market for 10 years or more, it's really low risk."

Looking ahead, he hopes to build a career in finance and is eager to gain experience through internships, with his eye on elite boutique investment banks.

He still has a few personal goals left, too.

"I want to learn how to do a backflip," he laughed.

As he prepares to leave Washingtonville behind, Joseph remains grateful for the family, teachers, coaches and friends who supported him along the way.