Track star shines in many ways

St. John's Prep senior Michael Modugno rarely has free time during the school year, what with his year-round commitment as the captain of the track & field and cross country teams, his role as the vice president of the student body, the time he spends with campus life, and chipping in as a volunteer for alumnae functions.
Factor in the time Modugno, an impeccable student with a 93 average, spends studying, he rarely has time to breathe. Still, he finds a few hours every week to give back to the community, whether it's serving as an usher at his Parish, St. Francis Assisi, tutoring kids in the neighborhood or refereeing and keeping score in local CYO games at St. Francis Assisi. He started playing on their CYO team at the age of four, so Modugno felt a need to help out.
&#8220It's important because there are people less fortunate in the world,” he said. &#8220You look at Bill Gates and he's always trying to give back to the community. Most people who become successful try to give back to their community and help each other out. I try to be humble of what I have and help people out with my knowledge and with whatever else I can do.”
Modugno has that same attitude whenever he walks through the doors at St. John's Prep. Last year, he began tutoring his younger classmates in math. As a freshman he tried out for the track team - a sport he had never participated in - to make friends and get him in shape for soccer and basketball.
&#8220He's involved so much at our school,” said Barbara Cooksey, the head of the math department at the Astoria school. &#8220If you're looking for an example of an all-around student and athlete - that is Michael. I can vouch for that.”
&#8220Everybody who I mention him to, they all automatically complement Michael,” said Charles Gilley, a guidance counselor at St. John's Prep. &#8220Not only on academics but on his personality and everything he does for the school, his unselfishness.”
Modugno is active the entire school day. He cherishes his time with campus life, which organizes bonding retreats for students. He's also a big brother/big sister volunteer, and has been involved with the student council as well. &#8220I just want to see how many people I can get to know throughout the school, get a good rep, and try to help as many people as I can.”
Modugno, 17, an Astoria native, isn't sure what he will study or at what college he will attend. He would like to stay local, mentioning Manhattan and Rutgers as possibilities. Business interests him. So does sports medicine and pharmaceutical studies. &#8220I'm trying to figure that out by maybe this year,” he said of future plans.
If only he had time. As of now, there are important things to fill the day for Michael Modugno.