Celebrating Hispanic culture, he wins a prize

It takes a young person with greater vision to not only admire the prowess of an athlete, but to investigate his culture towards better understanding, but that’s what Ryan Formato, an eighth grader at William Floyd Middle School in Moriches, did after watching American professional wrestler Rey Mysterio on WWE. Mysterio, of Mexican heritage, is widely regarded as one of the greatest cruiserweight wrestlers of all time.

Ryan wrote an essay for an Optimum competition across a 21-state footprint, with co-sponsor Univision Foundation, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month about his admiration for Mysterio and his traditional Lucha Libre style, learning about its origins but also delving into Mexican food. As one of three runners-up on Long Island, Ryan will receive an iPad.

“About two or three years ago, I was just getting into watching WWE and I saw him in a wrestling match and how he dominated everyone, and I really liked him as a wrestler,” Ryan said. (Mysterio performs wearing artistic masks and does amazing acrobatics.) “I loved how he moved around the ring and how he could beat the better wrestlers with how fast he moved and his acrobatics.”

Ryan, who lives in Mastic, has a varied heritage as well: Italian, Polish and Irish. As for his foray into Mexican food, “We go to La Bonita and also go to Moe’s Southwest Grill and Chipotle Mexican Grill,” he said.

His mom, Patricia Formato, is a teacher at the school. Dad, Ryan Formato, urged Ryan to write the essay.

He plays drums in a band with his siblings, twin sister Gianna (guitar) and brother Brendan (bass). Their repertoire: funk, metal and rock. They post TikTok videos and have played at some shows and recitals. They jam in the basement.

(Precious, their Jack Russell terrier, stays upstairs. It’s quieter.)

Principal Camelle Person reports that Ryan is shy, but very charismatic with friends. He’s on the principal’s honor roll.

Ryan, who has been playing drums and taking lessons for seven years, is a recipient of the Suffolk County Music Educators Association Private Study Scholarship for his excellence in percussion.

Quite frankly, this student has racked up honors all over the place.

A member of the New York State Band Directors Association All State Honor Band, Ryan is looking forward to rehearsing and performing in person with other middle and high school honor bands in the annual symposium in March, in Syracuse.

Principal Person summed up Ryan’s persona. “He’s the triple-threat kid,” she said. “Whatever he puts his mind to, he accomplishes. His twin sister is equally amazing. And they both speak up for students who don’t necessarily have a voice.”