For high school student Steven Gassert, no obstacles have kept him from his impressive goals. The 16-year-old, who has Down syndrome, is also a champion powerlifter, holding more than 30 records in the sport.

His victories include recent gold medals at the North American Regional Powerlifting Championships in St. Croix, where he broke two world records, and at the USA Powerlifting Bench Press National Championships in Aurora, Colorado, where he set a new personal best with a remarkable 270-pound bench press. He is trained and coached by his brother, Robert Gassert, at Pro Fit Gym in Deer Park.

This outstanding young man was recently honored by not only the Board of Education, at a Sept. 27 business meeting, but by the Town of Babylon, which proclaimed Sept. 12, 2016 as Steven Gassert Day.

“Steven is a great kid and I am so glad he is part of our high school,” said Deer Park Assistant Superintendent James Cummings.