Smithtown West seniors who started out ‘in diapers together’ are homecoming king and queen

Smithtown High School West seniors Justin Soriano and Sarah Mayr have grown up two houses away from each other on Kim Avenue.

They’ve never been far apart, making the crowning achievement they shared Saturday all the more fitting.

Soriano and Mayr were announced as homecoming king and queen during halftime at the school’s football game against West Islip, and the longtime neighbors immediately embraced upon learning of their victory.

“We were in diapers together and here we are as king and queen,” Mayr said. “It’s like coming full-circle. I can’t believe it.”

Both attended Branch Elementary School together, and their families have developed a close-knit relationship, making Saturday’s homecoming triumph that much more special.

“We grew up together and now we’re winning together,” said Soriano moments after being crowned. “It’s amazing.”

Soriano has volunteered the last two years at Stony Brook University Hospital and was awarded its Junior Volunteer of the Year honor this past summer, while Mayr is active in Smithtown West’s orchestra. Both hope to turn their extracurricular pursuits into career options. Mayr wants to study music therapy in college and is looking closely at SUNY New Paltz and the University of Miami. Soriano wants to pursue a career in the medical field and is exploring SUNY Albany.

SEE PHOTOSPhotos: High school homecomings across LI

While Soriano and Mayr’s years as childhood neighbors will end next year as they head to college, they will always remember these years together.

“I ran into his family [earlier] and I said, ‘Imagine if we won,’” Mayr said. “It’s wild.”