A Rye Neck High School alumnus, Class of 1997 went to the head of the class this week at Rye Neck Middle School. David Akseizer, who just published his first book, “The Legend of Pearl Cave”, held writing workshops during middle school English classes on May 12.

By Janice Llanes Fabry

A Rye Neck High School alumnus, Class of 1997 went to the head of the class this week at Rye Neck Middle School. David Akseizer, who just published his first book, “The Legend of Pearl Cave”, held writing workshops during middle school English classes on May 12.

“I was once a student here like yourselves,” began Akseizer, who was taught history by Principal Eric Lutinski back then. “Realize that with hard work, practice, and dedication, you can be anything you want.”

Although he pursued a medical career at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, writing is his beloved hobby. “The Legend of Pearl Cave” is an empowering story about a bullied boy whose fantasies come true. At once educational and fun, the book earned a four-star rating from goodreads .com. The sixth graders in Ms. Castaldo’s class suggested he make it into a movie. 

Akseizer, who was president of his senior class at Rye Neck and started the debate club, admitted, “It was so weird walking into this building after so many years. It’s exciting.”

He was thrilled to be back to offer a new crop of students some useful writing tips regarding character and plot development. “Paint a picture for the reader,” he suggested.  “Remember they can’t see inside your brain.”

The author also encouraged them to get started writing an opening sentence. “The hook is the most important part of an entire novel, he suggested. “The first few lines are what will keep you reading the rest of the book.”