By Dan Murphy
Sacred Heart High School, and Yonkers Rising celebrate the academic excellence of their 2020 Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Valedictorian Lisa Gentile will graduate with a GPA of 102.55. Her favorite subject is Math and her favorite teacher was Chemistry teacher Mr. Ward.
“He was extremely supportive, helpful, and passionate about chemistry. He helped me to see beyond my immediate goals and start thinking about my future. I will be forever grateful for the indelible mark he left on me,” said Gentile, who completed AP courses in Psychology, English and Literature, and College level courses in English, Precalculus, and Calculus.
Lisa was the treasurer of student government, a member of National Honor Society, President of Campus Ministry and Leadership, and Vice President of Interact Club at Sacred Heart high school. Additionally, Gentile volunteered with the Yonkers Parks Department’s Pre-k Summer Camp for three summers and as an alter serve at my local parish, St. Bartholomew’s Church.
Lisa applied to nine different colleges and universities, and will be attending Pace University in the fall. “The biggest obstacle I had to overcome in school was my shyness. In the last four years, I went from being a girl who was afraid to say hello in the hallways to someone who willingly joined clubs and socialized on her own. Sacred Heart allowed me to reach my potential as a caring, considerate, well-informed, and social member of the community,” said Gentile, who thanked her parents for “always encouraging me and for being my number one fans.”
Sacred Heart Salutatorian Molly Barrett will graduate with a GPA of 101.15.Her favorite subject is Math and her favorite teacher is Calulus teacher Ms. Rampa. “She is my favorite because she is very understanding and thorought, and adapts to the needs of her students,” said Barrett, who took AP coursework in Psychology, English and Literature, and College Level courses in Pre Calculus, English and Calculus.
Molly participated in the Interact Club as the secretary, the National Honor Society, and volunteered at many events such as Blood Drives and Food Drives. She was accepted to Fordham University, Penn State University, Binghamton University, and Stony Brook University, and will be
attending Fordham University.
“My advice to future students is to always try your best and keep your goals in mind while remembering to make the most out of high school,” Barrett, who thanked her family, friends, and teachers, who “all helped me achieve my goals.”
