Congratulations to the 2022 Valedictorian and Salutatorian from Palisades Prep High School. Valedictorian Brianne G. Barredo, will graduate with a weighted grade point average of 99.29. Her favorite teacher was Ms. Frisik, 9th grade Global History, and her favorite subject is Math.
Brianne was a member of the Emergency Medical Services Cadet Program, and was honored by Majority Leader Senator Stewart-Cousins and Senator Mayer’s with the Citizenship Award. Barredo’s community service work includes volunteering as a Summer Reading Buddy, participating in The Purpose Driven
Scholar program sponsored by Unilever, serving as a caretaker and as a 4th grade Math, English and Science tutor.
Brianne plans to major in Nursing. She was accepted to a dozen colleges and will attend Lehman College in the fall. “I would like to become a nurse and eventually get my masters and make my way to being a nurse practitioner.”
What do you like most about your school? “I love the support from peers- even if we aren’t close. We aren’t a tight knit group, but we do respect and support each other regardless of where we stand.”
Any words of wisdom or advice for younger students? “The only way to grow is to challenge yourself. You will always be your #1 competitor, and the only person that can push yourself is you! Your mind can be a powerful thing- use it to the best of your abilities!”
Palisades Prep Salutatorian Vanessa Vidal-Salgado will graduate with a 97.3% GPA. Her favorite teacher was Laura, Vushaj 9th grade Century Honors English and 12th grade S.U.P.A, and her favorite subject is English.
In addition to her academic success, Vanessa is a hard woker outside of her studies. “I am part of the Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE). I tutor and babysit kids around my neighborhood who need extra help in their studies. It is also a significant help to parents that struggle with working and keeping up with stuff. I work at IHOP as well.”
Vidal-Salgado will also be attending Lehman College in the fall after being accepted to more than 20 colleges. “I want to attend Lehman for two years and then transfer to Iona College. I am part of the ACE program at Lehman they will be a significant help to help me get on track with my plans. I want to major in business to learn how to manage, coordinate, and analyze a business. I want to be on track to get my associates degree and bachelor’s in business. I feel like majoring in business is competitive but will be worth it”
How did you like Palisades Prepatory School? “I enjoyed the teachers/staff and the library. I enjoy the personalities and diversity at my school. Every one of my teachers gives great pep talks and life lessons. They have more experience and knowledge which I learn and listen from them. They each come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and religions. It is nice to view other people’s perspectives on life.”
Advice to young students? “There’s beauty in the struggle” I feel like students sometimes forget the fact that it is okay to feel emotional about things. We deserve a break sometimes. Just know we might struggle with some things right now but at the end we will be fine, and the beauty will come out in every lesson.”
