By Dan Murphy
Congratulations to the 2018 valedictorian and salutatorian from Sacred Heart High School.
Valedictorian Kristen Rodriguez graduates with a grade-point average of 101.1. Her favorite subject is English and her favorite teacher is Mr. Ward, because “he inspired me and guided me,” she said. “He was there to challenge me along the way.”
Rodriguez took four college-level courses and her extra-curricular activities included Campus Ministries, Pro-Life, ASPCA Club, Newspaper Club, Student Council, assisting with the blood drive, NAMI, choir, Weightlifting Club and the National Honor Society.
Rodriquez applied to 38 schools and was accepted to 30. She will be attending Nova Southeastern College in Florida on a full scholarship.
Her words of advice to younger students? “Don’t just go through life, grow through life. We all have some hurdles to overcome, but without those hurdles we wouldn’t appreciate what we have or what we have become.”
Rodriguez thanked her mom for helping her get to this point of success in her life. “My mom sacrificed everything for me to attend Sacred Heart High School and for that I am so very grateful,” she said. “I always wanted to strive to be the best and make the most of every opportunity to make her proud.”
Salutatorian Stephanie Barajas will graduate with a GPA of 101.8. Her favorite subject is math, and her favorite teacher is Miss Rampa, “who took the time to work with me after school and helped me understand things that I found difficult,” she said. “Miss Rampa got to know me as a person and not just a student.”
Barajas took one advanced placement course and four college-level courses. Her extra-curricular and volunteer work included service at Untermyer Gardens, the school blood drive, at the Chilli Hilly Polar Plunge, membership in the National Honor Society and the Engineering club, and tutoring other students.
Barajas starred on the varsity soccer team for her junior and senior years, and was the team’s captain. She also played varsity softball in her freshman year.
She applied to eight colleges and was accept into all, and plans to attend Clarkson University in Potsdam.
Her words of advice to young students? “Pursue the career that you want and follow your dreams.”
Like Rodriguez and all of the valedictorians and salutatorians from Yonkers this year and every year, Barajas had to overcome obstacles to obtain this achievement. “It was a struggle to make ends meet so I could attend Sacred Heart High School and be the best student I could be,” she said.
Barajas thanked her father for “helping me to achieve and overcome obstacles,” she said. “He motivated me to be the best version of me and encouraged me to keep trying and never give up.”
Congratulations to all of the valedictorians and salutatorians that we had the opportunity to write about and learn about. We look forward to your future success!
