By Dan Murphy
Gorton High School’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian for 2018 are best examples of how the American dream lives on in Yonkers. –too cheesy?
Valedictorian Fabiha Bushra and Salutatorian Anila George emigrated to the USA just two years ago; Fabiha from Bangladesh and Anila from India. Both of their families received Visa’s and left their countries to give their children the opportunity at a better future.
And Fabiha and Anila have taken the opportunity and excelled. Despite a new country and a new school, Bushra will graduate with a 96.93% gpa, and George with a 95.64%.
Fabiha’s favorite subject is Biology and Anatomy. “When I was younger I took some science courses and knew that was my interest, and I want to continue to pursue this field of study.”
Bushra’s three favorite teachers are Kerri Romanino-Psychology, Gerard Cunningham Algebra II, and Dean Vazquez-Social Studies 11th grade. “They are all very supportive and always ready to help you anytime.”
Fabiha’s extra-curricular activities include serving as a medical intern at St. Joseph’s Hospital, membership in the National Honors Society and Math Honors Society, tutoring through the My Brother’s Keeper initiative, and returning home to Bangladesh last summer to tutor Math. “I enjoyed going back to teach younger students in primary school. That was rewarding.”
When she arrived for her first day of high school at Gorton, “I felt scared and nervous. I didn’t know anybody and had to adjust. But I feel very confident now,” said Bushra, who has two sisters, one older sister stayed back while her younger sister lives with the family in Yonkers.
Fabiha applied to several SUNY and CUNY colleges and also to St. John’s and Fordham Universities and Mercy College. She was accepted to most of the schools she applied to including SUNY Albany, New Paltz and Geneseo, and CUNY Lehman and CUNY Queens College, St. John’s and Mercy.
She will be attending CUNY Lehman College in the Bronx in September. “I like the environment at Lehman and it is also closer to home. She will take a pre-medicine curriculum and hopes to become a Doctor, undecided what field of practice. “I want to pursue a career as a Physician. I have been preparing myself for it since the 9th grade. I want to give back to my community.”
Fabiha like about Gorton, “the teachers are really supporting. They inspire us and push us to be the best version of ourselves. I also like the diversity of cultures at the school.”
She thanked her parents for helping her succeed in school. “They told me if you study hard you can be successful and you can do what you to in life. They wanted to be proud of me and they are.”
Salutatorian Anila George favorite subjects are advanced Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology. Her favorite teacher is 12th grade English with Donna Cooke. “She is nice and sweet,” said Anila who enjoys taking all science course.
Her family emigrated from India two years ago after receiving a Visa to come to the USA. “It wasn’t expected and all of a sudden we got the Visa and decided to come for a better future.”
Her extra-curricular work includes membership in the National Honors Society, Reading Club, Environmental Club, and her volunteerism back home in India providing food service at St. Mary’s Church.
Anila applied to SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Albany Fordham, Pace, and Hunter, Lehman and Queens College in the CUNY system. Accepted to most of the colleges she applied to including SUNY Binghamton and Hunter, George will attend CUNY Hunter this fall.
“Hunter has a very good pre-med program and I wanted to stay close to home. I’m new to this country and I wanted to stay nearby.” Like Bushra, George wants to become a Doctor, and a Pediatrician. “It’s a nice profession. You can help young people and make money.”
Anila thanked her family for “giving me the support and encouragement I needed. They did everything for me.”
Both George and Bushra used Yonkers Partners in Education, YPIE, and Gorton YPIE counselor Stephanie Russo. “She helped a lot with college applications and financial aid.” Said George
Bushra and George arrived at Gorton High School at the same time and both the same age. Both became friends and now they are the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for 2018.
