Congratulations to the 2019 valedictorian and salutatorian from Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers. This year’s valedictorian is Liana Acevedo, who will graduate with a grade-point average of 101.446.
Liana, who said “I’m honored to be the valedictorian of Sacred Heart High School’s graduating Class of 2019,” most enjoyed chemistry and pre-calculus at Sacred Heart.
“The teacher that has inspired me the most is my science teacher, Mr. Christopher Ward,” she said. “He taught me chemistry in my sophomore year, and now I am currently in his college-level astronomy course. He inspires me because not only is he an amazing teacher, but he is also an amazing person with such a kind heart. His genuine passion and excitement in what he teaches have motivated me to follow my passions in life. Because of his chemistry class, I want to study chemistry as my major in college. His joy for teaching and his positive, welcoming attitude always brings a smile to my face when I see him in the halls. Mr. Ward has inspired me to follow my dreams and my heart and to choose a career path that I love.”
Liana has taken four advance placement and college-level courses, is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Math Honor Society, and is director and choreographer of the dance club at Sacred Heart.
“I lead practices, coordinate rehearsals and choreograph all performances that the dance club does throughout the school year,” she said. “Outside of school, I take dance classes four to five days a week in a variety of dance styles, including tap, jazz, modern and lyrical I also compete in dance competitions throughout the year with my dance teams.”
Liana applied to Manhattanville College, Adelphi University, Rutgers University, the College of Mount St. Vincent, Montclair University and Hofstra University, and will be attending Manhattanville College, where she plans to pursue a double-major in dance and chemistry.
Her future goals include gaining her M.D. in chemistry and also becoming a professional dancer.
“I hope to either become a commercial dancer or become a member of a modern dance company,” said Acevedo. “As I exit high school and embark on a new journey into college, I want to tell my classmates that the world is theirs for the taking. To the graduating Class of 2019 at Sacred Heart High School, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Follow your heart, seize opportunities, and do not be afraid to go after what you want in life. With hard work and dedication, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”
Sacred Heart’s 2019 salutatorian is Karl Muller, who will graduate with a 100.97 GPA. He said his favorite course is astronomy because of his teacher, Christopher Ward, “who always gives us challenging topics that we have to figure out ourselves while he guides us. I like the subject matter and teaching style Mr. Ward uses I always wanted to work hard in his class,” said Muller. “Mr. Ward inspired me to do my best.”
Karl is currently taking college level pre-calculus, English and astronomy. He is a member of the National Honor Society at Sacred Heart, which “makes me feel part of something and allows me to help others who might be struggling.”
Muller applied to Pace University, Manhattan College, New York Institute of Technology and Adelphi University, and will be attending Adelphi in the fall, with the future goal of becoming a data scientist or software engineering and start his own company.
“The transition from grade school to high school was a bit difficult – it was harder than I expected so I knew I had to step up my studying,” said Karl, who offered young students this advice: “No matter how hard life might get, always look at all those who got you here and everything you have and keep moving forward.”
