By Dan Murphy
Congratulations to this year’s Valedictorian, Jasmine Linang, and Salutatorian James Olivarez, from Saunders High School. Jasmine Linang will graduate with a 98.27 GPA. Her favorite teachers are Carlo Mitrione, CAD Estimate 12 and Arc. Danielle Fellini, Pre-Calc, and Michelle Brown, Strength of Material 12.
“They spend time with us and always encourage us to learn. They make the atmosphere in the classroom enjoyable, and they are who I go to for advice,” said Jasmine, who added that Mr. Mitrione’s Architectural Drafting course is her top choice. “We work independently and I like getting creative with designs and he encourages us to do our best.”
Linang has taken 11 AP or College Link classes. Among her extracurricular activities was being a member of the Girls Who Code/Coding club. “I was a member for 2 years. We learned how to code and how to make a website and how to make objects move by applying certain codes.”
Jasmine was accepted into 6 of the 13 colleges she applied to and will be attending Lehigh University in the fall. “The opportunity was great, and I love the campus and the offered a great scholarship. I have a friend from Saunders that goes there and she encouraged me to join her.
“I plan to study Computer Science at Lehigh University for the next four years to reach my goal of becoming a Software Engineer. I hope that during my time at Lehigh University I will have the opportunity to intern and build relationships and connections for the future.
“I fell in love with coding and software integrity in my freshman year but I also enjoy studying Architecture. My older brothers and sisters are studying computer science and I enjoy math.”
Linang said that learning during COVID was difficult. “I had no motivation and became lazy and tire. It was a struggle to get motivated but I did it and kept my grades up with the help of my teachers who told us to make the most of the day.”
“Most of my teachers at Saunders genuinely care and it shows in the classroom. It creates at positive atmosphere in the class that makes it enjoyable every day. My classmates at my school are extremely supportive and encouraging as we’re always uplifting each other. A lot of my friends that I’ve made in this school are some of the kindest, loving, intelligent, and funny people that I know. Everyone’s compassion to care for one another is what makes my school the best.”
Advice to younger students? “If you have your mindset on something, you can achieve it with hard work, perseverance, and support from your friends and family.
Most importantly do not stress yourself on every single assignment or grade. It’s also essential to focus on your mental health.”
Jasmine volunteered at Tibbets Brook Park in Yonkers by helping clear invasive plants out of the waterway. She also serves as a volunteer at her church, St. Paul the Apostle.
Linang enjoys crocheting, sewing, baking and painting. Her talent crocheting led her to start a small business of making crocheted stuffed animals. “It’s relaxing to do and something to occupy my time during quarantine.”
She thanked her sister for helping her achieve this level of academic greatness.
She has always been there for me. I always go to her for help and advice and she is always there and has the right approach and helps me calm down.”
Saunders Salutatorian James Olivarez will graduate with a 98.18 GPA. His favorite course in Chemistry and favorite teacher is Mr. Nunez. “He makes everything funny and interesting.”
James is a recipient of the Dominican Cultural Association of Yonkers Scholarship, and the Harvard Book Club Award. He also completed 56 hours of computer and technology Work-Based-Learning for Electronic and Computer Circuitry magnet.
Olivarez enjoys drawing, cooking and electronics, including diagnostic repairs of networks and software. He is most proud of the LED game he created that tests memory using lights.
James had decided to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, RPI, where he will major in computer science. “I plan on getting my Master’s degree in Computer Science and then getting a job somewhere in that field. There are many different options.”
Olivarez said that at Saunders, “It was easy to get the help you needed. That is what I liked most and what helped me become salutatorian.”
His advice to younger students is “learn how to organize yourself and prioritize. You won’t have time to do everything.”
