YMA Valedictorian Elvis Halilaj
YMA Salutatorian Alexandra Armas
By Dan Murphy
Congratulations to Yonkers Montessori Academy’s 2025 Valedictorian, Elvis Halilaj, and Salutatorian, Alexandra Armas.
YMA Valedictorian Elvis Halilaj will graduate with a 102.3 GPA.
His favorite teachers at YMA are:
Math teacher Richard Harman, “He was an outgoing teacher who connected with kids,”
Algebra-Pre-Calc teacher Irina Morgunova: “I learned a lot. I connected with her, and she made sure all of her students understood and finished their work. “History teacher Elie Moise: “He had a different way of teaching, through his own thoughts. He is a good person.”
Elvis’s favorite subjects are Math and Algebra 2. “Math has always been fun for me. I love Math because it’s like solving a puzzle.”
His extracurricular activities included three years on the swimming team. “I enjoyed my time with the coaches and became a good swimmer. It was great.:
Halilaj was accepted into SUNY University at Buffalo, Buffalo State University, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Ithaca College, Stony Brook University, University at Albany, SUNY Old Westbury, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Purchase.
He will attend SUNY Stony Brook in the fall.
“My decision was based mostly on how much in scholarships each school gives me. I’m probably going to end up at a SUNY, but I’m waiting for some IVY schools.
“I plan to pursue a Mathematics degree and become a math teacher. A Math degree is versatile so that I can do a lot with it. I can go into business or teaching.
Elvis said the teachers at YMA “are understanding and weren’t unreasonable. They were flexible with their deadlines and were good people. I made a connection with a lot of my teachers and became friends. My brother graduated from YMA and is still in contact with his teachers.”
Any advice for future Valedictorians? “Take care of yourself before your schoolwork. Make time for yourself and, do the things that make you happy and make memories that are more than just studying; you’ll thank yourself in the end.
Who helped you get to this point of academic achievement? “My Dad. He pushed me a lot and helped me do my best and not settle for low grades. He also helped me get involved with sports and student government. I would never have done those activities without his support.”
Elvis said he started paying attention to the class rankings in the 10th grade. “I always cared about doing good but didn’t care about the rank. I was #2 in the 10th grade.”
“I wanted to go away and live in a dorm. I want to go on my own and explore and be on my own and independent.”
YMA Salutatorian Alexandra Armas will graduate with a 102.03 GPA. Her favorite teachers are
Mr. Berkowitz-Torres – English. “I enjoy writing and want to publish. I was hesitant to show my work to people but he helped me see my potential and with my writing projects. I created a 40-page story with my friends and his help. It was gratifying and sparked a big pride in my heart. I have grown more confident in my abilities.
And Richard Harman. “I was in his Math club. He was always so welcoming and helpful. He has also helped me with scholarships.”
Alexandra’s favorite subject is English. “I’ve been an avid creative writer since 3rd grade. Words are my way of expressing myself, and English class, especially when creative writing elements are included, allows me to unleash my imagination and creativity. One of my dreams is to publish a book. I enjoy writing fiction but have also written historical fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy. I’m not in any rush to kill my ambition.
Among Armas’ extracurricular activities was serving as President of the Project Impact Club at YMA. “I have been a part of Project Impact the longest during high school. We have done a lot to give back to our school, including beautification work, a local Veterans book drive, volunteering at Ronald McDonald House, and holding our first blood drive. We met our goal for the drive, and I donated blood…and fainted.”
Alexandra has been accepted to CUNY Hunter College, CUNY Lehman, CUNY Staten Island, SUNY Delhi, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY University at Buffalo, SUNY Stony Brook University, SUNY Binghamton, Emmanuel College, Iona University, Mercy University, Molloy University, Pace University, Rutgers University, St. John’s University, University of Connecticut, Villanova University.
She will attend Hunter College in the fall.
“It’s mostly based on scholarships. My mom is still paying off her college debt. We immigrated from the Philippines. She wanted to give me and my brother a better life and opportunities. She was an engineer in the Philippines and got her bachelor’s degree here.
She inspired me to pursue nursing because she enjoys helping people. I have learned that and much more from my mom. It’s been tough sometimes for us here; it’s just me, my mom, and my brother.
I originally wanted to stay home for college to save money. But I realize now that I need to learn more about growing and being independent. Going away to college is a great way to do that, and I can stay close by.
Alexandra said, “I plan on majoring in nursing and minoring in psychology. After I earn my BSN, I plan to continue my studies and become a Nurse Practitioner. The two NP specialties I’m interested in are Pediatric/Family Nurse Practitioners and Emergency Nurse Practitioners.
My mom is a Nurse in the Bronx, and I volunteered at St. Barnabus Hospital. I got to help out a lot of kids, and I loved seeing their reactions and how kind they were. I also want to work in a Children’s Hospital or an ER.
“I’ve been attending YMA since I was in Pre-K, and I’ve never felt the need to “fit in” because of how diverse my school is. Everyone is different, and no one is pressured to fit into one mold. The different perspectives and cultures also help me learn about the world and broaden my understanding of others; YMA has one of the most welcoming communities in Yonkers.
A quote for future YMA grads, “Balance is key! Use every moment wisely: get ahead on work, finish that application, or start a scholarship. Senior year can be stressful, and you’ll be overwhelmed with responsibilities and work some days, so don’t forget to take time for yourself. Health comes first and foremost.
Alexandra was not concerned about the rankings. “I just focused on keeping my grades up. When they told me I was #2, I didn’t understand it. I’m happy as long as I’m doing well and get into a good college.”
“I was super disorganized in 9th and 10th grades. I had to help out at home. My mom is a single mother, so I cooked, cleaned, and cared for my brother. With all of the homework, I was under a lot of stress. But in the end, I found that organization was the key to finding a balance. I use lists all the time to help me develop a plan. “
