09/06/2025
Meet Paterson’s 2025 High School Valedictorians and Salutatorians
Photo Credit: Paterson Public Schools
By Gabriella Dragone
PATERSON, NJ - Paterson Public Schools has named its top graduates for the Class of 2025. Across the district’s high schools, this year’s valedictorians and salutatorians reflect a range of academic interests—from neuroscience and nursing to business and the arts. Many earned college credits while in high school and are heading to universities across New Jersey to continue their education.
John F. Kennedy High School
Elianny Polanco Soto has been named valedictorian. She is graduating with a 4.5 GPA and has also earned an associate’s degree through dual enrollment at Passaic County Community College.
“I am grateful for each mentor, teacher, and wonderful friend I have made along the way,” said Polanco Soto, who also served as the first sophomore president of the school’s Student Ambassadors. “I flourished as a leader and servant of my community.”
Polanco Soto was a sports reporter and video editor for the JFK TV Studio and participated in the Upward Bound Math and Science program. She completed college readiness workshops and received $8,000 through the American Chemical Society to conduct research at Ramapo College. She plans to major in neuroscience.
Marieliz Fabre Encarnacion has been named salutatorian at John F. Kennedy High School. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she has maintained high academic standing since moving to New Jersey in 2021.
“I am ambitious and determined to succeed no matter how difficult, so I will continue to work hard,” she said.
Fabre Encarnacion is a member of the National Honor Society and has completed 17 college credits at PCCC. She plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology and attend medical school to become a pediatrician.
International High School
Milka has been named valedictorian. She will attend Ramapo College of New Jersey as part of the BSN nursing program, with plans to become a postpartum nurse.
Jhostil Batista Gonzalez is the salutatorian at International High School. He will attend Fairleigh Dickinson University this fall to study biochemistry and eventually pursue pharmacy school.
Eastside High School
Mohamed Alsawaby has earned the title of valedictorian. He came to the U.S. from Egypt at age 7 and overcame cultural and language barriers to become one of the top students at his school.
“English is a unique language. It was hard, but I prevailed,” he said.
Alsawaby took multiple AP courses, maintained a 4.3 GPA, and served in the National Honor Society. He will attend NJIT to study biology with hopes of becoming a surgeon.
Mirada Rodriguez, Eastside High School’s salutatorian, made the most of her high school years by competing in business competitions, participating in community service, and leading student organizations.
“Success often stems from a variety of factors, but I found that diligence, dedication, and the support of others were key drivers that fostered my achievements,” Rodriguez said.
She served as president of the school’s DECA chapter and National Honor Society, and as vice president of student government. Rodriguez plans to study accounting at Rutgers University or economics at Montclair State University.
Rosa L. Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts
Carlauna McQueen, a student in the STEPS program at Passaic County Community College, plans to major in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology as she explores her college options this fall. She hopes to become a forensic psychologist. “This moment marks the beginning of a future I’ve been working toward for years,” McQueen said.
Ke’Mirah Frazier, who will attend William Paterson University, plans to major in Psychology and pursue a career as a child psychologist. “My passion for helping children is what drives me daily,” she said, quoting her favorite artist, Mariah the Scientist: “I’m just getting started.”
Paterson P-TECH High School
Valedictorian Jaidon Martinez of Paterson P-TECH has a clear goal: to help others through a career in nursing.
“I was born in New York and raised in New Jersey, where I discovered my passion for helping others,” Martinez said. “This is the beginning of an exciting journey. Thank you to everyone who helped me get here.”
Salutatorian Joseph Mata plans to pursue Business Administration at William Paterson University or Rutgers University.
“My goal is to become an entrepreneur, launching a clothing business that merges art and photography,” Mata said. “Progress is the pursuit of change.”
Paterson STEAM High School
Sally Zakira, Valedictorian of Paterson STEAM High School, will be attending Montclair State University in the fall. Her dream is to become a gastroenterologist—driven by a desire to better understand her own condition and to serve others through medicine. Sally looks forward to the journey ahead and to connecting with new people along the way.
Originally from Mexico, Jackelyn Java is the Salutatorian of Paterson STEAM High School’s Class of 2025. She has been accepted into Seton Hall University’s Pre-Med program, where she will major in Biology with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. Jackelyn’s determination and academic excellence have set her on a promising path in the field of medicine.
STARS Academy/STARS T.I.E.S. Program
Esther Ciprian, the 2025 Valedictorian of STARS Academy, has overcome challenges with perseverance, faith, and the unwavering support of her family and teachers. Transitioning from general education to Special Ed SLLD, Esther credits her academic success to her belief in God and the people who never stopped believing in her. A dedicated Honor Roll student throughout high school and a member of Student Government, Esther is still exploring her future path—which may include college and pursuing her talents in drawing and writing.
Born and raised in Paterson, Imane Robinson is this year’s Salutatorian at STARS Academy. Known for her love of cooking and helping others, Imane plans to pursue a career as a nail technician while studying culinary arts at Passaic County Community College. She thanks her family for their constant support and is proud to have achieved this academic milestone.
The Paterson school district will hold its commencement ceremonies on June 23 at Hinchliffe Stadium.
