Another year, another class gone! As the class of 2024 gets ready to depart, the valedictorian and salutatorian have been announced, Congratulations to Anastacia Vidot, the valedictorian, and Marisa Rana, the salutatorian. Their efforts are widely commended by all of their teachers as two amazing and hardworking students.

As impressive as these awards are, the work it takes behind the scenes shouldn’t be overlooked. “I always felt on edge, but the pressure motivated me,” Anastacia said. “ It is a huge achievement that comes with a stressful responsibility to carry.
“As a woman of color, it’s important to me because I thought of my mother,” Anastacia says. “I plan to go to college and I’m currently looking into psychology.’’
She is proud that she was able to complete each and every assigned handed to her. ““I felt like I accomplished so much that I haven’t been able to do so far,” she said.

Recognizing the things that can motivate students is important. To Marisa, wanting to be the best pushed her to get this far. “I motivated myself because no one else did,’’ she said. “ I wanted to be the best, so I tried very hard,” she said.

Marisa said she’s not sure how she feels about the honor. “ All my hard work got me here,’’ she said. “ I’m excited, but I’m also nervous for my speech.’’
Similar to Anastacia, she spent most of high school working to attain this goal. “For the first three years, I was very focused and got 90 percent and higher on every assignment. It wasn’t hard for me because I had teachers to guide me,” she said. The Quran was also a big inspiration for her. She mentions 94:5, which says “Surely with hardship comes ease.”

As both winners’ guidance counselor, Shavon Evelyn especially recognizes the students’ raw efforts throughout the years. “Anastacia and Marisa are both incredibly diligent and responsible students,’’ she said. “These awards reflect their consistency and hard work over the last four years. I’m so proud of their successes and I’m excited to see who they will become,.’’

With more years to come at Bronx River, we hope to see the future valedictorians and salutatorians.