Unsung Hero

Jary Hernandez: Yoxan Almonte for perfect attendance.

Marlene Muhammad: Salsabil Assaf always cheers for her friends and classmates. She is always there to celebrate others’ achievements, including my own. Although she always highlights others, she does not always receive the same attention. Salsa is hardworking, determined, and sharp-witted. I loved watching her grow these past few years and accomplish all the goals that she’s told me about. I watched as she became president of Girls Who Code, vice president of the Muslim Student Association, and got accepted into one of her topchoice colleges, George Washington University. Salsa is truly an inspiration.

Fernando Rosa Mejia: Cheyla Aristy has a unique personality and way of being. Cheyla is a kind girl who has been through a lot in her life, but somehow she still keeps up with school and always has a smile on her face.

Albaraa Gebril: Herbert Huachaca has one of the most unique minds to enter the buildings at Clifton. Aside from excelling at all other subjects and being one of the most eloquently spoken students that I have ever had the pleasure of debating in the classroom, he is a math prodigy. Through hard work and dedication, Herbert has become CHS’ highest scorer in the Math League contests and has finished joint third in the state region with 33/36 points. He is currently joint first in the state region on this year’s Math League contests (29/30 points). He placed in the top 5% of American Math Competitors in his junior and senior years, qualifying for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination both times. He scored in the top 25% of all AIME takers in his senior year and saw himself as a growing disciple of creative mathematical thought. He has also self-studied for this year’s AP Calculus BC and AP Physics. I am not exaggerating this young man’s genius; I imagine him as a young Einstein or Newton.

Jineen Khalil: For me, it’s my Language Arts teacher Ms. Michelle Germinario. She was one of the most heartwarming teachers that I ever had, helped me a lot through my junior year, and was always willing to talk to students if they needed it, without hesitation. She made me actually want to go to school and look forward to seeing her. She helped me a lot last year; from the moment that I entered class to the very last minute. She made me feel appreciated.

Michelle Marin: My best friend Theresa Joseph. She is ranked fifth in the class and is quartermaster of the Mustang Band. I met Theresa in eighth grade, where we both decided that we would join the Marching Band. Ever since we joined, we have been inseparable. As we grew into mature young women, she has inspired me in many ways a best friend could. She is unique in her ways that stand out from anybody that I know. I’ve seen her work hard to pursue her accomplishments, which she has become very successful in. I’ve seen her give it her all throughout the band seasons and I had the pleasure of watching her become one of the most important members in the Mustang Band. My favorite quality of Theresa would be that she is very ambitious toward her goals, and it even motivates me to do the same. I know Theresa will do amazing things. I could not be any more proud of my best friend.

Kiara Negron: Benjamin Nelken. He’s an athlete and I believe Benjamin is very dedicated when it comes down to his sports and studies. He is currently doing two sports, soccer and track, and he never fails to always accomplish his goals. I learned to be determined because of his mindset in making his successes come true. I value the important advice that he’s given to me.

Mohand Abdelkarim: Farah Alabaddi because she provided others with a shoulder to lay on.

Giovanni Olaya: Alyssa Quizon. Whether it was hauling carts of melting ice cream down the hall for a senior fundraiser or helping decorate boxes for an NHS donation drive, Alyssa has always gone out of her way to help her school community. She truly helped my class get motivated and active in its fundraising that allowed us to have such a great senior year. Without her and her dedication and selflessness for the Class of 2023 and our National Honor Society, I don’t know what we would have done. She is truly my class’s unsung hero.

Chayanne Ramos: Edward Mejia is talented, always hustling and trying new things. He just started his own detailing business. I’m telling you, he’s the next big thing.

Yoxan Almonte: Axel Gonzalez has not received attention despite being a very hard-working person and someone who is very friendly to others.