Top Mustangs

The Top 10 Mustangs of 2023 earned their rankings academically. But there’s more to the remarkable group. They showcased their perseverance during a difficult year as they prepared for college during a pandemic. We look forward to hearing about these Mustangs’ achievements for years to come.

Yasmina Abufasha could rest on her laurels as the CHS Class of 2023 valedictorian. She strives instead to be the best version of herself. “When I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed,” said Abufasha, 17, “[my mother, Olessia] is the first one to convince me to relax and take some time to myself, showing how she always has my best interests at heart.”

Abufasha’s dedication will serve her well at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers – New Brunswick this fall. What appealed about the school to Abufasha was its six-year PharmD program. She describes pharmacy as her “dream profession.”

“My goal is to make invaluable contributions to the medical field by leading the world into a new, innovative era of medicine and improving the quality of life of not only those in my community, but also people around the globe,” said Abufasha. It’s a lofty goal, but she won’t be alone. One of her closest friends and fifth in their class, Theresa Joseph, will attend the university with her.

High school also prepared Abufasha to meet new challenges. The biggest obstacle that she had expected as a freshman was the ability to get involved in the community and make friends. She quickly realized it was harder not to get involved due to CHS’ many opportunities for students.

“Within these clubs are smaller communities of people that share similar interests,” she said. “I was able to form close bonds with other students that carried throughout all four years.”

Abufasha has volunteered for outside organizations as a member of Key Club and volunteered at the Clifton Public Library, where she helped tutor children in reading. Her favorite classes at CHS were junior year AP Chemistry and senior year AP English Literature and Composition.

Science was always her favorite subject and she enjoyed the labs. “As for my literature class, I absolutely loved the novels that we read,” she said. “Being able to discuss my opinions on them with my peers was both enjoyable and enlightening.”

Gabriela Wojcik has plenty to feel proud about ahead of graduation. The salutatorian earned her admission to MIT and has competed for CHS’ Academic Decathlon. She won multiple medals in the different subject areas and ultimately earned 1st place Honors Decathlete in this year’s regional competition.

She’s made great strides and had strong support along the way from her mother, Diane.

“[She] has always encouraged me to pursue my passions and not let any challenges hold me back,” said Wojcik, 17.

Wojcik intends to study Chemical Engineering at MIT. Her career goal is applying the skills that she learns to helping solve environmental problems.

At CHS, she said her greatest obstacle was finding the courage to join school clubs. She regrets missed opportunities during her freshman year, but saw improvements in public speaking and her social interactions after joining ACADECA in her sophomore year.

Since September, Wojcik has worked as an after-school tutor at the Boys & Girls Club. She helps kids com- plete homework and better understand the topics. She also volunteered for Key Club at events like Harvest Fest, the 5K Stampede, and Candyland.

In her free time, she has always enjoyed hiking in the mountains. “My parents have taught me to appreciate the beauty of nature,” she said. “We visit any state or national parks that we can.”

Closer to home, the senior emphasized Clifton’s role in teaching her to appreciate cultures and people. “I’ve learned to be open-minded and accepting toward everyone,” said Wojcik, “which will help me continue to make beneficial connections in the future.”

She encouraged the CHS Class of 2024 students to remain focused, learn how to manage their time, and always pursue the areas that interest them. “Most importantly, just breathe,” she said. “It’s OK to just take a break and reflect on whatever situation you are in.”

Remy Dubac is third in her class and has made a name for herself in Passaic County. She considers her greatest achievement as qualifying for the State Meet of Champions. Dubac placed fifth in Cross Country, and sixth in the 3200m and fourth in the 1600m for Indoor Track.

Her record-breaking senior year saw her claim the Passaic County Record in the 1600m. Dubac was the first female athlete to go sub-five minutes with a time of 4:58.07.

“It showed me that my hard work these past few years and throughout the summer had paid off,” said Dubac, 18. “Not only was I able to accomplish this athletic feat; I was able to maintain my grades and rank third in my class.”

Dubac credits her mother, Sibila, for pushing her and offering guidance and support. “Knowing she believes in me and my abilities has made me realize my potential,” said Dubac.

This fall, Dubac will study Accounting in the Freeman College of Management at Bucknell. She’s also joining the Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams at the Division I level. It took perseverance to get to where she is now. Dubac noted that the end of her junior year and start of her senior year were difficult. She was frequently sick and said she couldn’t perform her best in school or sports.

She didn’t lose hope and eventually, she bounced back. She also had teachers like Ms. Lucyna Mierzwa for Honors Pre-Calculus, who was “always very understanding” and prepared her for senior year classes.

Dubac said growing up in Clifton has allowed her to immerse herself in the diverse community. It was the Colfax Avenue community that also made her who she is today.

“My teachers throughout my years at school have helped shape me as a student,” she said. An educator she mentioned by name is coach John Pontes, adding, “He has pushed me to become a better runner through his training and encouragement.”

Family is at the center of Mary Claire Davey’s life. The fourth in her graduating class acknowledged her mother, siblings, and grandparents. Her mother, Katherine, is a teacher at School 17.

“She exemplifies kindness and compassion unlike anyone I have ever met,” said Davey, 18. “I strive to be like her every day.” Her sisters, Megan and Catherine, are six and seven years older but will “forever be my best friends.” Davey said they taught her the meaning of hard work and dedication.

“They’ve always been phone calls away whenever I need help or advice, and they’ve truly guided me throughout my life, helping me become the young woman I am today.”

Her grandparents, James and Catherine Murtha, are her “biggest cheerleaders”, who she spent hours speaking to daily as a child — also playing games or taking trips around Clifton with them.

Clifton provided her with a diverse community of people. In the city and the schools, she learned about many cultures and gained a “broader perspective in life.” She’ll take these experiences to the University of Rhode Island in September. Davey intends to earn her PharmD in their 0-6 pharmacy program.