The top students of the Brentwood Class of 2025 were honored at a special luncheon on Tuesday, March 4, with members of the district administration, family and friends in attendance – and beaming with pride.

Ross valedictorian Marlie Reno and salutatorian Karina Fuentes brought along a few family members, while Sonderling valedictorian Farah Alzafarani and salutatorian Josue Flores opted to bring a few of their high-achieving peers to the luncheon.

Superintendent Wanda Ortiz-Rivera, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education Matthew Gengler, Coordinator of Guidance Wayne Abenes and BHS Principal Dr. Dashana Dulin expressed gratitude and pride for these young scholars’ hard work and incredible achievements. Eileen Harman and Maria Malave, members of the district’s Board of Education, were also in attendance applauding at every available opportunity.

The scholars took questions from the audience, which included their teary-eyed guidance counselors, who, according to the students, have become like close friends. Those guidance counselors (Carleny Popa, Kerry Sands, Dawn Lanzetta and Michelle Popal) have worked tirelessly to ensure that their students are set up for the best possible path to success.

Superintendent Ortiz-Rivera urged the scholars to set their sights on the future, and to select a career path that, above all, has meaning. To make an impact, she said, is one of the most rewarding aspects of a successful career.

Look out for a more in-depth featurette with the top scholars coming soon.