East Ramapo superintendent spotlights valedictorians, salutatorians at Spring Valley and Ramapo

Anthony DeCarlo, host of the superintendent’s corner for the East Ramapo Central School District, introduced the district’s valedictorians and salutatorians for Spring Valley and Ramapo high schools in a recorded segment.

At Spring Valley High School, valedictorian Zaryn Tasnim said, “I've been in East Ramapo since kindergarten, and I've found majoring in electrical engineering in college.” Salutatorian Tasnika Jacobs said, “I came to East Ramapo in 9th grade. I would like to major in biochemistry, and I think I've been inspired by my grama chemistry teacher, Miss Hilsman.” DeCarlo asked about their college-application essays; Tasnim said her theme was “sunsets on Mars,” and Jacobs described an essay that used a personal metaphor.

At Ramapo High School, valedictorian Jaden Khan described his pathway through the district’s elementary and middle schools and credited support systems and extracurricular clubs for his success, saying that clubs “are such an important way to get connections in the support system.” Salutatorian Nayeli Segarra said, “In my Common App essay, I wrote about my family's culture. My mother is Puerto Rican and my father is Chinese.” Segarra said she plans to major in biology on a pre-med track; Khan said he plans to study mechanical engineering.

DeCarlo praised the students’ perseverance and thanked teachers across the district, saying the graduates’ achievements reflect “all of your expertise, your love, your desire to have our students do the best they possibly get.” The segment concluded with congratulations and a reminder of upcoming graduation ceremonies.

The segment is a human-interest profile of four graduating students and does not record any board actions, votes or policy decisions.