LHS Valedictorian Samuel Rodriguez
LHS Salutatorian Liban Abeed
By Dan Murphy
Congratulations to Lincoln High School Valedictorian Samuel Rodriguez and Salutatorian Liban Abeed. Valedictorian Samuel Rodriguez will graduate with a 101.3 GPA. His favorite teachers are Dr. Kumari Johal (CH Chemistry, AP Chemistry), Mrs. Sunitha Howard (Scientific Research), and Mr. Handsel Minyard (AP English Lang).
“During my freshman and sophomore years, Dr. Johal piqued my interest in Science. Her classes were great platforms to ask questions, and she was always there for me and stayed on top of me to finish my work and stay after school.
“Mrs. Howard was always helpful in getting us the best internships and researching the best opportunities to make sure I get the experience I need.”
“I enjoyed Mr. Minyard’s English language class. He was super fun and taught me how to become a better writer and write about topics that interest me, like poetry, in a more interesting way.
Samuel’s favorite subject is Science. “I was most interested in Science and did very well in it. My teachers were amazing and helped me grow my fascination with Science. You can learn so much about genetics, evolution, and anatomy, which all help me prepare for college and a medical career.
Rodriguez said that his experience in My Brother’s Keeper-Yonkers has helped him achieve success at LHS. “I have been a part of MBK for four years. I learned from amazing stories and found a community I belonged to. I got the opportunity to become a fellow and represent our city on the state level.
“Through MBK, I got to express my voice, learn from other MBK Chapters, and bring that knowledge back to Yonkers. I also have a mentor who was adamant about preparing me for college. He is always checking up on me and making sure I do well. He supports me and gives me good advice. His work with me taught me to help someone else.
Samuel will attend Brown University in the fall. “I want to pursue a medical career but don’t know what field yet. I want to be a Doctor. At one point, I wanted to become a lawyer, but with medicine, you can advocate for a patient for a long time and make connections. I’m also interested in conducting and applying research in a clinical setting.
Rodriguez thanked the LHS supporting faculty. “So many staff members are there for you when you need guidance. When I was struggling with my academics, or personally, they gave me useful advice.
Any advice to younger students? “Surround yourself with a successful environment, with motivated people around you. Challenge yourself to become the best.”
Samuel said that his mother helped him achieve this level of academic achievement. “She came to this country to take advantage of the American dream, and that idea trickled down to me. I recognized how disciplined she was, and she taught me that. I pushed myself to do my best. I need to make my mom proud and show her that all her efforts were worth it.
LHS Salutatorian Liban Abeed will graduate with a 97.9 GPA. His favorite teachers are Mrs. Howard, Dr. Johal, and Lauri-Anne Cameron (AP Biology).
“Ms. Cameron helped me prepare for Biology, making it a digestible concept. I love Biology, and my favorite subject is Science because learning about and discovering new things appeals to me. In Science, you can implement what you know. It’s very interesting.
One project in Mrs. Howard’s class “allowed us to identify bacteria in your body and analyze it for dangerous pathogens. I analyzed those bacteria and found a correlation between those factors,” said Liban, who received a US-Stockholm Junior Regional Award for his research.
Abeed also volunteered his time at his Mosque, “teaching little kids the Koran and volunteering at the congregation during Ramadan.”
He will be attending NYU this fall. “I would like to go on to Dental School. My mom works in the field and is passionate about it. That’s how I got an interest in Dentistry. Also, meeting new patients had a long-lasting impact on her and me.”
Liban came to Lincoln High School as a junior after his family moved from Texas. “I wasn’t sure I would be welcomed, but I met many friends and teachers who supported me.”
Abeed thanked Assistant Principal and guidance counselor Jonathan Morano. “He was welcoming and helped me get situated. The environment and the community he helped me find made me a better person.”
Advice for a future Val or Sal? “Ignorance is the biggest factor in your downfall. And don’t be overconfident.”
Liban thanked his mom, “She pushed me, and I wouldn’t be here without her. She kept me positive,” and God. “I have a lot of faith in God. He pushed me, and I praise Him for my academic success.”
