Peekskill City School District

Please note that this feature is normally included in our annual Budget newsletter, but due to time/space constraints as a result of COVID-19, we were unable to publish the entire interview in print this year. This electronic version is the full interview of the newsletter's abridged version. 

Meet the Peekskill High School 2020 Salutatorian: Samantha Saca

The Peekskill City School District and Peekskill High School are proud to introduce the Class of 2020 Salutatorian, Miss Samantha Saca. Miss Saca is a shining example of “Peekskill Pride,” and shows us how hard work, focus and dedication can lead to success. As she prepares for graduation, Miss Saca shares a little about herself and what her future holds for after graduation.

Miss Samantha Saca is involved in numerous organizations at Peekskill High School. She is President of the Latino Culture Club and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica. In addition, she serves as the Secretary of the Science Honor Society and for the PHS Class of 2020. Miss Saca is also a member of the Social Studies Honor Society, the National Honor Society and the English Honor Society. Additionally, she is an active member of the Environmental Club, Interact Club, the Yearbook Club, the Mercy College Step program, and the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute. In her free time, Miss Saca volunteers at the New York Presbyterian Hospital. She also volunteers as a translator at a pediatrician’s office in Putnam Valley and at her church. When not involved in school or community activities, Miss Saca interns at New York Medical college via the STAR program and as teacher at her church’s Sunday school.

PCSD: What was your favorite class this year and what did you enjoy most about it?

Saca: My favorite class this year was the Peekskill Science Research class taught by Ms. Hadi. It helped expand my knowledge and experience in the medical field by allowing me to conduct research on a public health issue. Ms. Hadi’s passion for research allowed me to develop greater appreciation for research and learn about its importance. Her knowledge in that field enabled the class to grow and strengthened our skills in different areas that I know will help us in the future.

PCSD: What do you think it takes to make an exceptional teacher?

Saca: To be an exceptional teacher one has to demonstrate a strong passion for the subject they teach while being patient and understanding of the students. During my time at PHS, I have encountered many exceptional teachers who I know I will hold near and dear to my heart. Ms. Myrna Santos, Ms. Doris Pichardo, and Ms. Erum Hadi all demonstrated their passion and excitement while teaching, and also helped meet students’ needs to the best of their abilities. The teachers at PHS have demonstrated tenacity and dedication to aid and guide their students through the time and effort they put in.

PCSD: What is your philosophy as a student?

Saca: My philosophy as a student is to always stick with the goals you have set for yourself and not let anyone or anything influence you to change them.

PCSD: What are your future plans?

Saca: I plan to major in Neuroscience and minor in Spanish on the premedical track, with hopes of becoming an oncologist. This fall I will be attending Binghamton University.

PCSD: What inspires you?

Saca: I am inspired by my parents because they had to overcome many obstacles and hardships, yet they still persevered through everything. My parents have taught me to be courageous, work diligently, and always stand for my beliefs. Despite their limitations, my parents have always found strength and courage to fight on, teaching me to never give up, but rather fight harder and seek new avenues that will lead to my success.

PCSD: What do you want to do as a career when you leave college, or what field would you like to work in?

Saca: After leaving college, I hope to attend John Hopkins medical school and specialize in oncology. I then hope to complete my residency at Mount Sinai Hospital, located in New York. My goal is to become a doctor and open a walk-in clinic that would grant people the opportunity to seek medical attention regardless of their healthcare situation. I want to make a change with this clinic as it is evident that there are too many health disparities. I feel I can address these disparities by taking action towards health equity.

PCSD: What words of wisdom would you like to pass on to your PHS underclassmen?

Saca: For the underclassmen at Peekskill High School, I want to say that having a balance is imperative. Obtaining good grades is as important as finding time for yourself and doing things that you genuinely enjoy. Many of the times we tend to forget and ignore the things that lie ahead of us, yet we should appreciate those things because we will regret them when they’re gone. Work diligently, but also make sure you put forth time to do things that you enjoy doing.

PCSD: What will you miss most about PHS?

Saca: PHS has impacted my life tremendously, from allowing me to develop new interests, to learning how to speak in large audiences, PHS has shaped me into who I am today. I will miss the many afternoons I would spend with Ms. Santos and my friends. Ms. Santos would encourage and remind us to work diligently so that we can set an example for the generations to come, while also representing the Latino community. I will also miss the staff at PHS because they were always there to support me and provide me with endless opportunities that perhaps I would not have obtained if it were not for their support.

PCSD: Obviously this year has been unique from those of graduating classes that came before you due to the COVID-19 pandemic. How have these circumstances shaped your final year at PHS and how have you continued to persevere as a student despite these challenging times?

Saca: Class of 2020, although we have experienced and encountered difficult times which took from us many special moments from our senior year, we have lived through a pivotal time in history and can say that we have learned many lessons from this. Prior to this pandemic, many of us were caught up in life in general, however after this time, we can acknowledge and appreciate the small and large things we have in life. Although we encountered difficult and sad times, we should always remember that nothing is granted and therefore, we should take time and show gratitude to those who have always been there to support us. We have all accomplished many things in life and for that we should be forever grateful to Peekskill High school and to our families.

PCSD: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Saca: I would like to thank Peekskill High school for creating a community in which I was able to explore and grow my ambitions and interests; without them my success would not have been possible. I will forever hold Peekskill High school near and dear to my heart, taking the words of wisdom and encouragement with me as I pursue my dreams and goals.