Kamil Santana is Passaic Preparatory Academy’s first valedictorian, earning her position by ending her high school senior year with a 4.18 GPA.

A valedictorian is the highest-ranked graduate of the graduating class. They have the highest overall grade point average.

“It’s just so astounding to me that I’ve made history. Passaic Preparatory Academy’s first valedictorian is a young Latina woman,” Kamil told The Boulevard. “That alone is something you wouldn’t hear 50 years ago. The fact that I can vocalize that alone just proves that nothing is impossible.”

Santana, who was in the Legal Studies Pathway at Prep, will attend Montclair State University in the fall. She will major in English and eventually plans to attend law school to become a lawyer. 

For two years, Kamil was an NJROTC (Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) cadet. The Passaic resident was heavily involved in many clubs throughout her high school years, joining the Octagon Club, Student Council, College Acceptance Academy Club and theatre, as well as participating in the United For Prevention in Passaic County’s Teen Summit. Santana was also The Boulevard’s News Editor and Senior Class treasurer. Not only was she heavily involved in school, she continues to volunteer at her church’s food bank on Saturday mornings. 

“I want to be remembered for proudly being one of the first students to have attended Passaic Preparatory Academy,” said the 18-year-old, when asked about what legacy she wants to leave behind at Prep. “I want the students yet to come to know that they have a city that cares for them, a building full of loving and supporting people, and a place to feel safe and enriched with knowledge.”

Kamil attributes her success to God, her parents, teachers, and friends. She is thankful for all of their support and for pushing her to be the best person she can be. She believes there is always room for growth.

Santana admits that she “just wanted to survive high school,” and said she feels that she accomplished her goals: “I wanted to join clubs, be an honor roll student, possibly become valedictorian and enjoy my youth. Through determination and dedication, I was able to achieve all four.”

She advises incoming freshmen to be proactive and to stay on top of their work. She recommends and encourages them to join clubs, make new friends, and to not be afraid of asking for help.

“Be yourself. High school is nothing like High School Musical, Mean Girls, or Clueless, although we all wish it was … as if,” joked Santana, referencing the movie Clueless. 

BELOW: Watch the video of Kamil when teachers show up at her house during quarantine to deliver a congratulatory gift!