Peekskill City Schools

2026 Valedictorian: Lenetia Esteves

Miss Esteves has been actively involved in various extracurricular activities throughout her high school career. Currently, she is the proud President of the Peekskill Drama Company, serving as Stage Manager for the fall plays and a cast member for the spring musicals. She is also a member of Peekskill High School’s Vocal Forte, City Singers, and String Orchestra. Beyond her musicianship, she serves as the Student Council President and Class of 2026 Representative, advocating for the student body’s needs and organizing important excursions for the graduating class. My Sister’s Keeper is another organization that she is proud to be a part of at Peekskill High School. 

After high school, Miss Esteves will be attending Princeton University as a member of their great Class of 2030, pursuing a B.A. in Mathematics. I am grateful for all the support Mrs. Maria Gordineer has provided me in applying for scholarships to attend such an amazing school. Her work cannot go unnoticed in the district to help so many students achieve their plans. A huge thank you to the PHS guidance department and Private Prep as well, who worked endlessly to prepare me and several other students for the college application process. Though she is not fully sure what she will do after college Miss Esteves is considering becoming a mathematics educator. Working with Mrs. Amelia Silverman through the LEAP Extended Day Program after school at the middle school and through the WISE course offered at the high school has allowed her to find joy in being able to educate students and assist them as they learn new mathematical concepts. 

PCSD: What was your favorite class this year and what did you enjoy most about it?
Esteves: This year, the WISE (Individualized Senior Experience) Program has taken its place as my favorite course. Currently, I have the opportunity to intern at the local middle school as a student-teacher for a Math 8 class for the second half of my school day. A special thanks to my former teacher and current mentor, Amelia Silverman, for taking me on as a mentee and allowing me to explore this career path in mathematics and in education. 

PCSD: What do you think it takes to make an exceptional teacher?
Esteves: An exceptional teacher is someone who bonds with their students and understands their challenges, learning about their personal strengths and struggles to help them grow individually. It takes a lot to resonate with teachers and understand their perspectives, so I always appreciate teachers who take the time to converse with students about their lives outside of school, providing a new glimpse into their characters. 

I am especially grateful to Mr. Richardson, who, although he has only been here for two years, has invoked a newfound love for music in me - one I thought was slowly going away. I thank him for allowing his classroom to be a place where I can grow as a musician, where I can bond with others, and where I can feel loved. I would also like to thank Ms. Kiah Mahy and Coach Patricia Johnson, two amazing women who have provided me with amazing support as I navigated through the difficulties of my high school experience.

PCSD: What is your philosophy as a student?

Esteves: As a student, I find it most important to diversify my studies and coursework. Until recently, I was always undecided on what I wanted to do in the future. Taking various rigorous courses helped me understand where my strengths and weaknesses were, and it allowed me to explore several different subjects. Prioritize what you find the most beneficial for your future self, and know that you will have to make sacrifices along the way.

PCSD: What inspires you?
Esteves: I am inspired by my parents, two hardworking immigrants who came here from Goa, India, giving up their lives there to be able to discover opportunities in the United States. They have allowed me to freely grow into the person I am today, enabling me to thrive academically and socially while keeping me grounded in everything I do. They have worked so hard to ensure that my siblings and I can dream big and take advantage of any opportunity that has come our way. I am forever grateful for their support throughout my youth, and I truly hope they’re proud of who I’ve become. 

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

Esteves: To the PHS Underclassmen: these are your final years before entering adulthood. Life changes once you graduate from high school, so I urge you all to live your high school years with zero regrets. Spend time with your loved ones, do the things you’ve wanted to do since childhood, and simply live in the moment. Live your life to its fullest potential these last few years of high school. Continue to work hard towards graduation—you’re very close! 

PCSD: What will you miss most about PHS?
Esteves: I believe that I will miss the teachers and student body at Peekskill the most. Being able to live in a diverse school community with teachers and students from different backgrounds who all hold different values is a learning experience in itself. You hear from so many people every single day, and it’s a joy to be able to learn from all of them. Many teachers that I’ve had throughout my four years in this building have been extremely supportive and encouraging. They’ve allowed me to thrive in this academic environment. 

2026 Salutatorian: Josh Molina

Mr. Molina was actively involved in a variety of extracurricular activities throughout high school. He was a member of the orchestra during his first two years of high school, and earned first chair as a freshman. Since freshman year, Josh also worked as part of the backstage crew for multiple productions with the PHS Drama Company. He also volunteered for all four middle school musicals during his time at PHS. As Vice President of the Class of 2026 during junior and senior year, he participated in numerous class fundraisers and served on the prom planning committee. When not in school you can find Josh working at the Bear Mountain Inn.

After graduation, Josh plans to attend Boston University, where he will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering. His goal is to participate in study abroad programs where he can explore foreign countries. After college, Mr. Molina wants to work in the automotive industry to design new parts for vehicles. This career choice was inspired by taking the Intro to Engineering Design class offered at PHS.

PCSD: What was your favorite class this year and what did you enjoy most about it?
Molina: My favorite class this year has to be AP Computer Science. Starting with zero experience in coding, the class is surprisingly easy to follow along. I chose this class as it connects to STEM principles, which align with my engineering career plan. Mr. Adler is a great teacher who engagingly introduces complex topics. I was extremely nervous in September for the AP Exam, but now I feel prepared.

PCSD: What do you think it takes to make an exceptional teacher?
Molina: To me, an exceptional teacher puts themselves in their students' shoes. Many students have to balance home responsibilities, work commitments and homework all at the same time. A teacher needs to understand that and still be able to create a knowledgeable teaching environment. I took Mr. Tamborski’s College Anatomy and Physiology class in my junior year, and his personality alone deserves recognition. He is very respectful to his students and actively fosters conversations in class. He would also assign reasonable homework assignments and tests, where he provided numerous ways to study and prep for the test.

PCSD: What is your philosophy as a student?
Molina: My philosophy is that balance is important. Studying and finishing assignments can be demanding and tiring, and going out and spending time with friends and family is just as important as well. Having both is needed and will lead to a much more relaxed time at the high school.

PCSD: What inspires you?
Molina: My mother is my inspiration. Since she has come to the United States, she has faced countless problems and obstacles and has managed to overcome every one. Being a single mother of 3 children is not easy, yet I wish to have her perseverance and courage going into adulthood.

PCSD: What words of wisdom would you like to pass on to your PHS underclassmen?
Molina: Make friends who will push you to be better. Having friends who can help you understand difficult topics while also helping you with things not involving school is alleviating. At the same time, those friends should also call you out when you’re clearly doing something wrong.

PCSD: What will you miss most about PHS?
Molina: I’m going to miss the class fundraisers the most. Being able to volunteer alongside my friends while also making money to fund events, such as prom and our senior trip, was extremely memorable. Making popcorn/hot chocolate while also being able to watch an eventful varsity game was definitely a highlight.