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 Valedictorian: Sarai Sales

The Peekskill City School District and Peekskill High School are proud to introduce the Class of 2020 Valedictorian, Miss Sarai Sales. Miss Sales 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 Sales shared a little about herself and her plans for after graduation.

Miss Sarai Sales is involved in numerous organizations at Peekskill High School. She is the President of the Science National Honor Society and Math National Honor Society. Additionally, she is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Francisco Jimenez Spanish National Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, the Peekskill High School Chapter of the National Honor Society, and is a member of the PHS Black Culture Club. Miss Sales has also participated in the PHS Science Research Program since her sophomore year. The PSR program gave Miss Sales the opportunity to conduct research at New York Medical College and participate in several science fairs, at which she received various awards. Aside from her academic and extracurricular achievements, Miss Sales also participates in several community service endeavors and is the Vice President of the Peekskill Youth Bureau’s Youth Advisory Council, a Youth Representative for the Peekskill Youth Bureau Youth Board, a member of the Hudson River Health Care Youth Health Promoters program, and a member of the Mercy College Science Technology Entry Program. This past year, Miss Sales and her family partnered with Elmina Methodist Junior High School in Ghana to donate approximately thirty computers for the school’s newly created computer lab. While she has strived for academic excellence, Miss Sales says that it is equally important for her to be able to use her skills and talent to help others.

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

Sales: My favorite class this year was Advanced Placement Calculus taught by Ms. Doris Pichardo. What I enjoyed most about this class is that it gave me the mental fortitude and critical thinking skills to tackle complex mathematical concepts. This class was rigorous and demanding. However, Ms. Pichardo’s unwavering support and dedication helped me excel in this course throughout the year.

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

Sales: An exceptional teacher is one that goes above and beyond to develop relationships with their students while challenging them to be lifelong learners and risk takers.Throughout my time as a student at Peekskill High School, I have been fortunate to encounter so many awesome teachers. However, I would like to recognize Ms. Doris Pichardo because she always puts her students first. The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed our lives in almost every way. Ms. Pichardo has been a positive figure during these tumultuous times. She has personally checked in with me and my family to inquire about our well-being. Prior to the school closure, Ms. Pichardo’s dedication and diligence in the classroom has been immeasurable. At the beginning of the school year, Ms. Pichardo would stay as late as 7 o'clock in the evening working with her students and providing extended lessons in preparation for the AP Calculus exam. I would also like to highlight Ms. Sharon Courtney. Ms. Courtney was my AP World History teacher last year and my Entrepreneurship teacher this school year. Ms. Courtney’s teaching style was unconventional, yet effective. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge Mr. Todd Newby. Mr. Newby was my AP English Language teacher and his class taught me organizational skills, presentation skills, and proper grammar usage that will greatly help me in and out of the classroom. Mr. Newby has always been a friendly face in the building and was extremely helpful to me during the college application process. These Peekskill High School teachers have played an integral role in making me the person I am today.

PCSD: What is your philosophy as a student?

Sales: My philosophy as a student is to always strive for excellence. Natural talent can take you but so far, and then grit and a strong work ethic are necessary to take you to the next level. One quote I resonate with is from the late Kobe Bryant and it says, “Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.”

PCSD: What are your future plans?

Sales: While I got accepted to Princeton, Columbia, and Brown University to name a few, I will be proudly attending Howard University as a member of the Karsh STEM Scholars Program. This is an exciting opportunity, as the scholars are prepared and expected to pursue a PhD or MD-PhD in the science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) field. I plan to major in Biology with a dual minor in Chemistry and Mathematics.

PCSD: What inspires you?

Sales: I am inspired by my ancestors who came before me who were denied access to an education and the fulfillment of their dreams. It is my responsibility to honor them by treating every scholastic endeavor with the utmost importance and dedication. My goal and desire is to continue to be my ancestors’ wildest dreams. Additionally, my family has instilled in me core values such as respect, humility, diligence, and discipline.

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

Sales: When I leave college, I intend to enroll in a dual MD-PhD program to become an obstetrician and gynecologist with a focus on epidemiology. As a physician-scientist, I wish to open a health clinic that will provide me with an opportunity to create a safe space committed to furthering education, providing treatment, and breaking down barriers. Science has always been my passion because it provides me with the knowledge and expertise to be an inquirer and problem solver. While the global pandemic of COVID-19 has changed our lives, it has also demonstrated the need for future leaders in science, medical research, and epidemiology. I am eager to embark on this journey when I enter college this fall.

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

Sales: I would like to say that it is very important to take advantage of the vast resources at Peekskill High School and never be afraid to ask for help. PHS has so many faculty members that are willing to assist you in tackling any obstacle in your path. There are a plethora of clubs, honor societies, and after-school programs that can enrich your high school experience. I would recommend that you participate in opportunities and activities aligned with your academic and personal interests. By doing this, I was able to identify and focus on my career goals and educational aspirations. Most importantly, avoid unnecessary distractions that will deter you from achieving your goals.

PCSD: What will you miss most about PHS?

Sales: I will miss the support system at PHS. Peekskill High School is dedicated to the success of every student by creating an environment that is supportive and family-oriented. I firmly believe that it takes a village to raise a child and as a PHS student, you experience just that. Throughout my time at PHS, I have encountered numerous teachers, administrators, and support staff who were eager to see students thrive and succeed. Peekskill High School has instilled in me the importance of community, togetherness and collaboration. As I depart from high school and further my undergraduate education, I intend to maintain the standard of excellence that was set for me at PHS and continue to embody the values that make me a Peekskill Red Devil. While Peekskill High School is the last stop of my secondary education, I would like to acknowledge all of the Peekskill City School District staff that have been instrumental in my journey.

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?

Sales: The circumstances that I have faced during this pandemic have shaped my final year at PHS by teaching me better time management and the importance of being resilient in the face of adversity. Although this experience has been unique to the previous graduating classes, this pandemic has fostered a certain level of intimacy, humanity, and empathy between myself, my teachers, and my classmates. We transitioned from being together in our classrooms to working together in our homes. While this has been a challenging year, I have continued to persevere as a student by striving to continue the momentum that I started when I began my senior year in September. Words of wisdom I have for my fellow seniors would be to remind them that we are graduating from high school during unprecedented times and although this experience is disheartening to say the least, the world is going to need us to be visionaries, leaders, and innovators. I have no doubt in my mind that we will rise to the occasion and become the change agents and global citizens we were destined to become. The “silver lining” to this year is that I have had an opportunity to practice being more mindful, appreciate simple pleasures, and prepare for life’s trials and tribulations.