Exceptional Scholars

Meet our Exceptional Smart Scholars

Spring 2025

• Rehan Tariq Grade 9, Brentwood High School
• Arielle Ellis Grade 9, Brentwood High School
• Shuraksha Gimire Grade 9, Brentwood High School
• Yarah Clergeau Grade 10, Wyandanch High School
• Jhanae Thyme Grade 10, Brentwood High School
• Alexander Rivera Grade 10, Wyandanch High School
• Keyli Sanchez Grade 11, Brentwood High School
• Kevin Nunez Grade 11, Brentwood High School
• Olivia Ycaza Grade 11, Brentwood High School
• Jacelyn Benitez Grade 12, Brentwood High School
• Anthony Reyes Grade 12, Brentwood High School
• April Kenny Grade 12, Amityville High School
• Karina Fuentes Grade 12, Brentwood High School 
• Anya Naraine Grade 12, Brentwood High School

---

We asked our students to tell us a little more about the program from their experiences.

1. What motivates you?

• “I would say my school motivates me to always get the most out of the opportunities provided.” 
• “My parents motivate me, along with my idea that I can always do more.” 
• “What motivates me is my family. I do what I do so I can give back to my loved ones and repay them for all they have done for me.” 

2. What do you enjoy the most about the program?

• “I enjoy the classes the most and the campus as well. I have taken classes like race and ethnicity with great professors that have helped me narrow down my career choice and broaden my lenses on the information provided to me.” 
• “I enjoy that all courses are optional in the way that you can choose them, and that you may switch/drop a class if you don’t enjoy it.” 
• “What I enjoy the most about the program is that I can interact with students from other schools on Long Island.” 
• “I enjoyed my class the most because we learned so many new things with Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. I got to do cool projects and apply my new skills to the real world.” 
• “What I enjoy the most about Smart Scholars is that it allows me to be able to connect with people I never would have before.” 

3. What are your plans for the future?

• “For the future I plan on attending college and majoring in Conflict Analysis and Resolution to hopefully pursue a career in social work or a government agency.” 
• “I hope to be a biomedical engineer in the future.” 
• “I would like the ability to support my family and want them to be proud of me. I also have personal dreams of traveling the world and buying my dream car.” 
• “The plans I have for the future are to become a reputable anesthesiologist and travel the world.”