Senator Murphy honors Peekskill honor student

Peekskill, NY - Peekskill High School senior Valentina Loaiza has a GPA of 99.69, and that is only part of her many academic achievements. Valentina was recently nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program by Senator Terrence Murphy. Senator Murphy visited the high school on December 14 to present Valentina with a proclamation recognizing her academic achievements and outstanding community work. Joining Valentina was her mother, Michael Simpkins, Vice President of the Peekskill School District Board of Education; Peekskill School District Superintendent Mary Foster, and Peekskill High School Principal Rodney Arthur, as well Valentina's mentors and many well-wishers.

Because of her academic accomplishments and strong community service, Senator Murphy nominated Valentina for recognition as a U.S. Presidential Scholar. Valentina has since been selected as one of twenty-five New York State high school seniors nominated for the National President Scholars Program. The Presidential Scholar is one of the nation's highest honors a high school student can achieve. Every year, one young man and one young woman from each state are named Presidential Scholars.
 
"Valentina's nomination for recognition in the U.S. Presidential Scholar Program has made us all very proud," said Senator Murphy.  "She has already distinguished herself in the classroom and in the community. She is an exceptional young woman who is destined for great things in life."
 
Among her notable academic accomplishments, Valentina serves as Vice President of the Science Honor Society. With her nearly perfect GPA, Valentina ranks first in her class of 247.
 
She has diligently served her community, volunteering with the ASPCA, Special Olympics, and the Peekskill Library, and has tutored both children and adults. She is also devoted to her working with CUNY Citizenship Now, a free legal immigration service.