Congratulations to the ITC Class of 2023 Valedictorian and Salutatorian!

We're so proud of our soon-to-be Class of 2023 #SCSDGraduates! This week, we're excited to share more about each of our high school Valedictorians and Salutatorians. Today, learn about ITC's top two scholars - and stay tuned as we feature the Valedictorian and Salutatorian from Nottingham, Corcoran, PSLA at Fowler, and Henninger later this week. 

Valedictorian – Abdullah Ghanem

What are your plans after graduation (what college, what interest in terms of major)?
I will be attending Syracuse University, where I plan to study Computer Engineering. I hope to go into software engineering. My brother works in that field, and it’s always been interesting to me as a result.
 
What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school?
Basketball, Clarinet, Superintendent’s Student Cabinet, Syracuse Youth Advisory Council, and I participated in a summer research program at SU.
 
What has been the best part of your high school career and why?
Playing on the basketball team for four years. I made strong connections and built a support system with those people that extends far beyond basketball.
 
What was your proudest moment in high school?
I’m proudest of the Physics internship I competed at SU. I was scared to do it because I thought it would be overwhelmingly hard. But I’m so glad I applied and that I did it! It ended up being something I enjoyed, and I really got to see how everything I studied in Physics class actually came about. I was able to work with professors and grad students who have more knowledge than me, and it was a great experience.
 
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I’m most looking forward to being in a new environment with new people and getting to now people who are from other places.
 
What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD?
The best thing I’ve learned over the course of my time in the SCSD is how to work well with others who have different backgrounds and experiences. Everyone here is so diverse and I think that’s so helpful.
 
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here?
My advice for other students is to prioritize academics but look at them as more than grades. See your classes as an opportunity to learn new things. Grades shouldn’t be your only focus – they don’t define you. Explore your other interests!
 
What is something major you hope to achieve in life?
I’ve always really enjoyed video games – I’d like to help develop a video game one day. Not necessarily professionally, but just as a hobby!
 

Salutatorian – Brendan O’Brien

What are your plans after graduation (what college, what interest in terms of major)?
I will be attending Nazareth University, where I plan to pursue my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I will earn my college degree after four years and then will stay on for two more years to earn my doctorate, working in a clinical setting and getting that hands-on experience. My interest in physical therapy came about when I dislocated my kneecap playing volleyball. When I went to PT, I was able to recover pretty fast. Seeing how weak my knee was to how strong it was was awesome. I really want to help do that for other people.  
 
What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school?
Volleyball (4 years, Varsity for 3), NSBE and VEX Robotics
 
What has been the best part of your high school career and why?
The best part of high school was being able to take classes at OCC. They have prepared me not only for higher education, but also for juggling a work load and time management. I’ve had to juggle a college schedule and high school schedule at the same time – so I imagine it may be less crazy in college since I’ll only be managing the one!   
 
What was your proudest moment in high school?
My proudest moment in high school was passing my Physics class at OCC my junior year. It was my first college class at OCC, and it was a pretty difficult class. I was able to pass the class with an A-. It took a lot of hard work, dedication, and blood, sweat, and tears – but it was a big achievement. It made me realize that I can do this. It may take work, but I can do it!  
 
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I’m most looking forward to being in a new environment. I’ll be far enough from home that I’m not at home, but close enough that if I need help, someone can be there. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and finding people with similar interests.
 
What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD?
The best thing I’ve learned through the SCSD is the value of diversity – and the ability to accept anyone. We’re one of the most diverse districts in the state, and I value being able to learn from people of different backgrounds – and more than that, accepting them and learning more about them. This district has taught me the value of being open minded and collaborating with people of different backgrounds. It’s amazing how diverse our district is! The SCSD has been a wonderful experience and I’ve met so many different people.
 
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here?
Be open minded. Different opportunities will always arise. Engineering was my passion, and now it’s Physical Therapy. I’m going to take what I’ve learned and those techniques with me as I continue my education in that field. Be open-minded to every opportunity that opens to you!
 
What is something major you hope to achieve in life?
My goal is really to earn my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. It’s going to be hard work – six years of schooling! It’s going to take a lot of dedication, but being able to complete that will be a major accomplishment and will open so many doors for me in my career.