Meet the Henninger High School Class of 2025 Valedictorian & Salutatorian!

Henninger Valedictorian Feature – Soha Alghazeer

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 Biomedical Engineering. I’ve always been interested in the science, math, and medical fields, and participating in the Henninger Health Professions Program for three years helped me really find my passion – combining engineering and healthcare. My ultimate goal is to become a Physician Assistant.

 

What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school? National Art Honor Society (Vice President), National Honor Society, Yearbook, Upward Bound (Class Representative), Science Olympiad, Book Club, Quest Bridge College Prep Program, MEDS Program at Upstate, Syracuse University Physics Research Program

 

What has been the best part of your high school career and why? The best part of my high school experience was taking SUPA (Syracuse University Project Advance) classes. I felt like I was a college student in high school, which was the best experience! I think I earned about 40 college credits, which is a huge head start. I also really appreciate SUPA and Upward Bound for all the preparation they provided me, as well as my teachers and school counselor!

 

What was your proudest moment in high school? My proudest moment in high school was becoming Valedictorian. I know I made my parents proud, and it affirmed all the hard work that I put in. My sister was Valedictorian at her high school, so I’m continuing the family legacy of working hard to achieve your goals. I was also so proud to get into SU because it’s a very competitive program; and that I worked together with my best friend [Salutatorian Hager Alamarie] throughout high school while keeping any sense of competition out of our friendship!

 

What are you most looking forward to about college? I’m most looking forward to exploring the campus, finding opportunities, and doing research in my field. I hope to volunteer as a Medical Assistant because I know these are experiences that will help me in Physician Assistant school.

 

What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD? Whatever you want to achieve, work hard for it.  Even though it isn't always easy, staying motivated will allow you to reach your goals and the staff is always there to help you. Henninger teachers have made me feel supported and valued; this sense of belonging helped me overcome the academic challenges I faced.

 

What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here? Make connections and get involved as much as you can – it will make you more well-rounded and accepting of other people. And plan ahead so you can get things done on time!

 

What is something major you hope to achieve in life? I hope to become a doctor or Physician’s Assistant and make my parents proud. My parents have always motivated me, and they supported me in whatever I wanted to do. Ultimately, I hope to build accessible healthcare for our community and those who really need it.

 

Henninger Salutatorian Feature – Hager Alamarie

What are your plans after graduation? I will be attending Syracuse University to study in a 5-year architecture program. My passion for architecture is rooted in cultural influences and the belief that homes should preserve identities. A home is more than just a structure—it carries emotions, memories, and a sense of belonging because a well-crafted space isn’t just lived in. It’s felt!

 

What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school? I served as the President of the National Art Honor Society for two years and was a member of the National Honor Society, Yearbook Club (Secretary and Treasurer), and Book Club. I participated in various art competitions, including the Scholastic Art Competition, where I received Gold, Silver, and Honorable Mention awards, as well as the Folk Art Awards, earning Silver and Honorable Mention. Additionally, I attended the Syracuse University Physics Research Program during the summer and the Pre-College Program in Business Innovation. I also participated in the Science Olympiad, winning 2nd place in the Scrambler event, and competed in DECA, where I won at the regional level.

 

What has been the best part of your high school career? Reaching my goal of getting into architecture school was a defining moment, but the journey mattered just as much. The challenges, lessons, and growth along the way shaped me into who I am today. Another highlight was sharing the Valedictorian and Salutatorian honor with my best friend—experiencing this achievement together made it even more meaningful!

 

What was your proudest moment in high school? Becoming the first woman in my family to pursue architecture was a milestone.  While my family has strong roots in medical care, education, business and computer science, I chose a different path—one I’m deeply passionate about. The architecture program was one of the most difficult programs to get in. I did it! It was interesting to explore this new journey. But I finally did it! I’m grateful to my family and teachers for their support in turning what once felt like a dream into reality.

 

What are you most looking forward to about college? I’m excited to immerse myself in a field I love and take the next step toward my future. Beyond academics, I look forward to helping others discover their identities through architecture and embracing opportunities I once thought were out of reach. I also hope to explore interdisciplinary studies through the Syracuse University Honors Program.

 

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in SCSD? Your culture background defines you – you have the power to shape your own future. Growth often comes with discomfort, but every challenge is a step toward something greater. SCSD’s diversity has also shown me how valuable different perspectives are in the real world. I feel ready to begin my journey beyond high school.

 

What advice would you give to other students? Have a vision for what you want to become, and follow steps to achieve it, even when it’s difficult. I always set goals, and even when they changed, they kept me motivated. Opportunities will come, but it’s up to you to take them. Seek guidance, stay persistent, and trust that your hard work will pay off.

 

What is a major goal you hope to achieve in life? I plan to establish an architectural firm that serves communities worldwide, designing spaces that integrate cultural identity with modern innovation. I want to create environments that foster connection and belonging, helping people feel at home no matter where they are. As a SCSD graduate, one of my greatest achievements will be giving back to the SCSD community. I hope to mentor students from SCSD, guiding them through their academic and career journeys in architecture providing them guidance I once searched for. I want to inspire future architects and creatives, showing them that their dreams are possible—no matter where they start. I also hope to customize a house for my parents that complements my Middle Eastern culture… They can choose anywhere in the world, and I’ll build a home for them as a way to give back to them for everything they have done!