December Leadership Award Winners

This month, our Virtue of a Knight focus is Leadership—the ability to lead with integrity, responsibility, and care for others. Leadership at Central shows up in many ways: taking initiative, supporting peers, modeling positive choices, and helping build a strong, respectful community. We are proud to celebrate the following students for exemplifying leadership in meaningful and consistent ways.

Emely Wray (9th Grade) — Nominated by Ms. Marisol Gomez

Emely is a responsible, respectful, and disciplined student who consistently strives to do her best. She approaches her learning with focus and maturity and sets a positive example for her peers through her work ethic and attitude. In addition to being an exceptional student, Emely is an avid reader who enjoys exploring literature and is known for her genuine kindness and care for others. Central has much to look forward to from this leading freshman.

Yahaira Velasquez Martinez (10th Grade) — Nominated by Ms. Maleiko

Yahaira is a natural leader who consistently helps her classmates stay focused and follow expectations. She leads through action—being the first to meet classroom expectations and stepping in to support peers so everyone stays on track. Yahaira is dependable, trusted, and the kind of student teachers know they can rely on to help a classroom run smoothly, even in their absence. Her leadership is felt daily through her responsibility and care for others.

Jose Montano Bejarano (11th Grade) — Nominated by Mr. Daryl Jent

Jose is a natural leader who leads by example with quiet confidence and humility. Within JROTC, his peers listen when he speaks because he consistently models respect, discipline, and integrity. His work is above standard and often completed ahead of schedule, and he is always willing to support fellow cadets with patience and care. Jose mentors others without ego and motivates those around him to grow and lead with purpose.

Carolaind Guzman Angeles (12th Grade) — Nominated by Ms. Nina Jarvis

Carolaind demonstrates leadership every day by taking initiative, showing responsibility, and uplifting those around her. She produces high-quality work, asks thoughtful clarifying questions, and goes above and beyond to deepen her understanding of concepts. Without being asked, she supports classmates by translating for new students, helping peers who may have missed instruction, and reinforcing the importance of deadlines and accountability. Her confidence, integrity, and positivity strengthen the classroom community.

Honorable Mentions — Leadership

We would also like to recognize the following students as Honorable Mentions for demonstrating leadership throughout the month of December:

• Alberto Perez

• Ruth Esther (Rooster) Germosen Morfe

• Marianny Rosario Ortez

• Abdiel Josue Toj-Lux

• Yulianny Taveras

• Laila Rarid Darwish

• Kiara Bautista

• Kevin Cortez

• Terrence Kaine

• Zayi Manderena

• Orlyn Aracena Zarzuela

• Juan Luciano

• Rosa Aceituno Ventura

• Alan Mejia

• Rodneyris Garcia

November Respect Award Winners

Each month, Central Knights focus on one of our core virtues — the values that shape who we are and how we show up for one another. This month, we proudly recognize members of our Central community who exemplify the virtue of Respect — using positive language, listening actively, valuing different perspectives, caring for shared spaces, and demonstrating integrity in their daily actions.

Grade 9 Winner: Jaquell Ronald Gray Nominated by Ms. Veliz Ochoa

Jaquell consistently demonstrates respect by showing up on time, engaging fully in class, and treating his peers and teachers with positivity and integrity. He works hard, stays committed even when learning is challenging, and serves as a humble example of what it means to honor our community. His dedication and effort truly represent what it means to be a Central Knight.

Grade 10 Winner: Elijah Lyn Nominated by Ms. Tang

This student demonstrates respect through his quiet leadership, honesty, and consistent integrity. He values others’ perspectives, contributes thoughtfully during discussions, and takes responsibility for keeping our shared classroom space clean and organized every day. His focus, responsibility, and positive example show what it means to practice self-respect and respect for our community.

Grade 11 Winner: Joma Wamah Nominated by Ms. Fontes

Joma consistently demonstrates strong character and positive classroom behavior. He communicates using polite and respectful language, listens actively during discussions, and shows that he values the perspectives of others. Joma takes care of classroom materials and shared spaces, treating them responsibly and helping maintain a clean and organized environment. He also demonstrates self-respect by putting genuine effort into his work and approaching all tasks with honesty and integrity.

Grade 12 Winner: James Johnson Nominated by Mr. Duverne

James exemplifies the virtue of Respect through his kind words, positive attitude, and the welcoming environment he helps create for his peers. He listens attentively, values the ideas of others, and engages in thoughtful discussions that uplift the classroom community. His respectful demeanor and dedication to growth set a powerful example for everyone around him.

Honorable Mentions

We also want to acknowledge the following students for demonstrating respect throughout our school community:

• Alani Jade Lyn

• Marianny Rosario

• Junior Brownell

• Zayi Manderena

• Katelyn Phongsavath

• Stward Ortiz De La Rosa

• Luis Escolastico Fabian

• Lesly Peña

October Citizenship Student of the Month Award Winners

9th Grade: 

Subriel Contreras Cotto:

Nominated by Ms. Fontes and Ms. Adeni- Awosika

Subi exemplifies the true meaning of citizenship at Central. He is ambitious, hardworking, and self-motivated — always striving to do his best while lifting others up along the way. Mature and responsible, Subi demonstrates leadership through service, especially by supporting Spanish-speaking classmates and ensuring they feel included and understood in every lesson. His kindness and willingness to help others embody what it means to be a true Knight — someone who contributes to the success of the entire community.

10th Grade:

Randy Alonzo:

Nominated by Ms. Sharpe

Randy exemplifies citizenship through his dedication, positivity, and respect for others. He comes to class each day prepared, focused, and ready to learn — consistently giving 100% effort in everything he does. Randy takes his education seriously while maintaining a positive attitude that brightens the classroom. His kindness toward peers, respect for teachers, and genuine commitment to doing his best make him a great example of what it means to be a Central Knight.

• 11th Grade:

• Karyzma Medeiros:

• Nominated by Mr. German

Karyzma — or “Rizzy” — truly embodies Citizenship through her commitment to excellence, leadership, and integrity. A dedicated member of both the JROTC and soccer teams, Rizzy represents what it means to be a well-rounded Knight — balancing academics, athletics, and service with focus and pride. She consistently strives for honors and high honors, completes every assignment with care, and carries herself with respect and humility. Admired by her teachers and peers alike, Rizzy demonstrates daily that true citizenship means giving your best to yourself, your team, and your community.

• 12th Grade: Naializ Bonilla: Nominated by Ms. Small, Ms. Avarista and Ms. Stone

Naializ models citizenship through her unwavering dedication, respect, and integrity. As a new member of the Central community, she has quickly made a positive impact — showing up to class on time, prepared, and eager to learn every single day. She participates thoughtfully in discussions, asks insightful questions, and treats everyone around her with kindness and respect. Her consistency, perseverance, and quiet leadership make her a role model for her peers and a true example of what it means to be a Central Knight.

Citizenship Honorable Mentions

Abdel Soberanis Gonzalez

Aliza Imtiaz

Alexandra Rivas Reyes

Amber Phipps

Carolaind Guzman

Cristina Lopez Monterrosa

Dalai Johnson

Darlyn Vasquez Ventura

Eduarlin Moran

Emily Cepin

Ethan Arias

Jaquell Gray

Jonathan Dario Cruz Rivera

Jonathan Juan Andres Gonzalez Cac

Jordan Maestas

Justin Sanchez

Kevin Cortez

Terrence Kaine

William Alvarez Flores

Thank you to all who modeled kindness, integrity, and responsibility throughout October — your actions strengthen our community and inspire others to do the same.