When Anika Fernandes was announced as the official valedictorian for the class of 2020 in late September, she was elated with the news. Even with an impressive GPA of 4.7948, Anika continues to remain humble when reflecting on her accolade; “It was really gratifying to see all my hard work and stress throughout high school materialize into this remarkable title.” 

After being awarded one of the highest academic honors most high school seniors would decide to take it easy in their final year of high school, but not Anika. This year, Anika is taking taking AP Biology, Dynamics of Healthcare, Honors Wind Ensemble, AP Literature, AP Calculus BC, and Anatomy & Physiology, all rigorous courses that require maximum academic participation. 

In addition to being named valedictorian, Anika is an AP Scholar with Distinction as well as a National Merit Commended Scholar, and also participates in many extracurricular activities, honor societies, and clubs. 

“I am the Vice President of the Science National Honors Society, the Vice President of Tri-M Music Honors Society, and am also in Mu Alpha Theta, National Honors Society, and Escriptus. I am Drum Major of the Marching Band, President of the Band Council, Vice President of the Health Occupations Club (HOSA), Vice President of the Nikhil Badlani Youth Advisory Board, a Mountaineer Mentor, on the Math Team, on the Science Olympiad team, and a volunteer at Kessler. I have been accepted into the North Jersey Area Band, New Jersey Region Band, Eastern Wind Symphony, and Essex County Honor Band for my trumpet playing.” 

In the little free time she has, Anika enjoys learning guitar and watching movies. As for her future, she is interested in pursuing a job in the medical field. Anika is looking to attend Rutgers University in addition to some other colleges, where she will study biology or chemistry in hopes of becoming a doctor.