As another year and graduation ends, Baystate Academy Public School honors two very gifted and deserving students: Esther Mustapha, Valedictorian, and Isalis Flores, Salutatorian as senior representatives of the class of 2022.
Both list education as a top priority that drove their success but inextricably family and culture played an equal, if not, dominating role during their journey at BACPS. “I have a great sense of relief getting my diploma and now onto the next step”, says Esther. Isalis describes her feelings, “it really hasn’t hit me yet, I feel nothing has changed.”
Esther and Isalis started their journey at BACPS entering 6th Grade. During their tenure, they made strong connections with their classmates, staff, and teachers. No connection stronger than Estela Morales.
This trifecta was inseparable, and their relationship grew and endured through my Ddle school all the way into high school. Esther and Isalis were part of the National Honor Society and enrolled in AP and honor classes. This group engaged in healthy competition and pushed each other to strive and perform at their best.
Ms. Harris shared her thoughts on Esther and Isalis: “I had the wonderful experience of being the Crew teacher for both Esther and Isalis during their final year at BACPS. At first glance, it seemed as if both girls couldn’t be more different from each other. Isalis was quiet, soft-spoken, and observant while Esther was spirited, straightforward, and eager to assist. Despite their differences, both girls brought an important dynamic to our Crew. Esther would jump in to participate when the other students were less than eager to engage – leading by example. Isalis would provide an alternate perspective to our group discussions, quietly demanding respect with her soft tone and thoughtful input. Both girls were not only intelligent, but they were also kind, empathetic, and full of grace. I'm so incredibly proud to have had not only one but two “Crewbies” who were at the top of their class, and I cannot think of any other students who were more deserving of these honors. I know these young women will go on to change the world for the better and leave a lasting impression on everyone they encounter along their journey.”
The Journey
Esther’s Nigerian culture pushed her to be exceptional. Coming to the United States at age 5, she had to adapt. “Nigerian culture, being the best is an expectation,” Esther stated. “Being Black, a woman, and African put me at a disadvantage.” Using her cultural standard, she immediately reversed her potential hindrance to success and turned it into motivation that pushed her to excel in AP-level classes, boasting a 3.82 GPA. “She never forgotten who she was and where she came from,” Ms. Sanchez proudly declared.
Isalis had to take English as a Second Language (ESL) and compound that with being very shy, “I’m shy because of my social anxiety, and it was a problem I had to overcome.” Being strongly anchored in her Puerto Rican culture, Isalis focused her anxiety on her AP studies finishing with a 3.75 GPA. Coming to the United States at age 6, all she wanted to do was make Puerto Rico proud. “She worked so hard, and I can relate to her struggles with the language. Even with her shy self, she would continue to strive and persevere,” stated Ms. Sanchez.
Family
“Mom can sense when something is wrong,” Esther said. During these times, her mom would pull her aside and help her figure it out. Her father played an equal role in helping guide this young scholar through her trials and tribulations, but her older sister would give her that relatable emotional support only a sibling can do. “She was my emotional dumpster and would talk me through challenges and help me get into a better place mentally ~ balance!” The family was a strong anchor that contributed to Esther’s success as a scholar and molded her into a well-rounded young lady.
Conquering the language barrier was a team effort in Flores’s household. “My parents always told me how proud they were of me because they saw the hard work and effort I put in,” Isalis said. The family decided to move to the United States so her brother could get the best medical treatment possible. Isalis’ strong commitment to her brother and family is a major inspiration to her academic success and will ultimately shape her collegiate studies and future.
What’s Next
These gifted, focused, and dedicated scholars are going to continue their journey on the postsecondary educational stage. Esther plans to attend UMASS – Amherst as a Pre-Medical student focused on general medicine, “I want to be a Family Physician,” Esther stated. Isalis will attend the University of Hartford’s 5-Year Healthcare Science Program that continues with a M.S. in Occupational Therapy. “I want to specialize in Pediatrics with neurological disorders like my brother,” Isalis stated.
