Class of 2026 Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Driven by a lifelong respect for education instilled by his parents, Radu Cheslerean, is a queer Romanian immigrant. He successfully joined the Aon Apprenticeship Program as a Human Resources apprentice to bridge his studies with professional experience in people analytics. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and a two‑time recipient of the Presidential Scholar Award.

After graduation, Radu plans to continue advancing his career in HR and analytics while pursuing further education at National Louis University.

Aaron Robles enrolled at Harold Washington College after graduating from Jones College Prep. The Star Scholarship allowed him to continue his education at no cost and focus deeply on his coursework while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. His dedication led him to earn an associate in science and graduate with high honors.

Indiana native Sabrina has distinguished herself at Truman College through her academic success and commitment to excellence. She is a Jack Kent Cooke Semifinalist, a member of Phi Theta Kappa and an active participant in numerous other clubs. Sabrina also works as a bartender to help support herself and her family, balancing work and academics.

After graduation, Sabrina plans to transfer to a four-year school to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering before attending law school to earn her Juris Doctor degree to become a patent attorney.

Nesredin chose Truman College because of its strong academic programs, diverse community, and supportive learning environment. He was seeking a college that would both challenge him academically and support his transition into a new academic system and culture.

Several faculty members and academic support services played an important role in his success. He is grateful for the guidance and encouragement he received from Dr. Laurie Alfaro and Professor Zaya Khananu, the support of the TRiO program, and Lesley Williams from the Writing and Reading Center, whose assistance strengthened his academic confidence and development.

After graduation, he plans to continue advancing his education in technology and engineering while pursuing professional opportunities in the tech field. His long-term goal is to combine technical expertise with meaningful service to the community.

When Tamara earned her GED in 2007, she returned to Kennedy-King College after spending 17 years away from the classroom. As a non-traditional student, her journey has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. She learned to lean into being more resilient, disciplined, and committed to her academic goal of maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

She is studying social work, where she discovered a path that reflects both her purpose and her passion for helping others. She also strengthened her understanding of advocacy, service, and the importance of meeting people where they are; all of which continue to shape her approach to supporting individuals and communities.

As valedictorian, she takes pride in representing perseverance and growth, showing that it is never too late to pursue your goals. After graduation, she plans to continue her education at a four-year university, with the ultimate goal of becoming a therapist to help people heal.

Before moving to the United States, Ademola earned a diploma in Business Economics. After arriving in Chicago, he worked full-time as a daycare provider while continuing his education. Determined to keep learning and improving opportunities for himself and his community, he enrolled at Kennedy-King College to earn his GED.

After completing his GED, Ademola was motivated to pursue an associate degree in Child Development. While at Kennedy-King College, he showed exceptional academic performance and leadership. He joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and received the Presidential Scholar Award three times in recognition of his academic excellence and commitment to his studies.

Today, Ademola owns and operates a home-based daycare, where he supports the development and well-being of young children in his community. Looking ahead, he plans to expand by opening a daycare center that will provide high-quality care and learning opportunities for children and families in Chicago. Ademola hopes to build a team of passionate childcare professionals and use his education and experience to positively impact the lives of the next generation.

Stephanie Uzhca is a native Chicagoan who enrolled in Malcolm X College after graduating from Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center. Because of her strong high school GPA, Stephanie was awarded the Star Scholarship. This allowed her to study in the physical therapist assistant (PTA) program at Malcolm X, tuition-free.

After a congenital knee defect limited her participation in sports, Stephanie turned to physical therapy as a child – an experience that inspired her career.

After graduation, Stephanie will transfer to Northeastern Illinois University to study community health. She credits Malcolm X for preparing her to be successful at a four-year university. She also thanks her parents, cousins, sister, and cat Minnie for their love, support, and encouragement.

Micah Perry came to Malcolm X College looking to make a career change. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English and working as a writer and freelancer for several years, he decided a pivot to respiratory care would be more in line with his long-term life goals. He wants to better serve his beloved Chicago community, and healthcare provides that opportunity. A lifelong asthma patient, he hopes to educate others on how to best manage their condition.

After completing the Respiratory Care program, Micah plans to work in acute care settings like intensive care units and emergency rooms in Chicago. He also hopes to eventually earn a master’s degree in respiratory care, and transition to education and research.

Micah, a two-time Presidential Scholar Awardee, is very thankful for the opportunity provided by the public education system here at City Colleges of Chicago. He wouldn’t be able to achieve his goals without it.

Ahmad Adwan chose to attend Olive-Harvey College to help turn his goal of becoming a Chicago police officer into a reality. He enrolled in the college’s One Year and Out program, a partnership with the Chicago Police Department, and earned his associate degree in criminal justice in just one year.

Ahmad says that coming from Amman, Jordan, and moving to the South Side of Chicago helped shape his resilience and determination. Growing up between two cultures gave him a deep appreciation for community and hard work. He has always had a passion for cars and enjoys spending time with the people closest to him. Being around his loved ones and staying connected to his community has played an important role in motivating him to pursue his goals and give back through public service.

Graduating with a 4.0 GPA, Ahmad is a proud first-generation college graduate—an achievement that reflects his dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. His journey stands as a testament to the power of hard work and determination. Ahmad will next enroll in the Chicago Police Academy, where he will continue pursuing his goal of serving and protecting the community he proudly calls home.

Tasha Janel White is a proud South Side of Chicago native whose journey through Olive-Harvey College reflects resilience, discipline, and purpose. In May 2024, she earned her GED in just four weeks, making the decision to bet on herself and start over with intention.

By the fall, she enrolled at Olive-Harvey College and quickly made a name for herself, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA and earning Presidential Scholar recognition each semester. What began as a personal decision to grow, soon became a transformation shaped by consistency, sacrifice, and a clear vision for the future she is building for herself and her son.

During her time at Olive-Harvey, Tasha fully immersed herself in both academic and leadership opportunities. She completed the One Year and Out program in just one year, she is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success, and she further expanded her growth through her involvement in Project Evolve. As President of the Law in Society Association, she created space for meaningful dialogue and connection among her peers. She also proudly represented Olive-Harvey College during Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2026 Black Student Panel for Black History Month, where she used her voice to speak to the experiences and perspectives of students from her community.

She is continuing her academic journey at DePaul University, where she is studying Peace, Justice, and Conflict with a minor in African and Black Diaspora Studies as a pathway to law school. Passionate about advocating for underserved communities, particularly Black communities and youth, she is committed to addressing systemic inequalities through both policy and service. She carries her experiences with her and moves forward with intention, building a future defined by leadership and possibility.

Paulina is a non-traditional, first-generation, immigrant student concentrating on mathematics. A two-time Presidential Scholar currently serving as President of the Student Government Association, she is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Daley Honors College, contributing to academic initiatives including mathematics competitions and peer tutoring.

When she first registered for college, she wasn’t sure what direction to go in because she hadn’t studied math for over a decade. But with the support of family and friends, she was able to maintain a strong GPA while pursuing her education.

She plans to pursue both a B.S. and M.S. in mathematics and use her education to contribute meaningfully to the academic community. Ultimately, she wants to open a daycare that introduces children to STEM at an early age.

Failing to properly program an autonomous mode for his high school robotics team motivated Emiliano to learn more about the application of computer science. More recently, his motivation has shifted from robotics to utilizing real-world data and applying probability and statistics to develop interpretations and models based on data.

Outside the classroom, he has participated in various programs to further develop his skills, including high school Hackathon Club and programs offered by Discovery Partners Institute (DPI). He is currently working on a Google Data Analytics certificate and attending professional workshops designed to enhance his knowledge of the computer science field in Chicago.

Emiliano is a first-generation student, and the oldest of two siblings. Caring for and tutoring his younger sister in math and English helped him to learn to balance his time and learn how to prioritize his academic success.

Anas Ahmed, a first-generation college student, came to Wilbur Wright College with a renewed sense of purpose and a strong determination to pursue civil engineering. As a student in Wright’s School of Engineering, he quickly distinguished himself through academic achievement, leadership, and service.

In addition to his success in the classroom, Anas worked to strengthen the engineering community at Wright. He helped grow the Society of Civil Engineers, supported Engineering Week activities, and created more opportunities for students to connect and get involved on campus. He also served as an engineering assistant in the Dean’s Office for the School of Engineering, contributing to programs and initiatives that supported fellow engineering students.

Anas has also earned an internship with Northern Moraine Wastewater Reclamation District, an experience that reflects his growing commitment to infrastructure and public service. After graduating from Wright, he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and build a career dedicated to projects that strengthen communities.

Everardo Guzman, a first-generation college student, was provided with an opportunity his parents weren’t able to take advantage of growing up in Guanajuato, Mexico, and later migrating to the U.S. Having been exposed to the automotive space through his father’s profession as a mechanic, Everardo chose to pursue one of his dreams of becoming a mechanical engineering student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Despite the hour commute that stood between his home in the Southside of Chicago and Wright College, Everardo chose to enroll in the Engineering Pathways Program at Wright College to guarantee his spot at UIUC.

Regardless of the distance, Everardo chose to fully pursue his academics by spending all-day on campus and becoming heavily involved in student organizations like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). This involvement and subsequent leadership led him to becoming elected to be the ASME Wright College Vice-President during his second semester, the ASME Wright College President during his third semester, and the President of ASME at the City Colleges of Chicago during his final semester at Wright College. His main goals through his leadership were to provide students with skills and opportunities to learn about new industries and since then, he has been able to introduce students within the organization to over four unique areas within mechanical engineering and allowed them to connect with over a dozen industry professionals from companies such as Ford and Burns & McDonnell. In addition to this, Everardo has also been able to support students by tutoring for over 200 hours of engineering courses since the Summer 2025 semester.

Everardo has now fulfilled part of his dream by having been accepted into the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study mechanical engineering.