Ruci and Akhtar Soar as Top Seniors
Salutatorian Afzal Bin Akhtar (left) and valedictorian Elion Ruci (right). Photo: Tashfa Umair
By KELLY LI and TASHFA UMAIR
As Midwood prepares to celebrate the graduating class of 2025, two students stand out above the rest for their achievements. Valedictorian Elion Ruci and Salutatorian Afzal Bin Akhtar have not only earned the highest GPAs in their class, 103.36% and 102.67% respectively, they have also left an impact on the school through their leadership.
Headed to Harvard University, Ruci plans to pursue a career in medicine with a focus on cellular and molecular biology. His ultimate goal is to become a surgeon “so I can help people in a fruitful and passionate way that brings me joy and allows me to be philanthropic like countless important people in my life,” he said.
In the early years, Ruci struggled to balance academics with his personal life.
“I used to go to school and then go right home to study and do my homework, leaving no time in between for extracurricular activities and social gatherings,” he said.
To overcome this, he said, “I sacrificed some of my aimless study time to things I’m passionate about. I found that it’s not as hard as it may seem.”
“Once I found an inspiring group of people, as well as the confidence to put myself out there and discover things that intrigued me beyond the classroom, the pieces just fell into place and I was able to do all of the things that I loved,” he added.
Ruci is a member of the Mock Trial team, where he helped analyze complex civil and criminal cases and develop courtroom strategies. He has also interned at both the Maimonides Emergency Department and Columbia University’s ACComPLISHED Neuroscience Program, where he spent time after school helping patients alongside medical professionals.
He has also served as Vice President of the Public Health and Safety Club, co-founded the nonprofit Academic Initiative to tutor younger students, and earned the AP Scholar with Distinction Award. Another standout moment was winning his first NYSBA Mock Trial Competition round, after joining the team late and “stressing for weeks about it and doubting my potential,” he said. In the end, he received the Top Speaker and Top Team awards.
Beyond academics, Ruci enjoys reading, playing video games, and baking for friends and family.
Some of his favorite high school memories include bonding with friends over difficult classes like AP Biology and attending school events such as SING! and Latin Fest. Outside of school, he cherished time spent around Flatbush Junction and exploring the city.
Ruci credits his success to teachers, friends, and family for helping him in his journey.
Kiana Lee ‘25, who has known Ruci since middle school, said, “Whether it is inside or outside of school, he always makes me laugh. I admire his sensibility and the way he listens whenever I have something to say.”
AP Lang and Literature teacher Ms. Jessica Villaronga, who taught Ruci for two years, said, “Every single time Elion walks into the classroom, he's upbeat and smiling. I'm not exaggerating when I say that Elion is one of the best students I have ever had.”
AP Statistics teacher Ms. Karina Minchuck describes Ruci as “extremely respectful, intelligent, diligent, funny, charismatic, and overall, a pleasure to have in my class.”
Ruci said his teachers “have all made an immense impact on me that will last a lifetime.”
“Alongside these educational skills I learned, these teachers taught me not to be scared of asking ‘stupid’ questions, they taught me to not question my gut, and they taught me the power of collaboration and understanding those around you,” he said. “And for that, I will forever be impacted, and grateful.”
Salutatorian Akhtar got accepted into medical school through the Sophie Davis Program at the CUNY School of Medicine and plans on becoming a physician.
Akhtar balanced his personal life and school by “taking classes I genuinely enjoyed, like AP Environmental Science, or turning studying into an exciting challenge rather than a chore,” he said.
“I used my academic skills in fun and fulfilling ways, such as becoming president of Science Olympiad,” said Akhtar. “This experience offered me a platform to express my love for science in team-based competitions.”
His two life goals are simple: to be the very best version of himself, and to become a doctor.
“However, not just any doctor — a doctor who can bring humanity into healthcare and treat every patient like a person rather than just their symptoms,” he said.
Akhtar transformed Science Olympiad, expanding the club’s membership to over 100 students, launching a new team, creating their community Discord, and leading the squad to consecutive victories.
He volunteers at both the Maimonides Medical Center’s emergency room, where he dedicates weekends to “helping my community and bringing smiles to patients' faces,” and at NeuroAdvocate to raise awareness of neurodiverse conditions and the stigmatization the neurodiverse community faces.
Beyond the classroom and extracurricular work, Akhtar’s hobbies include drawing, playing video games, and playing cricket.
Some of his accomplishments include receiving an AP Capstone diploma, back-to-back Science Olympiad victories in the Ecology category, winning first place in St. Joseph's University’s Science Competition, creating merch for Midwood’s Physical Science Department, and winning third place at the NYC Terra STEM Fair.
Reflecting on his journey, Akhtar credits his family for their guidance, support, and care.
“Through their constant positive feedback and educational help, I was able to flourish not only as a student but as a person,” Akhtar said.
Recognizing AP Environmental Science teacher Ms. Zoe Piccolo and Chemistry teacher Mr. Christopher Buonocore, Akhtar said, “They have been amazing supporters in my high school career, revealing to me my love for science, offering me an opportunity to be a leader, and always being open to talk.”
“Afzal is one of the kindest, brightest, most engaged, and thoughtful students I have ever taught,” said Ms. Piccolo. “He genuinely wants to learn for the sake of learning and to make the world a better place.”
Ms. Piccolo added, “In class, whenever I would ask if students had any special seating requests, an overwhelming number would request to sit at Afzal’s table because they knew he would be helpful, humble, and open to any academic conversation.”
Mr. Buonocore said, “His concern extends beyond his own success to the success of those around him. His selflessness and genuine kindness are truly unparalleled.”
Mohammad Baig ‘25 has known Akhtar since preschool and describes him as “the kind of friend that you can always count on.”
“Being friends with him has truly been a highlight of my high school career,” Baig said. “Whether I was exhausted with schoolwork or I was just not feeling well, he would lift my spirits and make my day better.”
“I really admire this about him, as his positivity is contagious, and he always looks forward without regret, which is something so few people can do,” Aaron Deng ‘25 said. “I just know Afzal's going to do great things in the future.”
While the titles of valedictorian and salutatorian mark phenomenal achievements, they also represent years of dedication and perseverance, reminding us that success is not only about grades but about being resilient, finding balance in school and personal life, and having a passion for learning what you love.