North Salem's Jaramillo honored as 'Student of Distinction'

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - North Salem High School senior Annaleen Jaramillo was recently recognized for her outstanding leadership skills, academic progress, and community spirit.

As Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES’ latest “Student of Distinction,” the teen received the award at the North Salem Board of Education’s April 8 meeting.

Annaleen is also a student at BOCES’ Career and Technical Education Center, where she is enrolled in its Child Development and Education program.

She is currently interning in art and kindergarten classrooms at Pequenakonck Elementary School.

“I knew I wanted to work with kids, I just didn’t know how,” Annaleen said. “I have really liked how this class has given me the opportunity to do that.”

And that’s not all.

She recently starred as Mother Superior in the high school’s recent production of the musical comedy “Sister Act.”

Attending the recognition ceremony were Annaleen’s parents, brother, and grandparents.

PNW BOCES Deputy Superintendent Dr. Lynn Allen, Career Academy Principal David Gualtiere, and Child Development & Education teacher Melissa Davis were also on hand to celebrate her accomplishments, as was North Salem High School Principal Vincent DiGrandi.

Dr. Allen and Gualtiere introduced Davis, who praised her pupil as “hardworking, compassionate, and dedicated.”

Annaleen’s a student “who consistently demonstrates leadership, responsibility, and a strong work ethic,” she added.

The teen started working with BOCES’ on-campus Teens & Tots Preschool when she was a junior. The next step was an internship at Pequenakonck, a school she began attending as a third grader.

 “Annaleen has shown exceptional patience and kindness with the young children,” Davis said, pointing out that she had “formed a particularly strong connection with one preschooler by helping him feel supported, loved, and safe.”

BOCES said that “her commitment to learning and professionalism have impressed the educators she works with, and she continues to excel in her responsibilities.”

Hoping to study child psychology in college, Annaleen said the time spent working in a classroom has been rewarding.

“It’s been really nice because I have a lot of teachers in my family and people who work in schools,” she said. “Getting to talk to them about work is really fun. I can go to my aunt and say, ‘I have to plan a lesson tonight.’ And she’ll say, ‘Me, too!’ It’s become a fun family thing now, which is awesome.”