Salutatorian: Eva Patel

What advice would you give to younger students that you wish someone gave to you?

Don’t take anything too seriously! Every negative moment might seem like it will dictate your whole life, but life is truly a journey. Always focus on the bigger picture of all of your positive memories and accomplishments, and how they will help you reach your potential.

Who inspired/encouraged/guided you throughout your journey at NBTHS? How?

My sister guided me throughout my journey at NBTHS. She was always there for me when I needed some advice, whether it was academic or not. She pushed and encouraged me through so many emotional and academic obstacles, but still helped me take my mind off things when I needed to relax. 

What college are you planning to attend and what will be your major? Why?

I will be attending Rutgers University and majoring in Finance and Public Health. I chose these majors at Rutgers University to become well-versed in healthcare and business to explore and implement equitable healthcare. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself living in NYC, working to promote women’s healthcare. 

What was your favorite memory from your time at NBTHS?

My favorite memory from my time at NBTHS was when our foreign exchange students from Germany came to Homecoming at NBTHS after my peers and I spent part of the summer with them. It was exciting and fun to share my experiences with my foreign exchange partner and bond as a group. 

How do you feel about graduating?

I’ve learned a lot from my time here at NBTHS, including many experiences and lessons that I’ll miss.  I’m looking forward to college and what the next phase of my life has to offer. I hope to carry what I’ve learned from my experiences at NBTHS with me throughout college and the rest of my life.

What has been the biggest challenge throughout your high school career?

The biggest challenge I faced in high school was figuring out what activities to dedicate my time and effort towards since I had an interest in many fields. It was difficult for me to realize that I wanted to take an interdisciplinary approach to learning by studying business and science. 

What advice would you give to anyone hoping to earn the achievement of Salutatorian?

Hard work always pays off, even if it’s not immediate. Hard work should also be rewarded, though, so don’t stress yourself out too much. 

Were you involved in any clubs or sports? If so, how did you manage to maintain good grades throughout the year?

I was involved in a few clubs, specifically DECA, German Club, the Waksman Student Scholars Program, and the Science National Honors Society. I was able to maintain good grades alongside participating in these clubs by managing my time well and scheduling my tasks. I also think it’s important to keep some time aside for yourself to relax and recharge.

What do you think the biggest challenge students will face in the future?

I think that a challenge future students will face is understanding how to engage with their true passions because they will have a greater exposure to various to opportunities and confusing information. It will become increasingly more difficult for students to understand themselves if they hear too many external perspectives on what their careers or lives should be. 

What is your favorite memory from the 2025-2026 school year?

My favorite memory from the 2025-2026 school year was traveling to Orlando for the International Career Development Conference as a part of DECA. Even though it was a hectic time of the year, with AP exams and other club events coming up, it was an extremely rewarding experience to have with my friends and advisors.