Mount Vernon STEAM Academy has named Isaac Alvarado Calderon as the Class of 2025 valedictorian, recognizing his exceptional academic achievement, merit, and relentless passion for learning. Isaac graduates with an extraordinary cumulative grade point average of 103.
Since the eighth grade, Isaac has maintained an unbroken streak on the Principal’s Honor Roll, never earning below a 90 in any marking period. His commitment to excellence extends far beyond the classroom. Whether studying independently or mentoring peers, Isaac consistently challenges himself to grow intellectually and personally.
One of his most impressive accomplishments came when he realized his school did not offer Calculus II. Rather than accept the limitation, Isaac taught himself the curriculum. He took the initiative to advocate for himself, successfully convincing both the administration and his math teacher to allow him to sit for the AP Calculus II exam — an achievement he considers one of his proudest moments.
Isaac’s senior year course load included several rigorous Advanced Placement classes: AP Calculus, AP Literature and Composition, AP Government and Politics, and AP Biology. These courses not only challenged him academically but also positioned him to earn college credits upon successful completion of the exams. His favorite class was AP Calculus with Ms. Jacobs.
“It’s just so complex,” Isaac said. “It’s so beautiful. I love the fact that math is built like a staircase — a big staircase — where you can’t understand one part if you haven’t learned the previous parts.”
Outside of academics, Isaac nurtures a wide range of interests. He enjoys drawing, playing video games, coding, and game development. His passion for technology led him to participate in a coding competition hosted by Environmental Leaders of Color. During the contest, Isaac learned programming languages such as Python and created his own platform game. He tied for first place, earning a $100 prize. Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard matched the award, bringing his total winnings to $200.
Isaac has also dedicated himself to serving others. Over the past three years, he has volunteered as a tutor in Spanish, AP Chemistry, and Calculus. This year, tutoring became a two-way learning experience, as helping others reinforced his own mastery of calculus in preparation for his AP exam. He even spent hours tutoring students remotely from around the world.
“It completely helped,” Isaac said. “Tutoring refreshes all that knowledge.”
Isaac applied to several prestigious institutions, including Binghamton University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Loyola University, Columbia University, and Cornell University. He ultimately accepted an offer from the New York Institute of Technology, where he received a $40,000 per year scholarship to study electrical engineering.
Looking ahead, Isaac is eager to expand his intellectual horizons, pursue research opportunities, and build relationships with like-minded peers. After earning his degree, he plans to become a licensed electrical engineer in New York State and help his parents launch an electrical services company.
He credits his parents for shaping his discipline and vision. His stepfather, an engineer for the Ecuadorian Navy, inspired his interest in engineering, while his mother’s expertise in business administration instilled in him strong financial management and life skills.
“She has taught me so many life lessons — how to make proper choices and manage finances,” Isaac said. “I thank both of them for leading me to who I am right now.”
Isaac Alvarado Calderon represents the very best of Mount Vernon — discipline, initiative, service, and vision. His story is a reminder that excellence is not given; it is built step by step, like the staircase he admires in mathematics.
