Aliyyah Nazim
Aliyyah Nazim is an outstanding student in the School of Applied Engineering at PCTI. She chose her CTE due to her longstanding passion for engineering, especially in areas related to space and astronomy. From a young age, Aliyyah was fascinated by books about planets and TV shows where people built innovative projects, which inspired her to pursue a deep understanding of engineering and its various applications.
Being named September Student of the Month is a source of great pride for Aliyyah, as it is an achievement she has been working towards since her freshman year. She remarks, "I’m very proud. I have been wanting to get Student of the Month since I was a freshman, and I knew it was something only seniors could get. So, I always tried to work very hard and see if I can achieve that." Her hard work and dedication are also reflected in her outstanding GPA of 4.3.
In addition to her academic success, Aliyyah is actively involved in several clubs and activities at PCTI. She has participated in the school marching band and is part of the concert band where she play the alto saxophone. She is also a member of the school’s gifted and talented program and is heavily involved in the engineering club, particularly NASA HUNCH. This year, she takes on a leadership role as the project leader for NASA HUNCH.
Outside of school, Aliyyah continues to develop her skills and passions. In her free time, she plays both the guitar and piano, while also volunteering at Tony’s Kitchen, a local soup kitchen where she helps prepare meals for the homeless and those in need. During the summer, she dedicates even more of her time to this cause, volunteering three to four days a week. Additionally, Aliyyah enjoys building model kits, a hobby that aligns perfectly with her deep interest in engineering and architecture.
Looking ahead, Aliyyah plans to pursue a degree in electrical engineering or aerospace mechanical engineering. Reflecting on her time at PCTI, she shared: “PCTI has really solidified my dream of pursuing engineering. It also offers a variety of activities, which has allowed me to explore different interests and hobbies.”
To her fellow classmates and incoming freshmen, Aliyyah offers this valuable advice: "Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you make a mistake, accept it, learn from it, and use it as an opportunity for growth."
Aliyyah, we look forward to seeing what she will accomplish in the future.
Congratulations, Aliyyah!
Fatma Ibrahim
Fatma Ibrahim's passion for art and design led her to choose the School of Communication Arts - Advertising Art and Design at PCTI. She shared, “all my life I’ve been drawing, it seemed natural to further dedicate time to my skill by joining the CTE.”
Fatma is an exceptional student with an impressive GPA of 4.3. She has demonstrated her dedication to academics and has been actively involved in various school organizations. For the past three years, Fatma has played varsity flag football. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, Gifted and Talented, Muslim Student Association, Book Club, History Club, and Skills USA.
Outside of school, Fatma enjoys a variety of hobbies and activities. She volunteers with her local library to help younger children with their literacy skills and homework and also volunteers at her mosque. In her free time she loves reading and drawing. Fatma also works on logo designs as a side project.
As for her future, Fatma is still exploring her options. She is interested in architecture, engineering, and English but has recently been drawn to architecture. Fatma explained, "I love the idea of building, but what I want to do is bring personality back to buildings. I want them to be beautiful, so my best bet is to focus on residential building to make people’s homes homey."
When asked about being named Student of the Month, Fatma expressed her satisfaction. "It feels good. I feel like all my hard work paid off, and it feels nice to get recognition." Reflecting in her time at PCTI Fatma says, “being a part of PCTI, my friends and teachers have helped build my confidence in pursuing my dreams. I feel like anywhere I go after high school I will be able to achieve anything I want.”
Fatma also has advice for incoming freshmen and her classmates. "Cherish the time you have—it’s going to go by fast—and make friends, don’t be shy."
Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition, Fatma!
Kyle Chou
Kyle Chou is an exemplary student of the Biomedical and Life Sciences Pathway at the STEM Academy. Kyle’s passion for science started in middle school and it has guided his academic journey, with the STEM program providing a platform to further develop his knowledge and skills.
Upon being named Student of the Month, Kyle shared, “Honestly, I was not expecting it at all, but I am so honored to be recognized as Student of the Month. I really couldn’t have done it without all the support from my family, friends, teachers, counselors, and principal.” His hard work is reflected in his impressive GPA of 4.4, showcasing his dedication to academic excellence
Beyond academics, Kyle has been a dedicated member of the varsity fencing team since his freshman year. In addition, he has served as President of the STEM chapter of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), where he competed and placed in the Pathophysiology event. Kyle is also a member of the National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, ERASE, SkillsUSA, and the Environmental Science Club. He serves as a Student Ambassador, Teacher Assistant for the Saturday and Summer STEM programs, Boys State Delegate, and as a student mentor for freshmen.
In his free time, Kyle is a tutor at Kumon, an after-school math and reading program. He also finds time to pursue personal interests such as playing the piano, baking, cooking, and growing various types of plants.
After high school, Kyle plans to major in either neuroscience or biochemistry on a pre-med track, with the ultimate goal of working in the medical field. He aspires to use his knowledge to contribute to society, particularly in healthcare.
When asked about his experiences in the STEM Academy, Kyle reflects on the challenging yet rewarding courses and the diverse group of peers and mentors who helped shape him into who he is today. He credits STEM with not only preparing him for his future but also motivating him to strive for excellence.
Kyle’s advice to freshmen is: “Step out of your comfort zone and never give up, even when things seem impossible.” His journey exemplifies the value of perseverance and the rewards that come with pushing boundaries.