GLEN ROCKPublic Schools

One of the school’s most accomplished scholars, Sophie He, the Class of 2025 Salutatorian, will have completed a staggering 17 Advanced Placement (AP) courses by the end of her senior year. Her intellectual curiosity and dedication to academic excellence are evident in her pursuit of a rigorous course load, particularly in challenging STEM subjects.

Sophie’s academic achievements are truly distinguished. She earned a perfect score on the PSAT, qualifying as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, and demonstrated her mathematical talent with a 2nd place finish in the Bergen County Math League. Sophie’s love for math is complemented by her participation in the Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics, where she engaged with topics like cryptography, game theory, and graph theory. This program not only deepened her understanding of math’s real-world applications but also fueled her desire to explore its broader connections across disciplines.

Sophie is also a natural leader whose impact is felt across multiple organizations. As Vice President of the Public Forum Debate Club, she has showcased outstanding leadership and organizational skills, helping to grow club membership through her innovative efforts to make debate more accessible and engaging. She spearheaded weekly lessons, developed detailed presentations, and organized activities that have significantly strengthened members' debate abilities. In addition, as President of the Girls Who Code Club, Sophie has inspired young women to pursue interests in technology by organizing coding projects, fundraisers, and field trips. Her passion for teaching and mentoring is evident not only through her club leadership but also in her role as a tutor at Kumon, where she has helped students gain confidence in everything from basic arithmetic to advanced algebra.

“Sophie is an empathetic and thoughtful individual,” said Ms. Giurlando. “Her kindness is evident in her interactions with others, whether she’s helping beginner debaters build confidence or supporting her Kumon students through challenging topics. Sophie’s genuine care for the well-being of those around her fosters a nurturing environment that allows her to build positive relationships and foster a sense of community.”