Meet Union High School's 2024 Salutatorian

UNION, NJ – Headed to the University of California – Los Angeles in the fall, Union High School’s 2024 salutatorian views education as a privilege.

Abigail Naranjo said studying has been a refuge during her teenage years.  “It is my escape when I need to quiet the boisterous world around me,” she said. “Putting such time and dedication into something will always have a reward.”  Naranjo said being able to earn an education and have opportunities is a privilege, especially since her parents never experienced the opportunity to earn an education.  “There is nothing more priceless and rewarding than being able to give back to those who raised you,” she added.

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Naranjo began her education at Hannah Caldwell School, then Jefferson School, Burnet Middle School and then Union High School.  She said she is “grateful to God for the wonderful opportunities I have been given to further my education at my future university.”  Through her faith, she said, she finds the inspiration to continue studying and “increase the rate of Hispanic success in career fields.”

Naranjo said her favorite subject is Spanish, “however, I have enjoyed every class I have taken in Union (with the exception of some difficult ones that made me want to pull my hair out).”  She said she realizes that although she is going into a STEM field, she does not consider herself honed into purely STEM.  “I think it’s important to view every aspect of society and the way it functions if I wish to be a relatable pediatrician. Our future generations hold differing minds and attitudes, and it is important to adhere to this in the best way I can. I enjoy studying the humanities just as much as I enjoy studying biology. “  She said she spends the majority of her time out of school volunteering, playing soccer/volleyball, and spending time with her loved ones.

Naranjo said her mother has been the biggest influence in her life.  “Ever since I was born, she has been nothing short of the most selfless person I have met and will ever meet. She has prioritized my wants and needs and the everlasting love she shows me has pushed me to want to give back to her in any way I can. As I am blessed with studies, I find it important to make her proud by continuing my education.”

After graduation in June, Naranjo plans to study for her undergraduate degree at the University of California - Los Angeles, with a major in Biology.  She said she may add on a Spanish or Latin Studies minor.  “I also plan to expand my horizons while at college and potentially immerse myself in extracurriculars that fit what I would normally do outside of school in Union,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to, God-willing, attend medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatrician. I have always found myself drawn to children and being able to be a part of healing them would make my biggest dreams come true.”

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In ten years, Naranjo envisions herself at the tail end of her medical school journey. “It would be the start of my life, potentially working at a hospital or maybe even looking to open my own practice,” she said. “I am willing to go down each path, but the important thing is to remain motivated and push toward it.”

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