Salutatorian Armando Martinez looks to the future. Photo by Yeni Flores

By Yeni Flores

“Be everyone’s friend,” is the way that Armando wants his friends, classmates, teachers and staff to remember him. They are good words to live by. In being everyone’s friend students will be able to help each other, and then everyone has a better chance to succeed.

Armando’s own secret to success seems to have helped him. He is the salutatorian of the Class of 2019. He wants to take his success at PHS and translate that into his new career in fashion marketing. This fall he will be attending Marymount Manhattan University to study international business and fashion marketing.

While he always had an interest in fashion, he was worried about how others would view him in that career. However, when he learned that former editor of Vogue, Andre Leon Talley, was straight and a fashionista, he knew that he could be a part of that industry too.

“Don’t let the struggles be an anchor to your dreams, let it be the stimulant to your success,” said Armando about his desire to find success in an industry that is highly competitive. Anyone who knows Armando knows that he will give it his all and that he will always remain true to himself.

When asked about how well PHS prepared him for the next phase of his education and career, he said that it had prepared him well. He said, “The daily chaos of high school imitates the chaos of real life.” He says that there is a great team of teachers and staff here at PHS, but that he wants to especially commend the English and math teachers he has had for their dedication and talent.

Armando wants to be remembered and leave an impression on those that he knew while attending PHS. His secret and his advice is, “be memorable, leave an impression, and put yourself first.”
To those that knew him here, his charisma and style have left a strong impression on PHS. Good luck making your mark on the fashion industry!