Education Dept. honors 1,612 students with 4.00 GPA

A total of 1,612 students in the island public school system who graduated with a perfect 4.00 GPA throughout high school were recognized and received a $1,000 incentive in recognition of their academic achievements.

By THE STAR STAFF

Education Secretary Eliezer Ramos Parés and Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana on Wednesday held the 2026 Academic Excellence Ceremony, an event that recognizes the effort, dedication and high academic performance of students in the public school system who graduated with a perfect 4.00 GPA throughout high school.

During the event, a total of 1,612 students were recognized and received a $1,000 incentive in recognition of their academic achievements. Of that number, 1,434 were regular students, 28 were in the Adult Education Program, and 22 were in the CASA Program (Center for Sustainable Student Support). In addition, 14 students were recognized for achieving the highest scores on the College Board Admission Tests. The latter students received an additional incentive of $1,000, for a total of $2,000 in awards granted by the Department of Education.

The Mayagüez Educational Region stood out as the region with the highest number of students recognized for academic excellence, reaffirming its commitment to educational quality and academic achievement. Likewise, the Manuel Méndez Liciaga School in San Sebastián was recognized as the institution with the highest number of students distinguished for academic excellence in Puerto Rico.

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón congratulated the award-winning students and reiterated her commitment to continue providing the necessary tools for each student to become a top-tier professional. 

“These achievements have a very special meaning for me because I am a product of the Puerto Rican public school system and grew up witnessing firsthand the commitment and dedication to service of a school principal, my father,” the governor said. “I know firsthand the impact that a quality education has on the lives of our young people. That is why, in our government program, we have made public education a priority, committed to strengthening our schools, supporting our teachers, and expanding opportunities so that every student can reach their full potential. I congratulate each of these young people for demonstrating that with effort, discipline, and perseverance, great goals can be achieved.”

Ramos Parés emphasized that the recognition transcends grades and represents the result of the collaborative work of students, parents, teachers and school communities.

“We are deeply proud of each of these young people who are receiving this recognition today,” he said. “Behind every perfect average lies sacrifice, perseverance, and a support network committed to their success. [...] Likewise, we recognize the families, teachers, principals, and school staff who have accompanied these students throughout their academic journey. This achievement also belongs to them.”

During the ceremony, Philps Daniels Soto, from the Mayagüez Residential Center for Educational Opportunities, or CROEM, part of the Mayagüez Educational Region, and Daniel Méndez Estrada, from the Josefa Vélez Bauzá School in the Ponce Educational Region, were also recognized for achieving the highest scores in Puerto Rico on the College Boards.