Henry P. Becton Regional High School is proud to recognize Baback Ghalamsiah as the Student of the Month for April 2025. A hardworking, ambitious, and determined student, Ghalamsiah has made an impressive impact both academically and within the school community.
Ghalamsiah takes on a rigorous course load that includes AP English Literature and Composition, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Physics 1, AP U.S. History, and AP Spanish Language and Composition online. Managing all these demanding classes requires exceptional time-management skills, which Ghalamsiah attributes to staying organized and being highly productive. As Ghalamsiah puts it, “Effective time management is how I balance them all!”
Outside of the classroom, Ghalamsiah is an active member of several school clubs. He participates in the Debate Team, Environmental Club, Swim Team, Peer Leadership, and is a member of multiple Honor Societies, including the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and Social Studies Honor Society. His involvement in these clubs highlights his well-rounded character and leadership within the school.
Ghalamsiah’s teachers consistently commend his strong work ethic. According to Mr. Carr, Ghalamsiah’s debate coach and teacher, he and his partner, Karolina Rupinski, have been the most successful pairing in their division, achieving remarkable honors. The team secured 2nd place overall out of over 100 teams, with Ghalamsiah himself earning 4th place overall as a speaker. This speaks to his ability to balance rigorous academic work while excelling in extracurriculars.
Mr. Carr commends, “You don’t achieve that level of accomplishment without working hard, and Ghalamsiah has certainly demonstrated that.”
Ghalamsiah’s commitment to debate has been nothing short of impressive, and Mr. Carr believes his success is a result of his relentless drive to succeed. “Baback is one of the most determined students I’ve had the privilege to coach. He pushes himself beyond what is expected and always looks for ways to improve,” Mr. Carr adds.
Ghalamsiah’s personal growth during his time at Becton is evident. Advancing from a four-year to a three-year graduation track, he has learned the value of independence and self-direction. Reflecting on this unique journey, he shares, “I was happy when I found out I could finish high school in three years. I felt my hard work paid off, and I really wanted to make the most of that time. I gave everything of myself in whatever I did. This experience taught me a lot about forging my own way and making a real impact.”
This accelerated path was not just about finishing early—it taught Ghalamsiah valuable life skills. “It made me a leader,” he says. “I always felt I had to be mature because I carried a lot of responsibility.”
Despite spending less time at Becton than most, Ghalamsiah developed strong relationships with teachers and peers. “I want to keep in touch with the people I’m really close to,” he says. “Mr. Carr and Ms. Wilson, especially, were instrumental for me. They weren’t just my teachers—they were part of my growth in and out of class.”
Looking ahead, Ghalamsiah plans to attend college to study biology, with hopes of pursuing a career in the medical field. His teachers and peers have no doubt that he will excel in whatever path he chooses. Ms. Wilson, a teacher who has witnessed his development since his freshman year, affirms, “Baback’s future is bright, and I am confident he will do amazing things. He already is!”
Ms. Wilson recalls Ghalamsiah’s drive from the very beginning of his time at Becton, noting his desire for more challenges even as a freshman. “As a freshman, Honors Geometry wasn’t enough of a challenge for Ghalamsiah. Instead of taking the easy route, he asked for approval to take additional math courses, all while independently studying Algebra II,” she says. “That determination to keep pushing himself is one of the reasons he’s been so successful.”
Ghalamsiah’s peers also admire his work ethic and passion for learning. Noella Turla, a fellow student, notes, “Baback has a great sense of learning and is always seeking new opportunities to expand his knowledge, like attending science events outside of school. His drive to be the best version of himself is inspiring.”
Ghalamsiah credits his academic journey at Becton for confirming his passion for science and medicine. “Classes like biology really helped reinforce my interest in the medical field. They made me feel confident in my decision to pursue that path,” he explains.
When asked about his legacy, Ghalamsiah hopes to leave behind more than academic accolades. “I want people to see that it’s possible to do things differently and still succeed. Whether it was in Debate or in class, I felt like I made an impact.”
To students considering a similar accelerated path, Ghalamsiah offers this advice, “Make sure you can do it academically, make a real plan, sit down with your counselor, and don’t lose your mind trying to do everything. Determination and resilience matter. During freshman year, I found a creative way to get where I wanted to go, and that helped me a lot.”
His teachers also recognize these qualities. Ms. Wilson speaks to his courage and determination. “I really admire his intrepidness,” she says. “Baback was barely in this school a few months when he made his case to take extra classes. I don’t think I would have had that kind of courage and determination at his age!”
Mrs. Carr, speaks to Ghalamsiah’s evolution as a person. “Baback has grown into a remarkable young man. He’s not just an outstanding debater; he’s someone who will walk into any situation—whether it’s college or beyond—and make an impact,” he says. “What I admire most about Baback is his ability to work with anyone, regardless of differences. He has a rare combination of being courteous, kind, and extremely hardworking.”
In every aspect of his high school experience, Ghalamsiah has shown that success comes from hard work, a willingness to try new things, and a commitment to growth. His achievements, leadership, and dedication make him a role model for his peers, and as he moves forward toward his future in biology and medicine, it’s clear that Ghalamsiah has the potential to accomplish great things.
Ghalamsiah leaves us with this, “I wanted to prove that you do not have to follow the same path as everyone else to succeed—you just have to believe in your own.”
