Newark Public Schools Student Commits to Brown University

NEWARK, N.J. – Growing up, Sherly Perez watched her uncle navigate life with a hearing implant that helped him communicate with the world around him. Seeing both the possibilities created by medical technology and the challenges faced by people who rely on those devices inspired the East Side High School senior to pursue a future in biomedical engineering.

Now, Perez’s dream is taking her to Brown University, where the East Side High School valedictorian will attend on a full scholarship through the prestigious QuestBridge National College Match program.

“I want to help people that need these medical devices,” Perez said. “I’m going to be part of that drive to innovation to create different medical devices that are going to revolutionize people’s lives and the medical field.”

Newark Public Schools Superintendent León praised Perez for combining academic excellence with a strong sense of purpose.

“Sherly Perez’s passion for using science and technology to improve lives, combined with her extraordinary work ethic and commitment to excellence, has opened the door to one of the nation’s most prestigious universities,” said Superintendent León. “We are incredibly proud of her and excited to see the impact she will make in the future.

Newark Board of Education President Hasani K. Council said Perez’s achievement reflects the determination and promise of Newark students.

“Sherly’s story is inspiring because it is rooted in compassion, perseverance, and service to others,” Council said. “She has excelled academically while remaining deeply focused on how she can use her talents to help people. Her acceptance to Brown University is a tremendous accomplishment and a proud moment for the entire Newark community.”

“Sherly Perez exemplifies the intellectual curiosity, compassion, and perseverance we strive to cultivate at East Side High School,” said Principal Carlos Rodriguez. “She has challenged herself academically at the highest levels while remaining deeply committed to her family, her school, and her community. Sherly’s acceptance to Brown University through QuestBridge is a tremendous achievement, and we are incredibly proud of the example she sets for our students.”

Perez said she was drawn to biomedical engineering because it combines her interests in science, engineering, and technology with her desire to improve lives through innovation.

She said Brown University’s open curriculum was one of the university’s greatest attractions because it will allow her to explore interests beyond engineering, including political science and the arts.

“I want that freedom to chase other passions,” Perez said of the university’s academic structure.

Perez learned she had been accepted to Brown while traveling with classmates on a student council college tour in Boston. Although friends and counselors encouraged her to open the email immediately, she waited until arriving at the hotel before reading the message announcing her acceptance.

“I looked at it, and it said Brown,” Perez recalled. “I started crying a little bit.”

At East Side High School, Perez immersed herself in academics and extracurricular activities. She serves as vice president of the National Honor Society, participates in student council, competed in Math Olympics, and volunteers through food banks and community cleanups.

Perez also developed a passion for computer science, taking both regular and Advanced Placement computer science courses while balancing rigorous coursework in biology and chemistry.

Outside of school, Perez balances her academic responsibilities with helping care for her younger siblings and assisting at home while her parents work.

Despite the pressures of maintaining top grades in a competitive environment, Perez said she learned the importance of balancing ambition with self-care.

“For students that want to follow in my footsteps, I would say chase your dreams, but don’t forget to put yourself first,” Perez said. “In order for you to do good, you have to be feeling good.”

Perez said she hopes her future work in biomedical engineering will help create technologies that once seemed possible only in science fiction.

“I want to bring this magical world into real life,” she said.