Posted on December 2, 2025
Categories: News from SDP, Student of the Month

Some students leave a mark; Juan Aquino blazes a trail. Named Senior of the Month, Juan is more than a high achiever; he inspires peers through perseverance and curiosity.

Juan’s academic journey began with early struggles, which sparked his passion for learning, especially in Computer Science. Guided by mentors like Mr. Chowdhury and Ms. Wallace, Juan turned challenges into stepping stones. Their support led to internships and scholarships, fueling his goal to pursue cybersecurity and information technology and make a real-world impact.

His determination extends beyond academics. Balancing two part-time jobs while excelling at school, he mastered time management and problem-solving, skills he will carry into college. He approaches every challenge with discipline and thoughtful analysis, confident that these qualities will guide him ahead.

As Senior of the Month, Juan hopes his journey inspires others. His story is defined by resilience, resourcefulness, and empathy, a legacy he is committed to sharing. Looking ahead, Juan is determined to make a positive difference, leaving his school and community stronger for those who follow.

Mr. Chowdhury expressed admiration for Juan’s growth: “As a teacher in Philadelphia schools and a product of the system myself, I find his journey inspirational. He faced significant challenges yet turned them into a passion for learning. Juan not only excels academically, but his involvement in extracurricular activities is impressive,” he said. “It’s rewarding to see someone embrace their education and set themselves up for success after high school.” Mr. Chowdhury concluded, visibly proud of Juan’s accomplishments.

We asked Juan our favorite list of questions:

Why do you think you were nominated as Senior of the Month? I believe I was nominated as Senior of the Month because of my dedication to my work and the guidance I provide to others. Whether it was the cybersecurity program 40 minutes away, the STEM internship 10 miles away, or the intern position I hold at my school, I find that dedicating myself to diligence is rewarding. Growing up, I never had the guidance I have now. From middle school through the start of high school, I had no idea about AP classes, Ivy League schools, or internships. Now that I have people who support me, I hope to give back knowledge I’ve gained from my community to those who are in a similar situation.

You were nominated by Teacher, William Marchio. Explain your relationship to him? Mr. Chowdhury is both my teacher and mentor. After my junior year, I was unsure about what I wanted to pursue. I was taking both health and computer science classes, and both seemed appealing as a major. I wanted to pursue something in the tech field, but I wasn’t sure if computer science was the right fit for me. However, Mr. Chowdhury has always gone out of his way to support his students’ dreams. He reassured me during my doubts and showed me paths I hadn’t considered before.

What is one thing you’d like to share about yourself that most people don’t know about you? One thing most people don’t realize about me is that I enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including indoor rock climbing, snowboarding, biking, and weight lifting. I hope to share these experiences with more people who are interested. I may not excel at everything I try, but I always give my best to make sure I enjoy the things I love doing.

What do you enjoy most when you are not at school? I enjoy making plans to spend time with friends and family.

How did you choose your high school? The best part of attending Olney is the teachers. I’ve encountered a variety of personalities here, and overall, I believe each one has shown they care about their students.

What is one thing that the School District could do to improve our service to students? One thing the School District could improve is by providing better support for personalized pathways through various programs and initiatives.

Juan, we are so excited for you – best of luck in the college and career of your dreams!