Class of 2025 Valedictorian Andres Soto.

Class of 2025 Valedictorian Andres Soto

Class of 2025 Valedictorian Andres Soto

Physical education major Andres Soto has been named KCC’s Class of 2025 valedictorian

Andres Soto
Physical Education Major
Class of 2025 Valedictorian

Two decades ago, Andres Soto walked away from college with a low GPA and a lingering sense of failure. This June, he’ll walk the stage as Kingsborough Community College’s Class of 2025 valedictorian, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a renewed sense of purpose.

Soto, now 40, returned to school after years in a job that left him unfulfilled. Encouraged by his partner, inspired by his sister—who had recently returned to college and completed her degree—and driven by the desire to right an old wrong, he enrolled at Kingsborough to study physical education.

“I always knew I could do better than I did my first time around, so the desire to right a wrong from my past was always there,” Soto said. “I would constantly tell my significant other how I had so much talent when I was younger, and she would always tell me the talent was still there. She was very straightforward. She told me, if I wanted to go teach, do it!

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Brooklyn since the age of 5, Soto chose physical education because it combined two things he is passionate about: sports and teaching. “I love sports,” he enthused. “I grew up playing baseball starting at 8 years old, playing for St. Michael’s Church in Sunset Park until I hit the age limit, and I was on the handball team in high school. Outside of formal teams, I played basketball and football regularly. I also played many other sports any chance I got, like during family/friend reunions, random park visits, and school events.”

“I’ve always enjoyed teaching others,” he shared. “When I was younger, I tutored friends and helped classmates study. In my current job, I take every opportunity to train my coworkers. Many of them have told me I have a natural talent and the patience for teaching—and that I’d missed my calling. So I decided to make it my calling.”

At Kingsborough, Soto did more than succeed—he thrived. He joined the Recreation Club and quickly became its secretary, then president. Under his leadership, the club created events that brought students, staff, and faculty together across campus. He designed flyers, logos, and t-shirts. He hosted events from basketball games to Olympics-themed activities. For his efforts, he received Kingsborough’s 2025 Gold Student Leadership Award.

But academics always came first. Soto was accepted into the Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa and made the Dean’s List several times. His honors projects ranged from research on risk management in high school baseball to attempting to build an open educational resource (OER) curriculum for adapted physical education.

One of his proudest moments came during a fieldwork internship at the Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program. He adapted physical education courses for a class of about 20 adults with developmental disabilities for a semester, applying principles learned in a required course on therapeutic recreation taught by Prof. MaryLou Fierle and his experience helping students with disabilities during Recreation Club events. “It was a challenge I never expected. I learned a lot about building meaningful bonds with my students,” Soto said. “The experience was another example of Kingsborough faculty being exceptionally supportive outside of the classroom. Prof. Fierle was there to assist me with any questions I had and helped me brainstorm ideas for my classes. It was not an easy feat, and I admire those who advocate for people with disabilities even more now than I did before.”

Balancing work, school, and leadership wasn’t easy. Soto managed it with discipline and careful planning. “You have to be willing to sacrifice,” he said. “But if you organize early, it gets easier.”

He also credits Kingsborough faculty for supporting him every step of the way. Prof. Juan Carlos Franquiz, in particular, stood out. “He was the reason I knew I was doing the right thing by going back to school. From day one, he would answer or return my calls—no matter the day or time. He gave me academic and personal advice, especially on how to balance my busy life,” Soto said. “His passion for teaching, his caring nature for students, and his appreciation for those who help others are qualities I want to emulate myself when I become a teacher.”

Having graduated from Kingsborough in January 2025, Soto is now resuming his studies at Brooklyn College, determined to complete the work he began years ago. He hopes to teach physical education at the high school or college level and is already thinking about a master’s degree and a doctorate.

Being named valedictorian is something he’s dreamed of since elementary school. “I remember wishing I was that person up there on stage at every graduation I attended—including the ones that were not my own—just so that I could make my parents prouder. I am excited to have a platform to share my story.”

As valedictorian, he sees his speech as a chance to motivate others. “Take advantage of your youth,” he said. “But if you stumble, it’s never too late. The time will pass anyway—use it wisely.”

Soto’s advice to anyone in a similar situation: Don’t give up. “It’s okay to ask for help. Be honest about your struggles. And remember, showing up is more than half the battle.”

Looking back, Soto doesn’t just see a diploma. He sees proof of what’s possible. “Where others see a certificate,” he said, “I see hard work, dedication, and the chance to finally make my family proud.”

 

Recent Articles

Stay Connected

Related Articles

Actor/Comedian Chris Rock Receives Honorary Doctorate At Kingsborough Community College’s 56th Commencement Exercises

Actor, comedian, director, producer, and writer Chris Rock, who attended Kingsborough Community College for one year and studied communications, will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from the City University of New York at Kingsborough Community College’s 56th Commencement Exercises

KCC Grad Spotlight: Salutatorian Always Had College On Her Bucket List

Retired NYC Department of Correction officer Ruth Thomas in on her way to a second career, as a mental health counselor with a focus on domestic abuse.

Kingsborough Valedictorian Allan Santana Has Been A KCC ‘Face’ Seen Across Campus

Business administration major Allan Santana has been selected as Kingsborough Community College's Class of 2021 Valedictorian.