Hudson County Community College Class of 2023 Valedictorian Sally Elwir Exemplifies Academic Excellence, Leadership, and Advocacy
May 11, 2023
Sally Elwir, Hudson County Community College Class of 2023 Valedictorian.
May 11, 2023, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Class of 2023 Valedictorian Sally Elwir is passionate about higher education, social justice, and volunteering. At the College’s 46th Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, May 17 at 10:45 a.m., she will share her higher education and community service journey. The event will be held at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ.
While working toward her HCCC Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Criminal Justice, Ms. Elwir participated in a federal work study program and gave back to the Hudson County community. She advocated the health and well-being of college students at HCCC monthly Town Hall and HCCC Board of Trustees meetings, and discussed issues that impede student success at a conference with Governor Phil Murphy.
Tenacious and motivated to achieve academic excellence, Ms. Elwir maintained a 4.0 GPA, Dean’s List status, and served as Vice President of the HCCC Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society. She was a semifinalist for the 2023 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship for her exceptional academic ability, leadership, service, and determination.
Ms. Elwir is adept at juggling her studies with other roles and responsibilities. She is President of the HCCC Student Government Association; serves as a College Student Success Mentor; serves on the Student Conduct Board; is a member of the All College Council Student Affairs Committee; and works with the JED Foundation for mental health support. As President of the HCCC Criminal Justice Club, Ms. Elwir hosted a self-defense training session and panel. Her volunteer work has benefitted the HCCC Office of Student Life and Leadership, Hudson Helps Resource Center, and Hope House, an emergency shelter for homeless women and children.
A member of a large Middle Eastern family, Ms. Elwir is a first-generation college student who speaks English and Arabic. She developed leadership skills in the HCCC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Student Passport Program. To promote multicultural activities and social events at the College, she organized the Arab Heritage Month Fashion Show and International Fashion Show, the Spring Mixer, Women’s History Month event, Halloween Dance, and Winter Festival.
A proponent of criminal justice reform, Ms. Elwir has addressed the socioeconomic injustices of the “war on drugs,” and assisted victims of sexual assault. While interning for the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, she observed trials; shadowed an attorney, detectives and agents; and researched Megan’s Law files and data. Sally is a Community College Representative for the “It’s On Us” Caucus Chair Leadership Program. She took master classes on sexual assault and prevention on college campuses.
“I plan on continuing my college education because I aspire to become a drug court attorney. My goal is to help those who struggle with addiction get recovery and a second chance,” Ms. Elwir said. “I also feel strongly about public safety and ensuring that people’s concerns are taken seriously. It’s important that someone in the criminal justice field fights for social justice from the government and for the people, which I am confident in doing.”