![[left] Aerial view of Jet Set nightclub after roof collapse. [right] Rubby Perez doing a live performance there. Thumbnail done on Canva.](https://dmhsherald.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/HH-Thumnail-38-1200x777.png)
With a resume that rivals many professionals, an unshakable sense of purpose, and a heart that radiates humility, Doherty Memorial High School senior Dea Kamberi has officially been named Valedictorian for the Class of 2025 — and that’s just the beginning of her ever-growing list of accomplishments.
In a historic achievement, Dea has also been crowned Massachusetts’ Distinguished Young Woman, the first student from Worcester to win the coveted title in the program’s 67-year history. Representing brains, talent, leadership, and heart, Dea is now preparing to take the national stage in Mobile, Alabama this June for the Distinguished Young Women national competition.
As if these titles weren’t enough, Dea is also the first student from Doherty ever selected to the highly competitive Bank of America Student Leaders Program, one of just two selected from all of Worcester County and five in the entire state of Massachusetts in 2024.
From founding the Doherty Dance Team and the Finance & Economics Club, to leading as President of the National Honor Society, Dea has left an indelible mark on the Doherty community. She is also a proud member of the Envirothon and Math Teams, where she advocates for environmental justice and academic excellence with unwavering passion.
Beyond her brilliant academic mind and exceptional leadership, Dea is known best for her modesty, compassion, quirky charm, and outgoing personality. “She’s my president and best friend,” one classmate said. “She’s already done the impossible inside the walls of Doherty — I can’t wait to see what she does when those walls are gone.”
Driven by her Albanian roots and a deep commitment to service, Dea’s journey has been grounded in values instilled by her immigrant family: hard work and education. She has proudly served the Albanian community in Worcester, assisting with cultural programming through translation, media production, and script coordination — another way she gives back to the communities that shaped her.
Artistic at heart, Dea expresses herself through painting, drawing, piano, and dance — a self-taught pianist who bravely performed solo for the first time on stage during the Distinguished Young Women competition. She balances these passions with five Advanced Placement courses, varsity tennis, and track.
Whether she’s presenting art history lectures to peers, championing mental health awareness, or speaking out on government and equity issues, Dea’s passion is unmistakable: she’s here to make a difference. Her eyes are now set on Harvard University, where she’ll be part of the Class of 2029, pursuing a career in law and public service.
“Dea approaches every challenge with discipline and attention to detail that few students possess,” said Kristen Montgomery, her school counselor. “Her intellectual curiosity and passion for helping others make her a leader in our school community.”
To her friends, teachers, and peers — Dea is more than a leader. She is a role model, a trailblazer, and a symbol of Albanian excellence. Her drive to bring light and leadership to every room she enters will undoubtedly carry her far beyond the halls of Doherty.
From all of us: thank you, Dea Kamberi, for inspiring us all to dream bigger, work harder, and lead with heart. The world is ready for you — and we know you’re ready for it.
Congratulations, Valedictorian. Congratulations, Distinguished Young Woman. Congratulations, Dea.
