WORCESTER—Doherty Memorial High School’s 2025 valedictorian Dea Kamberi credits her success to intellectual curiosity, cultural pride and a relentless pursuit of growth.
A first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Albania, Kamberi has amassed 12 AP credits, seven dual enrollment courses and a deep résumé of community service and accolades — including being named a Bank of America Student Leader and Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts.
“I’m actually a first-generation American,” she told the Worcester Guardian. “My parents came to Worcester during the 2000s, drawn by its strong Albanian community.” That decision, she said, ultimately led her to Doherty — where she says she wouldn’t trade her education “for any other.”
She explored her heritage through traditional dance, family outings to museums and Worcester’s biannual Albanian Festival, but also credits her public school experience with broadening her worldview. “My parents appreciated the value which public schools brought to Worcester in exposing students to all kinds of mindsets and topics,” she said.
She also highlighted the positive impact of her Doherty teachers, especially AP Art History instructor Timmary Leary. “She truly made my high school experience memorably bright,” Kamberi said, noting that the class was held after school in a real art museum. “She broke the barriers between teacher and friend — the museum felt like home.”
Kamberi’s academic drive has deep roots — inspired early by her mother and by Michelle Obama, whose book “Becoming” was a household staple. She set her sights on being valedictorian in middle school after watching her older sister achieve the same honor. When Doherty made it official this year, “it wasn’t necessarily a surprise,” she admitted, “but I certainly still celebrated!”
Her motivation stems from an inner desire to grow, sharpen weaknesses into strengths, and immerse herself in new challenges. She used dual enrollment not only to deepen her academic experience but also to pursue art, from digital design to character illustration.
While she’s proud of her academic record, Kamberi also takes pride in tutoring peers and supporting new students. “I wanted to provide a layer of confidence in those who may have thought certain heights or achievements to be untouchable,” she said.
Asked about standout experiences, Kamberi shared the thrill of connecting with other ambitious students through the Bank of America student leaders program and the Distinguished Young Women competition. She was the first from Doherty and Worcester, respectively, to represent in each.
“Everything was uncertain and unclear, but that only excited me more,” she said of the national leadership summit in Washington, D.C.
Outside the classroom, Kamberi plays piano by ear — transcribing music from her favorite games and shows — and is an accomplished artist who takes commissions online.
This fall, she heads to Harvard to study government and economics with a pre-law focus, aiming one day to serve as a government official. “I had to research environmental justice for a competition, and it truly motivated me,” she said. “Ultimately, it leads to policy and representation.”
As for her next chapter, Kamberi sees college as a time to explore new opportunities and refine her career goals — just as she’s done every step of the way.
This piece is part of the Worcester Guardian’s continuing education series spotlighting the city’s student leaders and their stories. Got an idea? Email carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
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