RCSA Alumni Newsletter

Alumni Name: Malaz Idris

Graduation Year: 2013

Current Position: Product Strategy Executive & Psychology Professor

Malaz Idris proudly holds the title of valedictorian of RCSA’s very first graduating class in 2013. Looking back, she credits her time at RCSA for shaping her confidence, sense of community, and belief that hard work and perseverance open doors.

Following graduation, Malaz earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Florida and later completed a master’s in clinical psychology in Philadelphia. She began her career as a mental health therapist, working in both hospital and community agency settings. In this role, she supported patients of all ages and backgrounds—including children, adults, and members of the military—through group and individual sessions. These formative years gave her a deep understanding of empathy, resilience, and human adaptability.

When she later moved to Tampa, Malaz decided to take her skills in a new direction—joining the tech world as a product manager. Today, Malaz serves as a Product Strategy Executive at a global university, where she helps shape the long-term vision for products and services that support online students worldwide.

Outside of work, Malaz enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and creative pursuits that keep her grounded. Malaz emphasizes one of the biggest lessons she’s learned: “The plan you start with isn’t always the one you end up following—and that’s okay.” She encourages students to stay flexible, curious, and authentic, as that’s where real success begins.

Malaz also shared a proud family update: her younger brother, Ahmed, recently graduated from RCSA and is now attending the University of Florida—continuing a family legacy that began right where it all started.

We continue to celebrate the beautiful milestones of our RCSA alumni couples!

• Leyla (Class of 2013) just marked 10 years of marriage—a special celebration for one of our very first grads.

• Ryan and Melanie, high school sweethearts, recently celebrated their 5th anniversary.

• And congratulations to Hannah and Jason, who just tied the knot!

If you or another RCSA alum would like to be featured in a future edition, please send your wedding photo to alumni@rivercityscience.org — we’d love to hear from you!

Vladimir Shevchik (RCSA Class of 2013)

What is the meaning of life? Stick it through till the end and I will enlighten you. If you asked “What is the meaning of life?” to randomly selected people on walking on the sidewalk, realistically, you would be ignored, given dirty looks, and if you are really lucky, maybe a black eye from the sudden questioning. In truth, there is likely no conclusive and undisputable answer to this question, though my coworker, Dave, says he knows what the meaning of life is, but he simply will not share this answer with me, I will get you yet Dave.

Many have tried to give answers to life's meaning scientifically, in that the purpose of life is to survive and reproduce. Others find meaning in spiritual fulfillment or in a divine entity. Even more find life's meaning through personal growth, love and personal connections, and/or some variation of what one believes to be important to their lives. When I brought these insights to Dave, he regaled me with “Dude, don’t you have work to do?” and “Hey is that the donut I was saving!?” Maybe life exists for the sole purpose of bothering Dave?

Even if Dave illuminated everyone one the meaning of life, there are always contrarians. If you ask a million random humans whether a coin flip will always end in either heads or tails, the majority will say yes. Though some may say no, stating maybe it will land perfectly upright being neither. Or maybe the coin was flipped in a perfect vacuum and spins endlessly never arriving at a conclusion, or maybe the coin was flipped in a blacked out box, and the coin is simultaneously heads/tails/on its side until we open the box and observe what has occurred.

With all the tangents and babbling, the point I am trying to make is that not everything has a simple answer, though it would be far easier if there was one. Maybe I ate Dave’s donut, not because I am a selfish jerk, but because this MY donut that I saved for MYself, and I do not know what happened to YOUR donut Dave, this one is MINE! One does not always know what is going on in another's life that affects the decisions they make, be it good or bad decisions. Treat others with love and kindness.

Since I promised, I will impart the meaning of life to you few readers. Life exists simply so it might one day end, similarly in how the universe exists towards an eventual heat death where no new energy, and in turn no new universe can be formed. Life is sensitive, life is hard, and life will eventually end in a cold, barren universe. Put yourself in others' shoes; be kind to each other, hold each other in tiring times, love each other and live out your days in peace and balance until the end. Hopefully one day, Dave will understand the meaning of these sentiments.

This fall, we’ve reconnected with our amazing alumni through campus visits, local meetups, and meaningful conversations. From alumni gatherings at UPenn, Princeton, and Tallahassee, to our Class of 2016 picnic at Drew Park and fall break visits to RCSA, it’s been a season full of Rocket pride. We also held a Zoom meeting with alumni parents and welcomed guest speaker Celi Ellin (Class of 2016), who shared her journey from RCSA to Mayo Clinic with our students.

We love seeing our alumni stay connected and give back—thank you all!

We’re excited to announce the launch of our Cross-Country team at RCSA Middle-High! Huge thanks to our dedicated student-athletes and to Coaches Marasco and Crotty for making this new program possible. Here’s to a strong start and an even stronger future!

Our seniors added a splash of personality to the student lot by painting their parking spots! From vibrant designs to meaningful messages, their artwork brought color and creativity to campus.

A group from RCSA gathered to celebrate Mr. Sel’s recognition as one of Jacksonville Daily Record’s 2025 Trailblazers! His leadership, dedication to education, and impact on the community continue to inspire us all. Congratulations, Mr. Sel!

Each year, RCSA Volleyball seniors celebrate the teachers and staff who’ve made a lasting impact by gifting them jerseys with their senior numbers. This heartfelt tradition reflects the strong bonds and gratitude within our school community.

We recently shared breakfast with parents from our school community who have served or are currently serving our nation. It was a meaningful way to recognize and appreciate their dedication and contributions.

We’re proud to share that Mr. Yakup Ustaomer, Principal of RCSA Middle-High, has been selected to join the Florida Department of Education Chancellor’s Leadership Academy. This program brings together school leaders from across the state to strengthen instructional leadership and support student success. Congratulations, Mr. Ustaomer!

We’re proud to share that River City Science Academy is now featured on Education Insider!
RCSA is also listed under the Top Public Schools section—highlighting our dedication to excellence in education.

Thank you to our entire RCSA family for making this possible!

Are you seeking new career opportunities or know someone looking to make a meaningful impact? River City Science Academy, with its diverse campuses and educational programs, offers a variety of employment possibilities. We continuously have openings for dedicated individuals in various roles, including teachers, after-school care personnel, substitute teachers, teacher assistants, and paraprofessionals. To apply, send your resume to employment@rivercityscience.org. We welcome you to consider becoming a valuable member of the RCSA team.