Introducing the Top Two of 2013

Shadia dedicates much of her time to academics and enhancing her leadership skills. She is a member of HOSA and acted as the chapter Treasurer for two consecutive years. Shadia was also the Secretary of the Muslim Student Association and the Recording Secretary of the NHS. She has devoted much time coordinating with administration, staff, and discipline coordinators to help establish a school-wide honor code. The committee, of which she is a part, aims to hold every student accountable to the highest level of academic integrity.
Upon graduating from PCTI, Shadia will attend Rutgers University and aspires to become a neurologist. This career of choice was derived from her community involvement at her local healthcare center where she interacted with residents who suffered from various behavioral, age-related, and other neurological disorders.
Nil Rawal is a talented young man whose academic perseverance has fueled his desire to evolve as a student and to learn as much as he does in class as he does outside of it. When first embarking on his educational journey, Nil’s plan was to learn everything about one thing. Now, this member of the Academy of Medical Arts has progressed to wanting to know something about everything! With such an avid thirst for knowledge, it’s no wonder Nil has earned the title of this year’s Salutatorian!
His passion for the medical field has been ignited by the opportunities presented at PCTI. In addition to maintaining an excellent academic record, Nil was an active member in HOSA. He was selected for Boys State and played on the tennis team. Through these experiences and more, a new self-image was born. Nil looks forward to taking care of others and becoming a surgeon. In the future, Nil would like to have the opportunity to work for himself in either a medical clinic or another business.
Nil will attend Rutgers University this coming fall. His enthusiasm for learning will no doubt ensure that he succeeds in whatever he puts his mind to!
Culinary Instructor Honored by NRAEF

The award goes to exceptional instructors who utilize ProStart programs in their classrooms. Each participating state nominates a leading educator who has demonstrated strong commitment to both students and the ProStart Program.
Awardees were flown to Chicago and hosted by the NRAEF to participate in a series of spectacular events. This includes receiving free passes to the National Restaurant Association’s Food Show where award recipients viewed demonstrations by celebrity chefs and fellow instructors in the industry.
Congratulations to Christopher Santhouse, New Jersey’s winner of the NRAEF Educator Excellence Award!
May Student of the Month

It all started with a spark during his junior year. Rashad developed a passion for derivatives. “There’s something about them, finding the slope on a curve and utilizing derivatives in real-life applications…I find it strangely beautiful!” This newly made connection resonated with Rashad and encouraged him to view the world from a completely different perspective.
Rashad’s intelligence matches his enthusiasm for learning. He ranks in the top 14 percent of his class and has already accumulated 18 college credits, with the potential for earning 20 more by the time he graduates. He is Co-Captain of the Chess team, Vice President of the Future Business Leaders of America, and Co-Founder of the Muslim Student Association. Rashad has previously been involved in ERASE, Student Council, and was an NJROTC Drill team member. But that’s not all. Rashad holds an internship with the Passaic Vicinage. The three month long experience puts him to work 20 hours a week. The opportunity, Rashad says, reinforced his idea of wanting to work in the business field. Rashad is also no stranger to volunteering.
While a sophomore, he acted as a tutor assisting his teachers in Geometry and Pre-Calculus. Through this experience, Rashad learned that teaching others reinforced his own understanding of the aforementioned subjects. He has also donated his time to working at a hospital for Veterans. Upon graduating as part of the Class of 2013, Rashad will attend Rutgers University and pursue a double major in Economics and Finance. He hopes to one day open his own Investment Banking business. When asked what advice he had for future Bulldogs, Rashad had this to say, “You have to want to learn, to be open to all the resources and opportunities PCTI has to offer. Take advantage of every experience and go for it. Never stop challenging yourself.” Wise words from a wise young man. Congratulations Rashad, your determination & eagerness to succeed will pave the pathway to success!
Highlights
- Ranked in the top 14% of his class
- Earned 18 college credits
- Co-Captain of the Chess team, Vice President of FBLA, Co-Founder of MSA
- Previously involved in ERASE, Student Council, and the NJROTC
- Has internship with Passaic Vicinage
- Competed in FBLA Regionals, received 1st place in Accounting (Senior), 3rd Place in Banking & Financial Systems (Junior)
- Goal: Graduate from Rutgers with a double major in Economics & Finance; open own Investment Banking business
Coach Williams Honored as Athlete Who Makes a Difference

The honor comes in light of Mr. William’s exemplary twenty-year tenure of service as a teacher and Girls Basketball coach at Passaic County Technical Institute. In 2012, he guided the team to its first Passaic County Girls’ championship since 1984.
Mr. Williams has also achieved great fame in Passaic County history for winning a County championship as both a player and coach. Within all areas of his life, he is recognized as a model to emulate, an individual who sets a standard of excellence towards which others might strive.
Congratulations to Coach and Instructor Ronnie Williams, an individual of strong character and determination, for his tireless dedication to the students of Passaic County Technical Institute.
April Student of the Month

It is her dedication and drive that pushes Victoria to excel in all her endeavors. She main- tains all A’s and holds a longstanding position on the Principal’s Honor Roll. It’s no wonder Victoria ranks in the top three percent of her class. She has even earned 12 credits for college by tak- ing courses in French and Sociology. Outside of school, Victoria works part time at Il Tulipano as a garde manger. Here she organizes salads, cold food, sliced meats, and cheese platters for ban- quets and weddings. “It’s interesting that I get to work outside of my usual comfort zone. I’m really learning a lot!”
Victoria lends her talents to many PCTI functions, baking cakes and confectionaries for Chez Technique as well as nationally celebrated Career and Technical Education Week. She is the SkillsUSA Parliamentarian for PCTI and has competed in numerous contests and has won many awards over the past three years. Victoria is scheduled to once again compete in this year’s SkillsUSA competition, this time in the Commer- cial Baking division. Upon graduating from high school, Vic- toria looks forward to pursuing an Associate’s degree in Baking & Pastry Arts and a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. She has received a full academic scholarship to Hudson County Community College and was accepted into the Culinary Institute of America.
A bright future is on the horizon for this young and talented Bulldog! Victoria is already making plans to start her own baking business. Many PCTI staff members are lining up to place their future orders for her famous macaroons and other original desserts. When asked about her experiences at PCTI, Victoria had this to say,” I was able to get ready for the real world after high school. I’m prepared to pursue my passion of baking and am so grateful to faculty and staff for their support. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guid- ance of my teachers.” Congratulations to this dedicated young woman. Good luck in the future!
Highlights
- Ranked in the top 3 percent of her class
- Earned 12 college credits
- Member of the Bake Shop Co-Op & is PCTI’s SkillsUSA Parliamentarian
- Works at Il Tulipano as a garde manager
- Received full academic scholarship to Hudson County Community College, accepted into the Culinary Institute of America
- Goal: Graduate from a University with an Associate’s degree and a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management, become a Pastry Chef/Business Owner


