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Bulldog SpotlightCongratulations to PCTI's March Athletes of the Month: Tegann Anderson, Lindsay Fiorellini, Jayden Johnson, and Jordan Ricketts! All four Athletes of the Month recipients are dedicated track student-athletes who played an important role in the Bulldogs’ amazing 2020 Winter track season, which saw the Boys team capture a league, county and North 1 Group 4 State Sectional Championship! Tegann Anderson is a senior and a four-year varsity letter winner who won the PCCA County Championship in the 55-hurdles and the 55-meter dash. Tegann finished in third place in both events at the North 1 Group 4 Sectional finals and qualified for the NJSIAA Group 4 Finals! Lindsay Fiorellini is as a senior and a second-year varsity letter winner who had a productive season as one of the Bulldog Jumpers. In the High Jump event, Lindsay achieved a personal best of 5’1’’ this winter season, which earned her a second-place silver medal at the PCCA County Championship meet! Her efforts would also earn her a silver medal at the North 1 Group 4 State Sectional meet and qualified her for the NJSIAA Group 4 Finals. Jayden Johnson is a senior, second-year varsity letter winner and team captain in the weight events. His throw of 46’ 7’’ won the PCCA County Championship meet and his personal best of 49’8’’ in the shotput won him a personal gold medal in the North 1 Group 4 State Sectional Championship. Jordan Ricketts is a junior and a third-year varsity letter who won the 400-meter race at the County Championship meet and the North 1 Group 4 State Sectional Meet both times, coming extremely close to going sub 50 (seconds) in the event. Jordan also anchored the 4 x 400-meter relay team which won the PCCA County Championship (gold), took second place in the (silver) at the State Sectional Championship, and earned a 5th place finish at the State Group meet and again 5th at NJSIAA State Meet of Champions. Jordan’s 4 x 400-meter relay team also broke the school record in the event (4x400) twice this winter season. Congratulations to PCTI’s February Athletes of the Month: Lexie Anaya, Kayla Proano, Rocco Panierino, and Dylan Toy! Lexie Anaya and Kayla Proano & Kayla Proano are both cheerleaders and senior Co-captains who have earned their roles through unbelievable dedication and heart. They have been vital parts of the program as they motivate themselves but also their team. Both girls have been working hard all year to bring out the best in all of our athletes and have continued to succeed. Lexie is a student in PCTI’s Academy of Criminal Justice and Kayla is a student in the School of Cosmetology, and both keep up their grades while participating in Cheerleading throughout the year. Both individuals were a large component to the competition cheerleading team's great performances this season as the team went 5-2 overall, qualifying for the championship meet and taking First Place at the Saddle Brook Invitational. This year, for the first time in school history, the Competition Cheerleading team hosted over 30 schools for the Big North Cheer Competition on February 7th. The PCTVS cheerleading team earned the silver medal in the Big North Liberty Division, marking a tremendous end to a fantastic cheer career! Dylan Toy and Rocco Panierino are both four-year varsity letter winners and senior Wrestling team captains who have led the Bulldogs to another historic wrestling season! Dylan and Rocco were the core of the squads’ middle weight line-up, presenting a daunting line-up of dominating wrestlers from 106 through 145-pound weight classes. This is where most teams fell victim to the Bulldogs in match play, continuing with the phrase established in the 2017 Championship of “Murder’s row” on their way to an impressive 20-3 season record, capturing another BNC Liberty Divisional Championship and a PCCA County Championship, the Bulldogs’ first since 2010. Dylan and Rocco’s leadership, weight-class flexibility and relentless approach on the mat was also the backbone to the team’s State Sectional Championship, their third state sectional title in the past four years, truly etching a wrestling dynasty into the PCTI history book. Their personal marks in 2019-2020 Wrestling season include the following:
Congratulations to PCTI’s January Athletes of the Month, Ariel Wilson, and Kavon Smith-Pough! Ariel Wilsonis a three-year varsity letter winner and a Foil team captain who: As a senior during the winter season, helped lead the Lady Bulldogs Foil Fencing team to squad-team state qualification at the NJSIAA District 2 Team Championships. The team, only in its third year as a varsity program, is currently 4-3 overall with wins over Wayne Valley, Passaic Valley, Morris Catholic and Butler. The team recently hosted the District 2 Team Fencing tournament at which they created a history-making performance. During this season, Ariel has anchored the girls’ foil team, managing a current season record of eighteen (18) wins with only two (2) losses. The foil weapon, known for its precision, balance of speed, footwork and technique was the perfect weapon of choice for Ariel’s skillset. In February at the PCCA County Championship meet, Ariel will look to cement her place among the county’s best foil fencers as she makes a push for a PCCA County medal finish. As member of the Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, Ariel has a current GPA of 3.85 and is looking to continue her academic and athletic career at the collegiate level. We wish to congratulate Ariel and the entire Girls Bulldog Fencing team for their amazing season. Kavon Smith-Poughis a three-year varsity letter winner and an Overall weapons boys sabre captain who: As a senior during the winter season, helped lead the Boys Bulldogs Fencing team to an amazing “sweet-sixteen” state qualification at the NJSIAA District 2 Team Championships. The team, only in its third year as a varsity program, is currently 4-3 overall with wins over Wayne Valley, Passaic Valley, Morris Catholic and Butler. The team recently hosted the District 2 Team Fencing tournament at which they created a history-making performance. During this season, Kavon has anchored the boys’ epee team, managing a current season record of seventeen (17) wins with only two (2) losses. The epee weapon, known for its patience, balance of speed, footwork and technique was the perfect weapon of choice for Kavon’s skillset. Recently, at the NJSIAA District 2 State Team Tournament meet, Kavon led the boys’ overall team to a qualifying “Sweet 16” appearance and also qualified as a top individual fencer in the epee weapon category. In February at the PCCA County Championship meet, Kavon will look to improve upon last season’s 2nd Place County medal finish. As a member of the School of Construction, Kavon has a current GPA of 3.0 and is looking to continue his academic and athletic career at the collegiate level. We wish to congratulate Kavon and the entire Boys Bulldog Fencing team for their amazing season. Congratulations to Matthew Behnke and Kaylah Nicholson, February's Students of the Month. Matthew BehnkeServing His Community One Step at a Time
Matthew Behnke of North Haledon is a determined and kind young man in PCTI’s School of Automotive Technology. Holding an amazing 4.2 GPA, Matt currently ranks in the top 5% of his class and will graduate from PCTI with an outstanding 25 potential college credits! Matt has a knack for fixing things and is curious to understand how they work. These interests led him to the School of Automotive Technology, where essential career and technical education training has enhanced his self-reliance and ability to fix things on his own. Since September of 2019, Matt has held two jobs in the automotive industry. First, he works at Allstar Transmission Specialists in Haledon, where he works three days a week and installs and removes transmissions. Additionally, Matt works at 821 Collision in North Haledon, where he restores old vehicles. Matt notes that he has applied what he has learned in high school to these jobs and continues to enhance his knowledge of the automotive industry through his work experiences. Outside of the classroom, Matt serves as a volunteer firefighter in Wyckoff and Haledon. Inspired by his father and older brother who are firefighters as well, Matt has been a volunteer for the past two years, as he first became a volunteer at the age of sixteen. When he isn’t volunteer firefighting, Matt enjoys various hobbies including spending time outdoors and participating in activities like fly fishing, mountain biking and woodworking. He is also a skilled blacksmith and creates hand wood carvings. After graduating from PCTI, Matt has plans to continue his current passion for firefighting and strives to become a wildland firefighter. This job will allow him to expand his love for spending time outdoors as he continues learning through hands-on activities. Matt reflects positively on his time at PCTI, noting the many opportunities the school provides through practical learning activities, opportunities through CTE programs and work study experiences. Offering advice to other students, Matt says, “Don’t set limitations for yourself. Identify your goals and figure out what you’d like to pursue.” Congratulations, Matt! Best of luck in your future endeavors and keep up the amazing work! Highlights
Kaylah NicholsonArtistic Creativity and Peer Leadership
Kaylah Nicholson of Passaic is a creative and motivated student in PCTI’s School of Culinary Arts. With an outstanding 4.4 GPA, Kaylah ranks in the top 2% of her class and is positioned to graduate from high school with 18 college credits! Kaylah was inspired to join PCTI’s School of Culinary Arts because her great grandfather was a successful chef. In addition to her passion for art, the culinary arts program provided an excellent outlet for Kaylah’s creativity. Kaylah praises the valuable culinary techniques she has learned via her career and technical education and is grateful for the supportive environment and sense of camaraderie within the program. Kaylah has enhanced her education through hands-on learning experiences, as she is a Kitchen Assistant in the STEM Academy through the School of Culinary Arts’ co-op program. She is also a member of Student Council/ Interact Club and was selected to participate in a weeklong Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) training experience with four peers. Through this activity, Kaylah worked with other student council organizations from across the state to learn about Rotarian activities and how to bring these skills back to PCTI. After graduating from PCTI, Kaylah plans on attending college and pursuing a profession within the medical field, with an emphasis on neuroscience. Kaylah would love to continue her academic studies at a renowned institution like Johns Hopkins University or Duke University. Kayla reflects on her time at PCTI with appreciation and passion. “There are so many opportunities to access, and you meet so many people you wouldn’t have the chance to meet elsewhere.” Plus, Kaylah notes the benefit of getting involved in activities beyond your chosen programs of study and the importance of exploring your interests. When reflecting on her growth from freshman year, Kaylah says “I used to be much more shy, but now I have gained so many great friends. I’ve achieved a lot more than I ever thought I could.” Kaylah advises other students to “actively look for opportunities, as there are so many organizations and volunteer activities to get involved with.” Congratulations, Kaylah! Keep up the awesome work, and best of luck in your future studies! Highlights
Congratulations to Isabelle Foti and Fabliha Zaman, January's Students of the Month. Isabelle FotiA Talent and Dedication for Musical Success
Isabelle Foti of North Haledon is an ambitious student in PCTI’s School of Performing Arts who holds a remarkable 4.2 GPA and ranks in the top 9% of her class! Isabelle will graduate from high school with 9 potential college credits and plans to continue her musical passion after graduation. With a knack for music and dance from an early age, Isabelle excels in her musical education at PCTI. A student in the Instrumental program, Isabelle plays the bass, guitar, violin, tuba and ukulele. Her love for music is also demonstrated by her participation in PCTI’s Jazz Band, Marching Band and Concert Band. Isabelle also has a passion for dance, and she has participated in various dance programs for charity, including events to benefit autistic children as well as “Leap for Literacy” which is dedicated to helping adults learn to read. Isabelle has participated in NJ Girls State, an unforgettable experience from which she developed a passion for politics and music. As a delegate, she enhanced her interpersonal skills and became a much more confident public speaker. To support her passion for music, Isabelle also teaches bass to interested music students. Notably, Isabelle has been named to the Principal’s Honor Roll every semester and was inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society. Upon graduation from PCTI, Isabelle’s goal is to attend William Paterson University’s Popular Music Program, while minoring in Political Science. From there, Isabelle aspires to work as a musician in the orchestra of a Broadway show! Isabelle reflects positively on her time at PCTI and says she has grown significantly both as a musician and as a person. “I used to be much more nervous and compared myself to older students in the program,” she said. “Now, I just do the best I can. I can do anything I put my mind to.” She also notes the many wonderful opportunities available to students on campus. “There are so many things to explore,” Isabelle said. “You aren’t limited to your program of study, and you’re able to take electives in other areas you’re interested in.” When giving advice to other students, Isabelle says, “Seize every opportunity presented to you, and take advantage of all resources. Plus, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.” Congratulations on all of your amazing accomplishments, Isabelle! Your passion for music and strong work ethic will ensure your success in college and beyond! Highlights
Fabliha ZamanCombining Business and Creativity
Fabliha Zaman of Paterson is a charismatic student in PCTI’s School of Business Careers who is known for her bright smile and bubbly personality. Fabliha holds an outstanding 4.1 GPA and currently ranks in the top 8% of her class! Additionally, Fabliha will graduate from PCTI with an amazing 12 potential college credits! Throughout her high school career, Fabliha has participated in the Performing Arts Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and SkillsUSA. Furthermore, Fabliha has worked as part of the Stage Crew during PCTI’s musicals and participated in Fall One-Acts in 2018, activities which highlight her enthusiasm for the arts. Outside of school, Fabliha keeps busy with jobs and volunteer work. In addition to working as a cashier at ShopRite, Fabliha has volunteered at the Preakness Healthcare Center, where she spent time with elderly patients and assisted with their transportation. Fabliha also spends time pursuing her passions for painting, poetry, spoken word, and acting. Upon graduation from PCTI, Fabliha hopes to attend Rutgers University in New Brunswick, where she plans on double majoring in Criminal Justice and Business. After college, she strives to work in the marketing industry in New York City, with the goal of working in management. Fabliha’s love for art drew her to the marketing field, which would enable her to pursue her creative aspirations within the business industry. When reflecting on her time at PCTI, Fabliha comments that as a freshman, she wasn’t as open and social as she is today. Now, she describes herself as a “social butterfly” and is eager to participate in classes and activities. Fabliha also praises diversity at PCTI and notes that she has made many good friends throughout high school. Fabliha offers wise advice to other students, advising others to “Do the most you can, and try your best in every way. Don't be afraid to try new things, because you will never know unless you try.” Congratulations, Fabliha! Your charisma and energetic personality will be extremely beneficial as you begin your professional journey! Highlights
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