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Bulldog SpotlightCongratulations to Sahil Shah and Cayla Brodeur, December's Students of the Month. Sahil ShahSahil Shah of Clifton is a high-achieving student in PCTI’s Academy of Finance who holds an outstanding 4.3 GPA and ranks in the top 4% of his class! Sahil will graduate from high school with an impressive 33 potential college credits and plans on continuing his studies and passion for finance after graduation.
After a fascination with stocks inspired an interest in finance at a young age, Sahil opened his first stock account at the age of 16 and began to teach himself all about investments and commodities. As a student in PCTI’s Academy of Finance, Sahil has expanded his knowledge of these topics and further solidified his decision to pursue this profession after high school. Sahil has applied what he has learned in the classroom to the real world as he recently interned at a private equity firm in New York City, where he learned about deep value equity investments and how to manage portfolios. At PCTI, Sahil has been a member of the Varsity Tennis team for four years and is now Captain of the team. Additionally, in summer of 2019, Sahil participated in NJ Boys State where he collaboratively worked on legislation that improved climate and business, a proposal which he and his peers submitted to Governor Phil Murphy. Sahil notes that this was an incredible opportunity in which he was able to work with people who held various viewpoints in order to attain a common goal. Outside of the classroom, Sahil enjoys spending time with family, travelling and skiing. In addition to volunteering at Toni’s Soup Kitchen in Montclair, Sahil has worked as a tennis coach and assistant manager at Preakness Hills Country Club, furthering his love of the sport. Sahil also serves as a tutor for middle school students in the subjects of social studies and mathematics. Upon graduation from PCTI, Sahil’s goal is to attend the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business to further his studies. Afterwards, Sahil wants to move to New York City to work on Wall Street and eventually open his own hedge fund! Sahil reflects fondly on his four years at PCTI, noting that our teachers’ passions are extremely evident and trickle down to students. He also adds that the abundant resources and opportunities at PCTI have shaped his time on campus. Sahil comments that “Everything is a learning experience. I’ve learned to talk to more people and really enjoy the whole experience. It's not only about what you learn, it’s also about how you use it.” When giving advice to other students, Sahil says, “You can sleep on your dreams, or you can wake up and chase them.” Congratulations on all your accomplishments, Sahil! Best of luck in college and beyond! Highlights
Cayla BrodeurCayla Brodeur of Ringwood is an exceptional young woman with an outstanding work ethic and a positive outlook on life. A senior in PCTI’s School of Education & Human Services, Cayla holds a phenomenal 4.4 GPA and ranks in the top 2% of her class! Additionally, Cayla will graduate with 13 potential college credits as a result of her academic achievement.
Outside of the classroom, Cayla keeps busy with babysitting and various extracurricular activities. She is currently the President of the Future Educators’ Association and has previously held the role of secretary. Through this organization, Cayla has participated in numerous service projects including a school supply drive to assist underprivileged children and “Stomp the Monster Fundraiser” to raise money for young cancer patients. Notably, in Cayla’s junior year of high school, she was a SkillsUSA National Silver Medalist and State Gold Medalist! Cayla works as an Office Assistant at Main Street Glass & Mirror, where she uses her impeccable organization skills to handle paperwork, bills and company files. For the past three summers, Cayla has served as a Junior Counselor and lifeguard at Solid Rock Day Camp, where she learns about service and interaction with young campers. Cayla has extensive volunteer experience as well. Through PCTI’s School of Education and Human Services, Cayla has served as a Teaching Assistant at the Center for Family Resources. In this role, she created lesson plans and activities for children and engaged with the students during playtime. An active member of Bethany Church in Wyckoff, Cayla serves as a student leader for preschool and middle school students. These activities allow Cayla to work with children and further prepare for her future career as an educator. Upon graduation from PCTI, Cayla plans to attend Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma where she will study to become a high school English teacher. Despite the distance from home, Cayla found the campus comfortable and a perfect place to study and uphold her Christian faith. When reflecting on her time at PCTI, Cayla notes that she has grown personally and academically. She has enhanced her ability to work independently while expanding her horizons and making new friends from across the county. “There are so many great opportunities at PCTI,” Cayla notes. “Everyone is so kind, and the teachers really want us to grow as people and students.” Cayla offers wise advice to other students, advising others to “Take advantage of activities and get involved! Make the most of every opportunity.” Congratulations, Cayla! Best of luck in your future studies, and keep up the awesome work! Highlights
Congratulations to PCTI’s December Athletes of the Month, Justin Conillas, and Julia Bartoszewicz! Justin Conillas is a four-year varsity starter who: is a dominating leader and a captain for the Boys Swim Team. Justin is a big part of the success the team has experienced over the past four seasons. Justin consistently contributes points in all of his events in every dual meet, and he demonstrates an amazing level of integrity and sportsmanship in the pool. In his PCTI swimming career, Justin has earned All-County and All-League honors for the 100 Backstroke, 200 Medley Relay, 200 & 400 Free Relay and the 100 Free. Justin’s efforts in the pool have helped to lead Bulldog Swim team to an unprecedented fifth consecutive Passaic County Championship, and the boys will look to vigorously defend that title on January 11, 2020 as PCTI hosts the County Championship. In addition to all these accolades, Justin also holds the PCTI school record in the 200 Individual Medley with an amazing time of 2:02.7. In 2019 Justin also qualified for the NJSIAA State Meet of Champions to represent PCTI and compete in the 400 Free Relay. Justin, a resident of Paterson, is a student-athlete in the School of Business Careers with a 3.0 GPA. The Athletic department would like to wish Justin and the entire Bulldogs Swim team the best in the 2019-2020 season. Julia Bartoszewicz is a two-year varsity starter who: as a sophomore, firmly emerged as a leader for the highly competitive Lady Bulldogs Swim team. Last season, as a freshman, she broke three individual school records and was a participant on two record holding relay teams. Julia currently holds the school record for the 50 Free, 100 Free, and the 200 IM. She also holds a spot on the lady Bulldogs 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay. Julia earned All-County and All-League honors as a freshman and helped to lead the Lady Bulldogs to repeat in 2019 as Passaic County Champions. In 2019, Julia also qualified for the NJSIAA State Meet of Champions to represent PCTI and compete in the 400 Free Relay Currently, she has been crucial to the 2-0 start to the 2019-2020 season. This season, she looks to firmly etch her name to the school’s record book as she attempts to improve her individual and team relay records. Julia a resident of Clifton, is a student-athlete in the School of Performing Arts with a 4.1 GPA and she ranks in the top one-third of her graduating class. The Athletic department would like to wish Julia and the entire Lady Bulldogs Swim team the best in the 2019-2020 season! Congratulations to David Monsalve and Lindsay Nevaeh Fiorellini, November's Students of the Month. Lindsay Nevaeh FiorelliniLindsay Nevaeh Fiorellini of Wayne is a student in PCTI’s School of Communication Arts Video Production program and holds an incredible 4.4 GPA! Lindsay is positioned to graduate from PCTI with 19 potential college credits and plans on taking her passion for serving the community to college and beyond.
Lindsay has applied the skills she learned in the Video Production program to real world job experience. She currently is enrolled in the co-op program, in which she serves as a Social Media Specialist at Lulë Box. In this role, Lindsay has enhanced her knowledge of social media management and the inner workings of how a small business is run. During her time at PCTI, Lindsay’s creativity has won her many accolades. In 2018, she won 3rd place at the Passaic County Film Festival and the Special Jury Prize at the Montclair Film Festival Emerging Filmmaker Competition for her documentary “A Place to Call Our Own”. Additionally, her documentary “Journey to a Beautiful Life” earned her 2nd place at the Passaic County Film Festival in 2019. Lindsay notes that this project was “a teaching moment about the dangers of addiction.” Outside of the classroom, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is also an active member of the Varsity track team, serves as a class representative, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Additionally, she is a delegate for Girls State, an opportunity in which Lindsay has “met many friends and found a voice.” This experience has allowed Lindsay to work with Mrs. Pagano on various patriotic projects that celebrate honored members of the veteran community. Lindsay has volunteered as an EMT with the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad since 2018, an experience which has shaped her future career path. Her passion for serving and protecting people influenced her decision to apply to colleges with renowned criminal justice programs, as she strives to work in law enforcement at the federal level after completing her collegiate studies. When reflecting on her time at PCTI, Lindsay notes that studying video production has given her the unique opportunity and “the freedom to talk to other people and tell their stories.” Since her freshman year, Linsday notes that she has become more confident in herself and advises her fellow students to follow their own dreams. She adds one of her favorite quotes from Bertrice Berry, “When you walk with purpose, you collide with your own destiny.” Congratulations, Lindsay! Best of luck in the future, and keep up your passion to follow your dreams! Highlights
David MonsalveDavid Monsalve of Paterson plans on using his education at PCTI to build a successful career path. A student in PCTI’s Academy of Criminal Justice, David has achieved a superb 4.3 GPA and ranks in the top 2% of his class. His dedication to academic success positions him to graduate from PCTI with an outstanding 36 potential college credits!
Beyond the classroom, David keeps busy with numerous extracurricular activities and leadership positions. In addition to serving as a section leader in PCTI’s marching band, David plays bass at his church, Chapel at Wayne. His passion for music is further reflected in his participation in concert band and jazz band at PCTI. Furthermore, David is a member of the National Honor Society and was recently inducted into the Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society. David has participated in Boys State, is an active member of ERASE, and serves as NJROTC Orienteering Commander. Notably, David volunteers at the Juvenile Conference Committee, which is part of the Passaic County Superior Court. In this position, David works with other committee members to analyze cases and make recommendations for alternative methods for juveniles with first- or second-time minor offenses. This role allows David to expand his criminal justice knowledge while exploring his passion for helping others. David’s passion for law enforcement and mathematics influenced his decision to pursue a career in forensic accounting with the FBI. Upon graduating from PCTI, David’s top choice for college is Seton Hall University, where he plans on studying accounting with a focus on fraud examination. Reflecting on his time at PCTI, David notes he has become more outspoken, mature and open-minded since his freshman year. He has become more accepting of others’ opinions and seeks to understand why people think the way they do. When asked for advice to fellow students, David states his six-word motto: “Be the best you can be.” David notes that PCTI “provides so many opportunities to do what you love. I’ve also met great friends from all over the county who come from diverse backgrounds.” Congratulations, David! Your determination and ambition will serve you well in your future endeavors! Highlights
Congratulations to PCTVS’ November Athletes of the Month, Rahmeir McGraw, Jaheim McGuire, James Agresta and Jayden Johnson! James Agresta is a three-year varsity starter who: As a senior, James helped lead the Bulldogs to another North Jersey Super Football Conference Liberty-Red division title and the NJSIAA North 1 Group 5 Championship game. James is being acknowledged for his defensive prowess. James (“Jimmy”) is a superb runner-stopper from his middle linebacker position, his energy and enthusiasm is always on display and he truly is the heart of the Bulldog defense. This year, James leads the team with 124 total tackles and 3.5 sacks. For his efforts as the leader of the Bulldogs’ defense, James was selected to First Team All Division - Liberty Red at the linebacker position in 2018 and is anticipated to be a solid candidate to repeat this year. As a student of PCTI’s School of Construction Technology, James is currently weighing his options with college and career choices. We wish James and the entire Bulldog Football team all the best in the NJSIAA Finals and their quest to return to MetLife stadium. Jayden Johnson is a three-year varsity starter who: As a senior, Jayden helped lead the Bulldogs to another North Jersey Super Football Conference Liberty-Red division title and the NJSIAA North 1 Group 5 Championship game. Jayden is being acknowledged for his offensive and defensive prowess. On offense, he is the anchor to this amazing group of offensive linemen- the men in the trenches that have made the Bulldogs a rushing juggernaut in the 2019 season - a team that has created over 3300 yards of offense this year. On defense, he currently has 77 tackles and has thwarted many talented rushing attacks. As a student of PCTI’s School of Applied Engineering, Jayden is a hardworking individual who embodies his role as a student-athlete. Jayden holds a terrific 3.95 GPA and ranks in the top half of his graduating class. He is also currently weighing his options with college choice and looks to increase his possibilities with successful seasons in both Winter and Spring Track. We wish Jayden and the entire Bulldog Football team all the best in the NJSIAA Finals and their quest to return to MetLife stadium. Rahmeir McGraw is a two-year varsity starter who: As a senior, Rahmeir helped lead the Bulldogs to another North Jersey Super Football Conference Liberty-Red division title and the NJSIAA North 1 Group 5 Championship game. Rahmeir is being acknowledged for his offensive prowess, as he has rushed for over 1750 yards with seventeen (17) touchdowns. During Round One of the NJSIAA playoffs, Rahmeir rushed for 330 yards and scored six rushing touchdowns, which advanced the Bulldogs over Watchung Hills by a score of 49-15. Rahmeir was recently recognized as the “record” Athlete of the Week for his amazing 1st and 2nd round playoff accomplishments. As a student of PCTI’s Academy of Criminal Justice, Rahmeir is currently weighing his options with college and career choices. We wish Rahmeir and the entire Bulldog Football team all the best in the NJSIAA Finals and their quest to return to MetLife stadium. Jaheim McGuire is a three-year varsity starter who: As a senior, Jaheim helped lead the Bulldogs to another North Jersey Super Football Conference Liberty-Red division title and the NJSIAA North 1 Group 5 Championship game. Jaheim is being acknowledged for his offensive and defensive prowess. On offense, he has 23 catches for 365 yards and 4 touchdowns; on defense, he currently has 66 tackles with 2 interceptions, both of which were returned for defensive touchdowns. As a student of PCTI’s School of Business Careers, Jaheim is currently weighing his options with college and career choices and looks to increase his possibilities with successful seasons in both Winter and Spring Track. We wish Jaheim and the entire Bulldog Football team all the best in the NJSIAA Finals and their quest to return to MetLife stadium. Congratulations to PCTVS’ Ocotber Athletes of the Month, Arben "Beni" Allarj and Amiah Washington! Amiah Washington is a three-year varsity letter winner and one of the team captains of the Girls Soccer Team. A stand-out leader on the team, Amiah has had a tremendous junior season thus far! As a forward, Amiah has demonstrated her exceptional abilities in the transition game and offensive “attack”, while her speed and ball-possession keep most defenses on their heels. At this stage of the season, Amiah is the team’s leading scorer with an outstanding eleven goals and four assists! Additionally, Amiah has helped the Bulldogs qualify for the PCCA, NJTAC and NJSIAA tournaments. Her prowess in the attacking third of the field has helped the Lady Bulldogs to their second consecutive Big North Liberty Division Co-Championship title. Academically, Amiah is a student in the School of Communication Arts, where she holds an amazing 3.7 GPA. Congratulations to Amiah and the entire Girls Soccer team on a very successful 2019 Girls Soccer Season! Arben “Beni” Allarjs a first-year varsity starter is one of the team captains and a stand-out leader of the Boys Soccer Team. Arben, affectionately known as “Beni”, has excelled on the field as both a midfielder and forward during his remarkable senior season. Beni has proven to be a staple in the Bulldogs’ ball-possession time and a major contributor with team set-pieces. Thus far in the season, Beni has scored six goals with two assists and has been instrumental in helping the Bulldogs stay competitive in county and conference contests. Notably, Beni has stopped many of the oppositions’ offensive attacks leading the team to a 6-6-3 record. His contributions have helped the team qualify and advance in the PCCA, NJTAC and NJSIAA tournaments. Academically, Arben is a student in the Academy of Finance, where he holds an excellent GPA of 3.4. We wish to congratulate Arben and the entire Boys Soccer team on a very successful 2019 Boys Soccer Season! |