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Bulldog SpotlightCongratulations to PCTVS’ September Athlete of the Month, Renee Angello of the Girls’ Tennis Team! Renee Angello is a four-year varsity letter winner who has been the key factor in leading the Lady Bulldogs Tennis team to a fantastic 6-1 start to the 2019 season. As a senior and a second-year team Captain, Renee has helped lead the team to a third place finish at the Comet Invitational Tennis Tournament, where she won each of her highly-competitive matches. Further demonstrating her athletic excellence, Renee earned 2nd Team All Liberty Conference Honors and Honorable Mention All- County Honors from the 2018 campaign. Her leadership skills, work ethic, and enthusiasm make her not only an outstanding athlete, but also an amazing teammate. In the classroom, Renee embodies her role as a successful student-athlete. A member of the School of Communication Arts, Renee maintains a tremendous 4.4 GPA and ranks in the top 3% of her graduating class. Additionally, she is President of the PCTI SkillsUSA Team, a member of the National Honor Society, a Peer Leader in TI@TI, and participates in Jersey Girls State. The Lady Bulldog Tennis team, Coach Bove, and the entire athletic department would like to congratulate Renee on all of her outstanding accomplishments! Best wishes for a fantastic 2019 season! Congratulation to Michael Calixto and Paras Nahar, September's Students of the Month. Michael CalixtoMichael Calixto of Passaic has achieved immense success during his time at PCTVS, thanks to his steadfast dedication to his studies and a relentless work ethic. With an incredible 4.6 GPA, Michael ranks in the top 1% of his graduating class and is enrolled in an array of AP courses to enhance his studies. Additionally, he will graduate from PCTVS with 22 potential college credits.
As a child, various health issues prompted Michael’s interest in the medical field. A truly selfless young man, Michael now seeks to help others who are facing similar health challenges, as he strives to become a nephrologist after graduating from PCTI’s Academy of Medical Arts. With a genuine passion for academic learning, Michael seeks to apply the knowledge he has learned in his classes to properly execute in the professional world. Outside of classes, Michael and two sophomore students have taken over the E&E Medical Arts/Health Sciences fundraiser. This initiative raises money for underprivileged individuals as well as those who are affected by natural disasters. Recently, Michael and the team have been raising and donating money to Hurricane Dorian relief efforts. Continuing his philanthropic efforts, Michael is busy serving his community and volunteering. In addition to being an active member of St. Anthony of Padua’s Youth Group and church activities and working as a PCTVS Saturday Tour Guide, Michael has volunteered extensively at the Clifton Library and Eva’s Village. Additionally, he has served as HOSA Parliamentarian, participated in Boys’ State, and attended New Jersey Governor’s School in the Sciences (NJGSS). When reflecting on his time at PCTVS, Michael notes that he has matured greatly and is learning to consider others’ perspectives in the quest to better yourself. He also advises others to listen to constructive criticism, find a balance in life and to think before you speak. Michael offers further advice for other students, noting “Take every opportunity to better yourself. Take classes that will help you and set yourself up for success in the future.” Congratulations, Michael! Your selflessness and hard work will guide you to much success in your future endeavors! Highlights
Paras NaharParas Nahar of Clifton is ready to take his skills across the country after graduation- to Stanford University! This hardworking and business-savvy young man is currently a senior in the Academy of Information Technology with a focus on computer science, and has big dreams for his collegiate career.
With an outstanding 4.6 GPA and enrollment in an array of Advanced Placement courses, Paras demonstrates academic excellence and will graduate from PCTVS with 29 potential college credits. An active member of the boys’ tennis team, Paras has also been honored with the Freshman Foundation of Success and Circle of Success. During his time at PCTVS, Paras participated in Governor’s School of New Jersey, MIT Launch, and served as Parliamentarian of SkillsUSA. Notably, in 2016, Paras received a full academic scholarship to the Oxbridge Academic Programs at Oxford University, where he learned Python and created a productivity program. A true entrepreneurial spirit motivates Paras, as he has run his own Minecraft Account Modification Business since freshman year and has also co-founded an app that simplifies the gift-giving process. Paras has also created various websites for businesses across the nation, and has served as a LaunchX Club Mentor to guide startup companies. Additionally, Paras is a martial artist who possesses a black belt and has worked as both an instructor and volunteer. He also tutors other students in math, English, and SAT preparation. These endeavors highlight Paras’ decision to pursue entrepreneurship in addition to computer science in his post-high school studies. Stanford University’s outstanding academic offerings as well as its geographic proximity to Silicon Valley make it Paras’ dream school. Paras adds that the CTE environment at PCTVS is what sets the school apart from all others. He appreciated the camaraderie with similar students that shops promote, and enjoys how these classes thoroughly prepare students for their futures. Reflecting on his time at PCTVS, Paras notes that he has branched out socially and has achieved a steady balance of academics and socialization. He also notes that while he was once quite competitive with his peers, he is now more competitive with himself to keep steadily improving. Paras notes some key takeaways for other students, advising that they should “be open to trying new things.” He also says, “Try to figure out what you like and don’t like now, so you don’t waste time doing so in college.” Congratulations, Paras! Your academic achievements and entrepreneurial vision will bring you much success in your future! Best of luck in college and beyond! Highlights
Congratulations to Nazier Mule and Kayla Nelson, PCTI’s May Athletes of the Month! Kayla Nelson is a four-year varsity starter who: Had a tremendous senior season as a captain of the Lady Bulldogs Softball team. Kayla’s performance on the field, and her leadership with a group of young players, paved the way for the Lady Bulldogs to have their most successful season in school history and their first ever County Championship title. Kayla was instrumental in PCTI’s bid to reach the team’s highest county and state tournament seeds (#2 in the PCCA and #3 in the NJSIAA Tournament). Her statistical information includes: .365 Batting Average, 15 runs and 11 RBIs. Kayla also boasts a fielding percentage of .986, staunchly leading the Bulldog-tough defense. On Friday, May 17, Kayla Nelson became the first (and only) Lady Bulldogs Softball player to reach the 100 Hits Plateau, forever etching her name in the PCTI record book. As member of the School of Education and Human Services, Kayla’s GPA of 3.52. She ranks in the top one-third of her graduating class. Kayla will attend William Paterson University where she will continue her academic and athletic career in both Volleyball and Softball. We wish to congratulate Kayla and the entire Lady Bulldogs Lacrosse Softball team on an amazing 2019 Spring season! Nazier Mule is a first-year varsity starter who: Had an amazing freshman season and has emerged as one of the top Bulldogs on the PCTI Baseball team. Nazier is a five-tool player for the Bulldogs as he can run, field, throw, hit for power, and hit for contact. At the plate, Nazier has been productive for the Bulldogs, batting in the heart of the line-up with a .450 BA, 14 RBIs, 14 Runs, and 18 Hits featuring 4-Doubles, and 3-Homeruns throughout the spring season. His major contributions are from the pitching mound where he quickly became the Bulldogs’ pitching “Ace.” After pitching 42 innings, he has a record of 5 Wins with no Losses and an ERA of 1.61, posting 62 strikeouts while only allowing 22 hits. All this and more helped lead PCTI to the #3 seed in the PCCA County Tournament and the #6 seed in the NJSIAA Tournament. The Bulldogs also advanced to the NJTAC Tech Tournament finals and will play GCIT in the finals. Best of luck to Nazier and the entire Bulldog Baseball team! Thanya BegumThanya Begum’s passion for creativity has ensured great success while attending Passaic County Technical Institute. Not only is the Bulldog bound to study at the prestigious Princeton University, but she’s also been named Salutatorian for the Class of 2019!
This member of the School of Communication Arts has the potential to graduate with thirty-nine college credits - a feat accomplished by taking numerous AP and honors courses. Her 4.545 GPA is proof of her incredible academic success. At PCTI, Thanya has been involved in Engineering Club, Yearbook Club, ERASE, History Club, and Student Council/Interact. She was selected for Freshmen Foundation for Success, and the World Language Honor Society. In addition, Thanya earned acclaim as a National Merit Commended Scholar and AP Scholar with Honor. She is also philanthropist who donates her time to serving on the Paterson Youth Council and the Paterson Public Library. Thanya was named a QuestBridge Scholar which means that her undergraduate education will be paid for in full. She’ll study Engineering at Princeton University, a subject which combines her creative talents and her interest in math and science. Abdul UddinAbdul Uddin has always been interested in how things work. His desire to understand circuits, electricity, and electronics ultimately led him to study as a member of PCTI’s School of Applied Technology.
This diligent and wildly intelligent Bulldog has been selected as the Valedictorian for the Class of 2019. The distinction is well earned. Abdul has the potential to graduate with an outstanding thirty-eight college credits, which he received through enrollment in rigorous AP and honors courses. His GPA has reached staggering heights at 4.577! Throughout his high school career, Abdul been involved in the following activities: Engineering Club, SkillsUSA, Book Club, Student Council/Interact, MSA, and ERASE. As a valued member of SkillsUSA, he took home the gold at the state competition in Related Technical Math! Paramount to Abdul’s character is the ability to help others. He’s a valued math tutor and volunteers much of his time assisting residents at the Preakness Healthcare Center. Abdul will pursue a major in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Mathematic at Rutgers University. Eventually, he’d like to earn a Master’s degree in Telecommunications and Signal Processing. View the PDF Spencer HuntSpencer Hunt is a young man from Haskell who found his home at PCTI as a member of the School of Performing Arts. “I initially applied to Advertising Art and Design, but then I realized that theatre was where I wanted to be.”
He has assembled a mighty portfolio and appeared in many PCTI productions, including Black Box shows and annual school musicals. These experiences served as a foundation for his theatrical achievements. Spencer has received Superior Ratings from the NJ Thespians in the categories of Contrasting Monologues, Dramatic Pair, and Improv Pairs. He was also a STANJ finalist in the Comedic Monologue and Contrasting Monologue categories. Spencer has the drive and dedication to succeed. It’s no wonder that he ranks in the top five percent of his class with a GPA of 4.12! This Bulldog has the potential to graduate with nine college credits and has achieved Principal’s Honor Roll throughout his high school career. He’s also been selected for Circle of Success. He is PCTI’s President of the International Thespian Society and has been a member of the following organizations: GSA, Sign Language Club, Dance Club, Performing Arts Club, and Choir Club. He is also a class representative. Outside of school Spencer, works twenty-five hours a week as a barista at Starbucks. He’s also embraced a host of other creative activities. “I enjoy writing and photography, but most recently, I’ve taken a real interest in music.” Spencer goes on to explain that after careful consideration, he’s decided to pursue an education in Music and Business/Management at Bergen Community College. “With acting, I found that people selected you for a role because it checked off their boxes. They weren’t necessarily recognizing talent, just how you fit into their worldview.” Spencer aims to pursue an associate’s degree and then transfer to a four year institution in order to receive his Bachelor’s Degree. When asked about how he’s grown since first coming to PCTI, Spencer says, “I used to focus a lot on trying to fit in, but now I’ve learned that it’s healthier to be honest with myself and others.” Emotionally aware and entirely creative, Spencer is sure to succeed in whatever ventures he sets his mind to. This enthusiastic young man is will impact the world in profoundly. Highlights
Diana RosadoDiana Rosado grew up with a passion for technology. “I wasn’t exposed to STEM careers when I was younger, but I knew I wanted to create things. It took a little while, but
I learned that I wanted to be an Engineer.” It’s no wonder she elected to study as a member of the School of Engineering Technology.
Her interest in the field is contagious. In fact, Diana has spent much of her time counseling youths as a Teacher’s Assistant of PCTI’s Summer and Saturday STEM academies. She’s also acted as a mentor to children as a member of the Paterson Youth Council. Diana has been selected for Freshmen Foundation for Success, Girls State, and the National Honor Society. She served as the President of the Class of 2019 and is involved in LEAP, TI@ti, and the Girls Golf Team. This natural born leader ranks in the top one percent of her class with a GPA of 4.35! She has achieved Honor Roll throughout her high school career and has the potential to graduate with an outstanding thirty college credits. A penchant for ingenuity saw that Diana competed in the NASA HUNCH Design & Prototyping Challenge during her junior and senior years. In both instances, she and her team advanced to the national stage! When not focusing on her studies or her love of Engineering, Diana can be found volunteering as part of her community. “I’m working hard to improve my city of Paterson through college fairs, clean ups, and community drives,” she says. After graduation, Diana will attend Stevens University. “I visited during my sophomore year and knew this is where I wanted to go. It’s a technical school, which is exactly what I was looking for.” Diana will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and aims to attain a Master’s degree. “I may minor in cyber security,” she adds. When asked about her PCTI experience, Diana expresses she’s thankful for all the opportunities. “Everything came in waves. I’m appreciative of the hands on experiences, as well as being prepared for college. PCTI has become my second home.” She also has some sage advice for fellow students. “Always remember that you’re capable and don’t feel that you can’t do something. Things take time. Hold yourself to a higher standard.” Congratulations to an ambitious Bulldog who is determined to make a difference. Your passion for invention is the key to success! Highlights
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