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Bulldog Spotlight`
Congratulations to Ryan Kumthanom-Perez, Alex Casiano, and Christian Vertedor, PCTI’s February Athletes of the Month! February’s Athletes of the Month were key senior representatives of the 2019 North 1 Group 5 Sectional Team Wrestling Championship and the NJSIAA District 3 Wrestling Championship. It’s the first time in school-history that the Bulldogs secured both a team sectional title and a district wrestling championship. This month, we’re celebrating Alex Casiano, Ryan Kumthanom-Perez and Christian Vertedor(12-Wrestling). Alex Casiano is a four-year varsity letter winner and an overall team captain who, during the State Sectional and District Championship, ran at the 152-weight class:
Ryan Kumthanom-Perez is a first-year varsity letter winner and team captain who, during the State Sectional and District Championship, ran at the 126-weight class:
Christian Vertedor is a four-year varsity letter winner and team captain who, during the State Sectional and District Championship, ran at the 132-weight class:
Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) has announced their Educators of the Year for 2019. Congratulations to Educator of the Year, Donna Davis and Educational Specialist of the Year, Jennifer Limekiller!
Donna Davis has served as a Professional Healthcare Instructor for PCTI since 2002. Her longtime goal has been to open the minds of her students by exhibiting excellence in teaching and providing care to others, both in and outside of the classroom. With twenty-one years in education, thirteen years of Long-Term Care Experience, ten years of Acute Care experience, eight years in Nurse Management, and two years as a clinical Head Nurse, Donna Davis brings highly valuable experience to her instruction at Passaic County Technical Institute. She is a Registered Nurse who has received the following certifications: BLS/First Aid/AED Instructor, CNA/CHHA Instructor, CNA Evaluator, Chemo Therapy Infusion, as well as American Heart Association Certified CPR/First Aide/Emergency Care Trainer. Donna also attended Essex County College, Union County College, and the Edna McConnell Clark School of Nursing/Manhattan College. She is currently pursuing an education with South University. Outside of her time spent teaching at PCTI, Donna volunteers by conducting CPR and First Aid training for faith-based organizations and security teams, speaking for healthcare forums, as well as donating her time as a Hospice Attendant to families in need. Jennifer Limekiller is a New Jersey Certified School Psychologist who has been a member of the PCTI family since 1996. Using her professional expertise, Jennifer counsels, provides guidance, crisis management, and assessments to her students. Her greatest strengths are building a strong rapport and collaborating with students, as well as utilizing empathy and aptitude, to work in their best interests. “If you give kids a little bit of your time outside the classroom, they will give you the world inside the classroom,” she says. Jennifer treats all the students she interacts with as her very own and goes out of her way to cheer them on during sporting events, performances, and at awards ceremonies. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ramapo College, as well as a Professional Diploma and a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from Kean College of New Jersey. Jennifer earned numerous honors from the National Association of School Psychologists, the NJ Association of School Psychology, the NJ Education Association, and much more. Congratulations to PCTI’s Donna Davis and Jennifer Limekiller for being named as 2019 Educators of the Year! Passaic County Technical Institute has declared Donna Davis (Somerset) and Jennifer Limekiller (Lincoln Park) as the Educational Specialist of the Year! Congratulations to Vanessa Hernandez and Toknowa Thomas Jr., PCTI’s January Athletes of the Month! Vanessa Hernandez is a three-year varsity who: As a junior, she firmly emerged as a leader for the highly competitive Lady Bulldogs Swim team. In her three years swimming for PCTI, Vanessa earned All-County and All-League honors each season. She played a major role in leading the Lady Bulldogs to their second consecutive Passaic County Championship Title. Vanessa currently holds four individual PCTI records and is on two relay teams that are featured on the PCTI record board. She was part of the 200-freestyle relay team which qualified for the State Meet of Champions last season and has already qualified for two relays this year (200-Medley Relay and 400-Freestyle Relay). In the PCCA championship swim meet on January 12, 2019, Vanessa’s talents in the pool where on display as she set a new Passaic County record in the Girls-100 Butterfly with a time of 1:00.26. This season, she looks to firmly etch her name into the school’s record book as she attempts to improve her individual and team relay records. Vanessa is a resident of Clifton and a member of the Academy of Criminal Justice who has a 3.50 GPA. She ranks in the top half of her graduating class. The Athletic department would like to wish Vanessa and the entire Lady Bulldogs Swim team the best in the 2018-2019 season. Toknowa Thomas Jr. is a four-year varsity starter who: As a senior during the start of this winter’s basketball season, he helped lead the Bulldogs to a 5-5 record and a qualification as the #5 Seed in the PCCA Tournament. Toknowa is known as the teams’ most talented ball-handler. His shooting guard position was the catalyst for the Bulldogs’ four-game winning streak, which includes victories over league rivals Passaic, Eastside and Kennedy High School (Kennedy was ranked 16th in the state when the Bulldogs defeated them by a score of 53-45 on January 3, 2019). Toknowa averages 12.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. He is a resident of Paterson and member of the School of Business Careers. Toknowa is excited for the opportunity to continue his academic and athletic career at the collegiate level and has gotten a good deal of interest from the local NJAC schools. We wish Toknowa and the entire Bulldogs Basketball team the best in the remaining 2019 season and in their County and State tournament runs. Sharia HussainSharia Hussain is a young man from Paterson whose technologic aptitude led him to study Computer Science as a member of PCTI’s Academy of Information Technology. “It began when I was five years old. My family got a computer and I was really curious about all the programs and internet. It interested me more than toys.”
Pursuing an education in Computer Science cultivated an interest in tinkering and discovering just how systems work. One of Sharia’s favorite components is the microcontroller or single integrated circuit, which is used to automatically control products and devices. Working with such devices combines Sharia’s knowledge of programming and electronics. Hard work and diligence in these areas allowed him to flourish in numerous competitions. Notably, Sharia participated in the Junior Achievement Hackathon, which saw that he and a teammate created an AI Assistant. Start to finish, the program was produced in just twenty-four hours. “Our AI automated redundant processes like looking up the weather, ordering pizza, and playing music,” he says. The project was ultimately awarded second place. Sharia has also competed in FBLA and SkillsUSA competitions at the regional, state, and national levels. It’s no surprise that he ranks in the top four percent of his class with a GPA of 4.15. He has the potential to graduate with an astounding thirty-four college credits! Sharia was selected for the World Language Honor Society (Arabic) and serves as a member of Student Council/Interact. He achieved Principal’s Honor Roll throughout his entire high school career and is involved in Astronomy Club, Chess Club, and Engineering Club. In the summer, he volunteers at Preakness Healthcare Center. After graduating, Sharia aims to earn dual undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics. He aspires to become a Computer Programmer or a Systems Engineer. Sharia has already applied to Tufts, John Hopkins, the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Stevens, and Lehigh University. When asked about the advice he has for his fellow Bulldogs, Sharia says, “It may be hard, but don’t think of yourself as a number. You’re worth much more than a GPA or test score.” Congratulations Sharia, your ambition is sure to make an impact. We’re so proud of all that you’ve accomplished! Highlights
Maya PriceFor as long as she can remember, Maya Price has always been drawn to creative pursuits. At four years old, she began writing. Then came dance, piano, violin, and eventually vocal lessons. “When I was in 7th grade, I saw PCTI’s production of Oliver and was so impressed! That led me to apply to the School of Performing Arts’ Vocal program. My aim was to find the connection between mind, body, and voice so that I could grow as a performer.”
And grow she did. Maya’s time at PCTI has been spent as Section Leader for the Sopranos, as a member of the Choir, Performing Arts Club, as well as the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She’s also involved in ERASE and Student Council/Interact. Maya was also selected for the World Language Honor Society (ASL). She received numerous solos during her high school career and has performed at the NJ State House as well as at the Passaic County Freeholder’s Induction ceremonies. This multi-talented Bulldog ranks in the top ten percent of the Class of 2019 and has the potential to graduate with six college credits. Other notable accomplishments include attending the Contemporary Vocal Institute Summer Intensive at Rider University, furthering her education at the Nutley School of Music, and receiving 2nd place in the National Musical Theatre Competition. Fans of PCTI’s spring musicals will get to see Maya portray Donna Sheridan in this year’s rendition of the ABBA inspired show, Mama Mia! Her favorite song? “Super Trooper,” she replies instantly. When asked about her plans for the future, Maya has it all figured out. “I aim to become a professional vocalist,” she says. Her inspiration is drawn from artists such as Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston. Maya will pursue an education in Music Business and Music Performance. She’s already applied to her top college, the New School, as well as the University of the Arts, William Paterson University, and Belmont University. In looking back at her experiences when first attending PCTI, Maya notices a trend. “I’ve always wanted to learn, but I didn’t necessarily want to be in the spotlight. I’ve come to realize it’s a balancing act; managing eagerness and knowledge is the best way to take advantage of worthwhile opportunities.” This passionate young woman is certainly a star on the rise. Congratulations Maya, and best of luck on your musical journey! Highlights
View the PDF Rachelle ChaRachelle Cha is a bright young woman from Clifton whose interest in technology led her to study as a member of the School of Applied Technology. “It began with an elective in middle school. I really enjoyed CAD and turning 2D images into 3D isometrics.”
This advantageous Bulldog has certainly been making the most of her of her time at PCTI. Paramount to Rachelle’s education has been her involvement in numerous clubs and activities. She has served as a Student Ambassador, a TI@TI peer leader, the Public Relations Officer for SkillsUSA, Yearbook Editor, as well as a member of Concert Band and Marching Band. In addition, Rachelle was selected for NJ Girls State, World Language Honor Society (where she serves as the Secretary), National Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, and Circle of Success. High marks in AP and honors courses have allowed Rachelle to achieve Principal’s Honor Roll as well as a rank among the top three percent of her class with a GPA of 4.24! She has the potential to graduate with thirty college credits. Outside of school, Rachelle spends her time volunteering at Clifton Public Library and acting as a counselor for Hana Missions. One of her all-time favorite hobbies is rock climbing. In what free time she has left, Rachelle enjoys taking photos and editing videos. Expanding on her creative outlet, she says, “I enjoy commemorating everything - my first day of school, vacations, hiking, Girls State.They’re recaps of my life.” Her future aspirations include pursuing an education in law. “Girls State made me realize how much I love helping people, but there’s more to that than being a volunteer or a doctor. I can interact with people as a lawyer, help them through vulnerable situations, and change their futures.” Her concentration would be Corporate Law. Rachelle aspires to work at a District Attorney’s Office and become a State Prosecutor. After graduating from PCTI, she will pursue dual undergraduate degrees in Political Science & Statistics. “So many misused statistics have affected court cases,” she adds. Eventually, Rachelle will attend Law School and earn her Juris Doctor degree. She dreams of attending American University and will be applying to Columbia, Brown, Duke, and Amherst College. When asked about a valuable lesson she learned in high school, Rachelle says, “After obsessing about my grades for the first two years, I realized that learning is a life-long process. It’s about perspective.” Congratulations to an eager young woman who has found both her voice and her dream! Highlights
Arushi GargArushi Garg is a young woman from Wayne who aspires to innovate the world. This member of the Academy of Finance explains how practicality led her to choose this particular area of study. “I’ve always been surrounded by numbers and I appreciate that finance is important to the economy.” Arushi further elaborated that her father is in sales/marketing and her mother is an IT project manager. Both of their careers influence what she wants to do in life.
Arushi plans to study computer science and will pursue a minor in finance/business. Her take on combining both disciplines is quite unique. “Future technology will integrate computer science and business endeavors. I’m interested in studying artificial intelligence and aim to create a new computer system that will be used in the finance industry.” Her motivation to succeed is unparalleled, as evidenced by her countless achievements in high school. Arushi has been nominated to Principal’s Honor Roll, National Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, and World Language Honor Society. She was selected for New Jersey Girls State, has acted as a delegate for the Congress of Future Science & Technology Leaders, represented the AOF at the NAF Competition in Texas, and much more. At PCTI, Arushi showcases her true leadership skills as a student ambassador and flute section leader, as well as a member of Student Council/Interact, Gifted & Talented, Book Club, Chess Team, Concert/Marching Band, and FBLA. She has volunteered with Liberty Science Center, Habitat for Humanity, and acts as a summer camp counselor at her religious institution. It comes as no surprise that Arushi ranks in the top four percent of her class with a GPA of 4.18! Electing to take extensive Honors and AP courses has ensured this Bulldog has the potential to graduate with an astounding forty-five college credits. After graduating from PCTI, Arushi will attend a university and receive her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, with a minor in Finance/Business. She aims to eventually pursue a Master in Science and her MBA. “I can’t wait to figure out how to get new technology to customers and connect everything with sales,” Arushi says. When asked about advice she has for her fellow classmates, Arushi offers, “Work on balancing social life and education in the classroom. Give your full focus and effort - that’s the only way to be successful.” Congratulations to this motivated young woman who will undoubtedly accomplish great things in the future! Highlights
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