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2012 - 2013 PCTI News & Press Releases

2012 - 2013 School Year
Graduates smile in caps and gowns. Graduating the Largest Class in PCTI History
On Tuesday, June 25th, an astounding 775 seniors from Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) paraded across the beautifully transformed football field for the very last time. Flowers, arbors, and banners adorned the turf as the blue sky and bright sun shined overhead. It was a celebration to remember as Tech graduated the Class of 2013 — the largest in the high school’s history!

Students gather on stage. PCTI Education Foundation Awards Seniors with Scholarships
Passaic County Technical Institute’s (PCTI) Education Foundation was the top sponsor at the school’s Senior Awards Night. They recognized 74 students at the highly anticipated event that honored exceptional members of the class of 2013. This year the Education Foundation awarded a total of $34,500 to deserving members of the graduating class with funds toward their educational futures.

LPN students graduate. Celebrating Graduation: PCTI’s LPN Class of 2013
On Thursday, August 1, Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) celebrated the commencement of twenty-nine Licensed Practical Nurses. Graduates included students from PCTI’s two LPN Programs: the one year full time Day Program and the two year part-time Evening Program.

Faculty and staff show a check. Landscape Students Donate Funds to Eva’s Village
Passaic County Technical Institute’s (PCTI) Landscape Design Program dug deep in order to benefit Eva’s Village in Paterson—a nonprofit shelter whose vision is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the dignity of individuals in need.

Faculty pose in the library. PCTI Instructors Selected for Prestigious Development Programs
Three History Instructors from Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) have been selected out of many applicants to participate in prestigious professional development programs across the nation.

Students hold an award. PCTI Campaign Wins Driving Simulator for School
Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) was among fiftyfive schools selected to enter the 3rd annual U Got Brains Champion Schools Program”—a contest which challenges New Jersey high school students and faculty to create unique projects aimed at educating teens aboutthe importance of safe driving.

Students hold a banner. PCTI Gets W!se With Financial Literacy
Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) is teaching students the value of financial literacy in education. They’ve passed the course with flying colors and now PCTI is being recognized as one of the top ten W!se scoring institutions in the nation.

Engineering students gather. Engineering Club Garners Wins at Robotics Competition
Congratulations to the Engineering Club students of Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) for capturing two trophies at the 12th Annual North Jersey Robotics Competition held at Passaic County Community College. The team took home first place in the Obstacle Course Challenge and received the Overall Sportsmanship award.

Veterans salute the flag. PCTI Pays Reverence to Fallen Soldiers
Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) once again opened its doors to welcome Veterans for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony. It began with a video of PCTI students speaking about the importance of this historical day, of sincerest thanks to those who served our country and lost their lives for the sake of freedom

The art show bustles with activity. PCTI Celebrates Creativity with ARTIFACTS
It was a night celebrating creative expression when Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) unveiled the much anticipated annual Art Exhibition. This year’s presentation entitled ARTIFACTS, once again encouraged guests to journey down the creative pathway so many of Communication Arts students have ventured. The show’s theme took all attendees on an adventure of visual discovery. Hundreds of visitors filtered through PCTI’s media center, intent on viewing the artistic expression of Graphic Arts, Advertising Art & Design, and Video Production students.

Culinary students smile. Silver Plate Scholarship Winners Declared
The New Jersey Restaurant Association recently selected four students from Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) as winners of the Silver Plate Award. Recipients of the awards, Victoria Eli, Alice Raymundo, Zahira Torres, and Ja’Tayshia Harris, will be presented with certificates by Senator Nellie Pou on the floor of the New Jersey Congress. A luncheon will follow. Students will receive engraved silver plates and $500 scholarships for their educational futures.

Students show their awards. PCTI Students Record 19 Medals from SkillsUSA State Competition
The air was thick with anticipation as students from Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) eagerly awaited the results of the SkillsUSA State Competition held on April 20th in Edison, NJ. Would their entries make the cut and send them to nationals in Kansas City, Missouri?

Students and faculty hold a huge check. PCTI Student Makes the Grade, Receives Scholarship
Lisette Yachachin of Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) recently received an academic scholarship worth half tuition for Medical Assisting at Lincoln Technical Institute. The award comes in light of scoring in the top 20 of the university’s scholarship test. Lisette also impressed executives of Lincoln Tech and industry professionals alike during a separate round of interviews. It was her desire and drive to pursue a career in Healthcare that pushed her to achieve this exceptional honor.

Faculty gather in a classroom. PCTI & Manufacturing Advisory Committee are Making a Difference
Members of Passaic County Technical Institute’s (PCTI) Manufacturing Advisory Committee recently met at the high school with the goal of making a difference in the lives of staff and students. The meeting discussed opportunities for success, including employment outlook, innovative training techniques, and emerging industry standards in Manufacturing Technology.

Students perform on stage. PCTI Spring Musical Sparkles with “Celebration”
Lights dimmed as curtains parted to reveal an elaborately dressed stage with multi-level scaffolding fit for a Broadway premier. Music swelled. Dancers emerged from below the stage to join Passaic County Technical Institute’s (PCTI) ensemble cast in the opening number of this year’s spring musical spectacular of Celebration.

Students perform on stage. Celebrating Black History Month
Students of Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) are teaching their peers about the importance of history. This time it’s all thanks to Black History Month, the February event during which students, teachers, and staff take time to pause and reflect on the profound influences of black figures throughout US history.

Students engage in a presentation. Students Learn Responsibility with Sociology Wedding Ceremony
Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) is educating students in a very unique way with the Sociology Wedding Ceremony project. On Valentine’s Day, those enrolled in the course embraced eleven different cultures when students delivered entertaining and informative presentations on the various customs and traditions of Chinese, Japanese, French, Greek, Dominican, Italian, Hawaiian, Indian, African American, Jewish, and Egyptian marriage ceremonies.

An honorable visitor speaks with students. Criminal Justice Program Welcomes NJ Judiciary Officials
Passaic County Technical Institute’s (PCTI) Criminal Justice students received a treat from the New Jersey Judiciary when officials came to speak about the public education initiative. Seniors learned about various facets of court operations through the personal experiences and PowerPoint presentations of Judiciary Hearing Officer Felix Sanjurjo and Judiciary Chief EEO/AA Officer Bobby Battle.

Students pose in front of lockers. Quick Thinking Medical Arts Students Help Friend in Need
Academy of Medical Arts students from Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) sprang into action when one of their own needed medical assistance. Darlene Mata, Melanie Contreras, Franklyn Herrera, and Junibel Garcia said that their EMT training instincts immediately kicked in when they witnessed a friend in need.

Students pose in Santa hats. Sign Language Club Students Take on the Caroling Scene
When Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) American Sign Language Club began in September, Advisor Stephanie Morgan gathered with students to brainstorm ways in which they could use their love of Sign Language to bring joy to the community during the holiday season. After much discussion they all agreed to visit Preakness Healthcare Center in order to spread some good old-fashioned holiday cheer.

Santa and a student speak to a child. PCTI Students Give Children Gift of “Breakfast with Santa”
FBLA members and Child Development students of Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) spread goodwill and cheer when they participated in the community service project “Breakfast with Santa.” On Wednesday December 19th, an outstanding 70 pre-school children who attend the high school’s Head Start facility enjoyed an exciting day of games, gifts, and dance galore.

Students hold playbills. PCTI Grant Takes Students to Broadway!
The Performing Arts Dance students of Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) received a rare educational treat when they traveled to NYC in order to see the theatrically acclaimed “Newsies” on Broadway. The trip was made possible by the generosity of PCTI’s Education Foundation, an organization famous for providing mini-grants to PCTI teachers (and scholarships to PCTI students) in order to enhance the quality of education students receive.

Dancers perform on stage. Holiday Performing Arts Program Gets Creative with “Worth a Thousand Words”
Passaic County Technical Institute’s (PCTI) Dance and Instrumental Ensemble recently premiered their holiday show “Worth a Thousand Words,” a production which transported guests to a fantastical realm of lyric, music, and choreographic mastery. The show’s theme utilized famous photographs as the inspiration for each number, allowing students and audience members alike to connect with the historic moments captured in photographs.

John Iurato smiles. NJSIAA Honors PCTI Coach Iurato with Sports Award
Passaic County Technical Institute’s (PCTI) very own Coach John Iurato has achieved the honor of being awarded the Sports Track Award from the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). The association, comprised of hundreds of New Jersey high schools, is known for regulating high school athletics, holding tournaments, and crowning champions in high school sports.

Students gather with plumbers. Business Partners Share Enlightening Day with Plumbing Technology Students
Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) is once again providing students with the best opportunities possible to prepare for their futures. Recently School of Construction plumbing students were treated to an enlightening visit by one of PCTI’s Business Partners, Henry’s Plumbing Supply of Hawthorne, who brought their traveling showcase of emerging technologies to PCTI. A high-tech trailer boasted numerous working mechanics—boilers and furnaces, currently being used in the industry.

James Cappello smiles. Students Receive Amazing Opportunity with “All the World’s a Stage” Grant
PCTI (Passaic County Technical Institute) Instructor James Cappello of Wayne has been awarded an astounding $5,000 grant from the philanthropic Mulago Foundation, which will give his students the opportunity to “see what they read.”

A placeholder image. PCTI is “Jersey Strong”
Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) is pitching in to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Students and Staff organized a host of activities to benefit “Jersey Strong”—the NJ Relief fund administered by Mary Pat Christie (wife of Governor Christie). This included a “Blue Jeans Day” for monetary donations and a collection drive to gather much needed supplies. PCTI’s Teen Pep students provided their services in coordinating the collection of donated items.

Students dance on stage. PCTI Goes Back in Time: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Students of Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) celebrated Hispanic Heritage in a very big way with a production written, choreographed, and performed by students. Presenters opened the show by dancing down the aisles of the school’s auditorium, accompanied by the music of PCTI’s band.

Students stand in file on stage. Students Deliver Touching Veterans Day Ceremony
Local veterans were treated to a special at assembly at Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) honoring all those who fought for the freedom of our country. The occasion was Veterans Day—a time when students come together to reflect on the sacrifices those in the military have made, all in order to keep everyone else safe.

Faculty members smile. PCTI Wins State House Express Grant
Congratulations to Instructors Marissa Burghardt and Jayne O’Neil of Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) for receiving the State House Express Awards. These $300 grants aid students in visiting the State House in Trenton for specially guided tours and a first-hand examination of the legislature’s role in the system of representative democracy.

Keio Academy students gather with PCTI students. PCTI Cultivates Years of “Cultural Exchange”
On Tuesday, November 13, 2012, more than 25 students from Keio Academy (a Japanese based high school in Purchase, New York) traveled to Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) as part of each school’s Cultural Exchange program. It was here they were welcomed by PCTI’s very own student ambassadors. For the past eight years, PCTI has welcomed Keio Academy with open arms, and they in turn have done the same.

Students gather lakeside. PCTI Rallies Funds Diabetes Research
Passaic County Technical Institute’s (PCTI) SkillsUSA has teamed up with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation to rally funds and fight for a cure. The team, consisting of officers, members, and students from the award winning high school, dedicated their time on Sunday, October 14, to participate in the Walk-a-thon at Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

Faculty gather at the Lincoln event. PCTI “Drives Smart” to Enhance the Learning Experience
The Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) Education Foundation is once again putting students and teachers first. They’ve partnered with Lincoln of Wayne through the Drive Smart for your School Initiative, which encouraged Faculty and staff to get behind one of three Lincoln automobiles: the MKT, MKS, or MKZ, to raise money for teacher grants to enhance the learning experience at PCTI.

Students listen to law enforcement. PCTI Students Gain Enriching Lesson with Help of Emergency Personnel
Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) is educating students through the art of hands-on learning. Classes from Criminal Justice and the Academy of Medical Arts were treated to an Agency Networking Demonstration on the grounds of the Wayne Police Academy on Monday, September 17.

Board members and staff gather on the golf course. PCTI’s Education Foundation’s Golf Scholarship Classic a Great Success!
Passaic County Technical Institute’s (PCTI) Education Foundation rallied for an exceptional cause at its annual Golf Scholarship Classic which raised more than $67,000 this year. The event was held at the exclusive Knoll Country Club West in Parsippany on October 1st, and welcomed 100 golfers and additional dinner guests who came out in support of the cause.

A variety of people gather in a manufacturing classroom. PCTI Partners with Manufacturing Initiative
The New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development has teamed up with Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor. The grant entitled, “Machinists and Skilled Workers Manufacturing Program,” has allowed PCTI to open its doors to fourteen candidates interested in CNC Machinist Training. PCTI was chosen as the host for candidates due to the school’s extensive equipment and facilities.

LPN students graduate. Forty PCTI LPN Graduates Ready to Enter the Workforce
On Thursday, August 2, Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) celebrated the commencement of forty Licensed Practical Nurses. Graduates included students from PCTI’s two LPN Programs: the one year full time Day Program and the two year part-time Evening Program. The forty graduates hailed from towns in Passaic County and beyond, including, Wayne, Clifton, Woodland Park, Passaic, Pompton Lakes, Paterson, Prospect Park, Bloomingdale, Lincoln Park, Fairlawn, Morristown, Hewitt, Elmwood Park, Haskell and Bergenfield.

Matt Demarest smiles. New Head Football Coach Declared!
PCTI is pleased to announce the new Head Football Coach for 2012-2013. Matthew Demarest is taking the reins, following the successes of previous Head Coach, John Iurato. John has been the Head Coach since 1989 and will now serve as the teams’ Assistant Coach. Matthew Demarest’s experience in athletics makes him an invaluable candidate for the job. He has been PCTI’s Assistant Football coach for the past 18 years, serving as both Defensive and Special Teams Coordinator.