PC200club.org

Imagine the call: a firefighter, police officer or EMS team member is struck down in the line of duty. Members of the Passaic County 200 Club is an organization of business men and women, public safety professionals, and others who stand ready to provide financial assistance to the families of The Fallen. Within 48 hours of the death of an emergency worker who lives or serves within Passaic County, the Club presents a $10,000 check to the family of the deceased to help through the difficult times. The 200 Club also honors the living officers who have gone “above and beyond” with Valor and Merit awards annually in May. The group invites new members to join with an annual $250 membership fee. The member fees and fund raising help prepare for this loss. The Club also provides scholarships for children of The Fallen. Visit pc200club.org for more info.

Here are the Mustangs of the Month for February 2023.

These four students, one from each grade, were selected by the vice principals at CHS, to be spotlighted for their personal achievements and school-wide contributions.

Nicholas Nores, Freshman

Like many freshman, Nicholas Nores is still a relative newcomer to the halls and rather large walkways of Colfax Avenue. That hasn’t dissuaded the newly minted Mustang from getting involved and putting in his best efforts to smoothly transition into high school.

“My favorite subject has to be Social Studies simply because it is a bunch of fun learning about the past and learning about how stuff was done way back then,” said Nores (CHS 2026).

Nores has found success in his first several months at CHS by doing a few things. Staying on top of his grades is a big help. Keeping organized is the key to making it all happen. He also does his homework once he gets home for the day and gets to school and his classes in a timely manner.

Outside of the classroom, Nores is in the Mustang Marching Band and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

“Mr. [Bryan] Stepneski has been the most influential teacher to me since he has taught me a lot of discipline,” said Nores. “That discipline is what has helped me stay on track with my grades. Plus, his class is tons of fun.”

Nores has other role models in his life.

“My parents inspire me the most since they’ve helped me through my low points and have kept me going to achieve success,” said Nores.

Nazli Yildiz, Sophomore

Taking advantage of MSU’s academic program is something Nazli Yildiz said she’d love to do.

The sophomore’s already involved in her school community. Yildiz (CHS 2025) is the 2022-2023 Key Club secretary, a CHS Mustang Ambassador, and a 2023 National History Day Competition participant this month.

Outside of school, Yildiz plays volleyball and has a particularly unique passion.

“Making clay is my greatest talent and one of my favorite activities,” said Yildiz.

Yildiz has admired her Social Studies teacher Mr. Matthew Stuart since starting at CHS.

“Mr. Stuart has helped me in every way since my first day of school and never spared his help over time,” said Yildiz. “He always influenced me to break my barriers and try my best.”

Yildiz’s favorite subject is Geometry. She said that it helps develop her analytical and thinking skills. For her greatest inspiration, she names her mother. Yildiz describes her mother as a “role model and shining light” in her life.

“As a student who moved to the USA from Turkey two years ago [and learned] a new language [in a] new environment … I would [not] be in this position right now If I did not take my mother’s support and her determined stance as an example.”

Cameron Zutic, Junior

Cameron Zutic loves numbers and sports. His aspirations after graduating high school include playing soccer in college and professionally. His other career goal is to coach soccer either at the scholastic or collegiate levels on a way to the professional leagues.

The junior plans to major in either Marketing or Athletic Training in college. Zutic (CHS 2024) is currently a Mustang soccer player and plays on a club team. He is also in the Athletic Training Club and coaches young children in basketball and soccer in his free time.

His most influential teacher is Coach Stan Lembryk.

“[Coach Lembryk] is one of the reasons I have matured into the young adult that I am today,” said Zutic. “I spend the first four months of each school year with him and the team. I am so grateful for that opportunity. I can’t ask for a better coach.”

In the classroom, Zutic’s favorite subject is always math. He noted that he never had a hard time picking up a specific topic. What came less naturally during his high school years for him — and undoubtedly many of his peers — is fitting in again once the pandemic’s remote learning ended.

“Most of the communication that I had with others fell off [while learning online], so having to revive it and maintain it was tough,” said Zutic.

Amelia Proszowski, Senior

Amelia Proszowski plans to attend college to study architecture, and afterwards? Poland for her master’s degree in interior design.

“We’ll see exactly what I do with that in the future, but that’s the plan for now and I can’t wait to get started,” said Proszowski (CHS 2023).

Proszowski, who requested not have her photo published, loves art. She said it’s her favorite way to explore her thoughts in a creative environment.

“I love the freedom you have with art and how it’s therapeutic and you don’t always have to think or make sure to be perfect, you just create,” said Proszowski.

Proszowski’s most influential teacher is Ms. Lauren Fox, her junior year Studio Art teacher. She said Fox helped her return to art when she felt “stumped.” The teacher also made her feel more confident in her work and creating a college portfolio.

Proszowski did gymnastics for all four years and was the team captain for three years. She said returning to in-person learning was tough, but much better than Distance Learning.

Proszowski said her sister is someone from whom she can always seek advice. “Although growing up with an eightyear age gap was hard, we’ve grown super close and I’m so happy we are best friends.”

See the Next Gen of Mustang Basketball when CCMS battles WWMS at the Clifton High School gym, Feb. 4 at 9 am. The girls teams square off in the first contest immediately fol-

CCMS

Andrea Cedeno, Laila

Valerie lowed by the boys game. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students with ID. WWMS won both games last year but these are the kids that will be at CHS shortly. celebrates Feb. 25. Ernie Rodrigues turned 47 on Jan. 14. Ashley Rose Montague is 17 on Feb. 6. Maxine Presto turns 35 on Feb. 29—but leaps forward to celebrate on Feb. 28! The Lux siblings—Eric turns 27 on Feb. 3 and Renee will be 21—on Feb. 14. Orest Luzniak will be 68 on Feb.14.

Angelica Mullahey, Izabellah Scott, Sabreen Ramadan. Missing: Montez Rama, Natyra Gjemo, Jiya Patel. Middle: Viviana McGuire, Remas Alnabali, Laila Fairley, Savannah Welsch, Halizon Trejo Gomes. From rear left: Eilaysha Morales, Sonia Healy, Yasmine Himadi, Anjelyna Reyes, Faith Melvin, Malak Jaffal Coach Tim Jacobus. The CCMS Boys team from left front: Yousef Hamdan, Neil Harvey, Jeremiah Gonzalez, Ryan Cuevas, Max Gaytan. Second row: Christian Herrera, Aaden Nolan, Yandel Nina, Javier Johnson, Adrian Soltys, Coach Andrew Smith. Missing: Anthony Rojas, Brangel Neris.