Clifton Merchant Magazine - June 2020 by Clifton Merchant Magazine

A Strange Time From the Editor

in America

- Tom Hawrylko, Editor & Publisher Welcome back Clifton. As you may have noticed, we did not publish a May edition, the first time in our 25 year history that we missed a month. That was a tough pill to swallow but certainly our business loss pales when compared to the thousands who died during the height of the pandemic. We all lost friends and many of you have experienced the death of family members. We offer condolences and remind you that the memories of the departed are etched upon our hearts with a prayer and perhaps a smile as a tribute to the lives they lived. For weeks, Covid-19 fears, a withered economy and shelter in place orders had most of us locked down in the safety of our homes, listening to the dreaded drum roll of the numbers of people falling to the disease. Finally in May things began to change. People turned off the TV along with the body counts and seemingly endless bad news. Like a spring flower, we emerged once again. Some of us went to our yards, tilled the soil, purchased seedlings and planted vegetables and flowers, which are now flourishing Others cleaned out basements and attics, undoing the clutter and fixing up around the home, painting and doing home improvement projects.

Then the weather agreed and suddenly we were on the streets again. We strolled with our spouses, took dogs on longer walks and started saying hello to neighbors, shouting greetings and making new acquaintances with people we saw in our neighborhood. In my opinion, Clifton became friendlier. So as we began to shape this magazine, we had to ask: is there a positive side to Covid-19? That is a question we posed to the kids graduating high school in 2020. And as usual for our June magazine, you’ll find many of their optimistic answers, beginning on page 28. But as we go to press on the evening of June 2, I feel that we have entered a strange time in our nation. Since the May 25th killing of George Floyd groaning “I can’t breathe” as a white Minnesota policeman kneeled on his neck, US cities have been ablaze with protests against racism and police violence. At 5 pm on June 2, there is one here in Clifton, a rally for social justice organized at City Hall by two CHS grads, Gabby Garcia and Justin Rivera. Rivera told the Record that he asks “any one who will join in the demonstration to wear a mask, practice social distancing and be peaceful. “We live in Clifton,” he told the reporter. “We can do this peacefully.” 16,000 Magazines

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Contributing Writers

Jack DeVries, Joe Hawrylko, Irene Jarosewich, Tom Szieber, Jay Levin, Michael C. Gabriele, Ariana Puzzo, Patricia Alex

Editor & Publisher Tom Hawrylko Art Director Ken Peterson Associate Editor & Social Media Mgr. Ariana Puzzo Business Mgr. Angela Livera

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

George Silva has been impacting his city since moving to Clifton from the Iselin section of Woodbridge Township nearly four decades ago. During that time, he’s run for city council three times. After each run, voters said no. That doesn’t matter to Silva—he continues to serve his fellow Cliftonites and others in the surrounding area. “Basically,” said Silva, 70, “I want a better place to live and a better place for other people.” Silva’s earliest efforts assisting people in his community came from his involvement in sports. He played football and baseball in high school, and was a coach for the Woodbridge Township Youth Association. He also became part of the American Italian Heritage Society and Woodbridge Recreation Board. But when he moved to Clifton, he really got involved. After working as a manager for Crib and Teen City in Springfield, Silva decided he had enough with long retail hours. He rented a home in the Maple Valley section and, with a business partner, opened Competitive Caskets on Dayton Ave. in Botany Village around 2000. After a little over a year, he took over the store by himself.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

As he had always done, Silva got involved in the community, becoming a leader in the Botany Village Merchants Association. On the organization’s behalf, he began lobbying the Clifton City Council to create a Special Improvement District (SID) in Botany Village. “When I opened up the casket store,” Silva said, “that area was going downhill. I got involved with the merchants association, and we sat with [then] City Manager Bob Hammer and Economic Development Director Harry Swanson and said let’s get a SID program here. “Without those two and their vision, I don’t know what would’ve happened to Botany Village.” Prior to that, Silva was involved in charity fundraising for many Botany initiatives. The SID made more sense. It brought better lighting, parking, security and other improvements to Botany. “It’s been 15 years,” said Silva, “and we’ve bettered Botany Village. We have less graffiti. The homeless problem—Botany’s biggest issue—has not grown. We have security on Friday and Saturday, we clean the district six days a week and maintain the five parking lots—we’ve done a lot since we’ve been there.” Property owners pay a 3 percent assessment for the SID, which Silva believes is well worth it. “The whole area,” he said, noting the new apartments and businesses, “has gotten better.”

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Always Helping Along with being a founder, Silva remains a trustee of the Botany SID and is also active in other parts of Clifton. He’s part of the Dutch Hill Residents Association, having lived in the neighborhood for 15 years, and is the group’s liaison to the city’s Action Committee. He is also vice president of the Clifton Cable Advisory Board, as well as VP of the Friends of the Passaic County Parks. In addition, Silva serves as a trustee with Clifton Against Substance Abuse (CASA), and has assisted Assemblyman Thomas Giblin, D-34, who represents Clifton in Trenton, with serving his many constituents. In the private sector, along with owning his casket shop, Silva worked for the Van At a the 2019 PRIDE flag raising at City Hall, that’s George Silva with NJ Tassel Funeral Home in Bloomfield and Attorney General Gurbir Singh Grewal and other Cliftonites. is employed today as a courier and mail room clerk at Passaic County Technical all the candidates. That’s just how it goes sometimes.” Institute in Wayne. While happy to support his city in other roles, he has Another testament to his civic involvement is never words of advice about Clifton’s direction. missing a Clifton City Council meeting for more than “Many people need to get with it and move into this 20 years. century,” Silva said. “You can’t go back to what it was “That began when I had the business in Botany,” Sillike in the past. What Clifton used to be is not what we va said about his attendance. “I got to know everyone are going to be now. so they could help me get something done down there. “People complain about taxes—but if you don’t I’m still interested in the city—I like to know what’s bring businesses back into the town, how are we going going on. Sometimes, it’s the only way you hear about to pay for anything?” things.” Whatever his fellow Cliftonites believe, Silva plans An avowed Democrat, Silva said his last run for to continue helping everyone—getting involved in council might have been his final one. causes, fielding calls and answering questions, and be“I really killed myself running this last time,” he said. ing a city “game changer.” “I thought I had a shot. But the police didn’t back me, “I’ll probably do this until I die,” he said. “I enjoy though I was the most pro-police department person of what I do.”

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

Nicole Cohn and her youngest daughter, Sophia, at the Service Unit Cookie Rally.

Empowering young girls and being active in her community are among the reasons Nicole Cohn got involved with the Clifton Girl Scouts. It is also why her troop co-leader Jackie DeBlock considers her a Clifton “game changer.” “She goes above and beyond with her service for the girls and community,” said DeBlock. “She really helps make a difference in the girls’ lives.” Cohn takes her sense of duty seriously and hopes to share positive messages with the girls in Troop 96393. The Girl Scouts teach girls to be “Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers, Leaders (G.I.R.L.)” – all values that Cohn said she was taught to embrace during her few years as a Brownie Girl Scout, as well as from the women role models in her life. “This is something that I feel is important to instill in our girls today,” said Cohn, 45. “They need to know that gender doesn’t define how far they can go in achieving their dreams.” When Cohn became a co-leader with DeBlock in 2015, they decided to split the troop to better focus on the age-appropriate interests and goals of the girls. Today, their troop is comprised of nine 5th grade girls aged 10-11. Since joining, Cohn also became the Clifton Service Unit Co-Manager in 2017 and is responsible for creating

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

service unit events for all of the Clifton Girl Scouts, including the Halloween Bash, World Thinking Day, and the Bridging Ceremony. The community has offered great support for the troop. This past March, the troop needed to readjust their fundraising efforts due to COVID-19 concerns. One annual fundraiser included setting up a cookie booth at the Garden State Plaza mall, which also allows the girls to develop their communication and selling skills. Given the safety and health concerns, Cohn took the suggestion of one of the girls’ mothers and arranged a lemonade-style cookie booth on her front lawn. “It worked out great,” said Cohn. “Friends and neighbors saw us out and spread the word via social media, and the girls made a huge dent in their inventory prior to us temporarily halting booth sales due to the virus.” A life-long commitment Community service and a desire to help others have always played a role in Cohn’s life. She credits the “long line of empowered and strong women” who came before her, including her grandmother and mother. “My grandmother … was never afraid of trying something new or working to figure a problem out,” said Cohn, “[and] my mom instilled in me the value of working toward your goals and caring about others.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

Cohn believes that it is critical to help others and to be a part of your community. “Not that I do it to receive admiration,” she said, “but it truly is the best feeling when you receive a smile or a thank you, or just knowing you may have given some relief of worry to others.” Today, she lives in the Montclair Heights section with her husband, Steve Cohn, 47, and shares those learned values with her children. Her son, Alexander Grillo, 15, (CHS ’22); and daughters Isabel Cohn, 14, (WWMS); and Sophia Grillo, 10, (School 16); are active in the community. Isabel and Sophia are in Girl Scouts, and Isabel is involved in service organizations at WWMS. Similarly, Alexander is part of CHS’ AV Club, which provides “free services to the various community groups that utilize the high school auditorium.” Troop 96393 from left, Jackie DeBlock, Gabriella Lopez-Diaz, It is safe to say that Cohn’s children are folSophia Grillo, Kayla Perrone, Brianna Armstrong, Nicole Cohn, Isabel Cohn. Kneeling, Anna DeBlock. lowing a long lineage of service-oriented individuals. But what kind of legacy does she hope strong female role models. I want them to be empowered her troop leaves on the community? to see an issue in their community and be the ones to step “Wow … legacy is a word with such big meaning,” up and be part of the solution no matter how big or small she said. “I would hope that I instill in these girls the the issue may be,” she concluded. ability to feel empowered that was instilled in me by my

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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Joe Gaccione is an everyday guy doing great things for a long time. Volunteering as Director of the Clifton Jr. Football Program and Regional Director of Hall of Fame Flag football, from which he manages the city’s flag football program, Gaccione began coaching out of high school. “I volunteered to coach the Clifton Colts as an assistant to my youth football coach and good friend Jack Purcell. I was coaching with best friends, Frank Fragapane, Gary Tufaro, Joe Dziuba. We loved coaching and we loved the players.” Gaccione was instrumental in merging the two Clifton football programs in existence at the time, the Colts and the Jr. Mustangs. “Although we were all for Clifton, we were in different leagues. I became a head coach in the 90’s, and we tried a few times to put the programs together. Finally, it happened in 2004.” Debbie Oliver, Clifton Recreation Director for the past 23 years, remembers. “It’s tough to merge programs. Not tough in a negative sense, but there’s a lot of reorganization to keep what’s best for the kids in the integrity of two programs.” Gaccione has many memories. “All the people that I got to work with through the years that were great to the program and still friends to me,” he said. “It’s sad to think that some have passed away. “Finding out a former player is lost to the street, drugs, etc. makes you question if there is something you could have done to prevent that.”

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Over time, Gaccione has broadened his perspective. “When you are a young coach, you really just worry about winning. The longer you coach, you see the players who became grown men—teachers, police, firemen, military, or successful in business. Good men, husbands, and fathers, then that’s a great win!” “A lot of people just see him as the football guy,” said Oliver, “and he’s been very involved across the country, making junior football safer. We had the flag football program, and in 2016, junior football took it over to run it for the recreation department, which was great for kids who wanted to stay in flag and not do tackle. But over the years, Joe’s been working as a mentor to cheerleading, and he’s been a great resource with ideas and ways that we can reach the public not just through sport. He’s a constant.” Gaccione notices time passing. “It’s crazy to think I coached some of the CHS Football staff when they played youth football: Cinque, Giordano, Jacobus, Mecca, etc. They have surpassed me when it comes to football IQ.” The lifelong Clifton resident and member of CHS Class of ‘86 is a contractor with Gaccione Contractors, started by dad, Frank. Gaccione’s mom, Joanne; brother, Jim; and sister, Christine are all involved in the business. “I am fortunate to have a lot of close friends,” Gaccione said, “most of them are from Clifton. That says a lot about the great time I had growing up in this city.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

Brianna Armstrong knows firsthand how a kind smile can make all the difference. The 5th grader at School 9 felt the positive effect of such support from her 3rd grade teacher, Patricia Belfondo. That support changed the 11-year-old’s perspective on school. “I was not always happy about going to school,” said Brianna. “However, in 3rd grade I knew school was about to change for me.” “[Mrs. Belfondo] always had a smile, made every student feel special, and always went beyond for me and others,” she added. Belfondo’s commitment to helping Brianna understand her work is another reason that she still appre-

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June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

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ciates her former teacher. It was also Belfondo’s belief that Brianna could succeed that contributed to Brianna’s confidence. “I make sure I say hi to her and she still meets me when I need help,” said Brianna. “She always brings a smile to my face and assures me I am doing great!” Brianna’s fondest 3rd grade memories with Belfondo include field day and the “many creative projects” the students did in her classroom. Today, she enjoys other parts of school, including music and chorus, as well as spending time with her friends. As for next year, Brianna will be off to middle school and will hopefully be surrounded by her peers again after months of Distance Learning caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The transition is not only one that she said months ago she is ready for, but also is a change that excites her because of the new opportunities. “[I’m excited for] meeting new people, making new friends and having more choices in extra activities,” said Brianna. Despite her young age, the Mustang has given thought to what she wants to do when she is older. Perhaps not-so incidentally, it goes back to the influence that teachers like Belfondo can have on their students. “I would like to be a pediatrician so I can help children feel better,” said Brianna.

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

Social distancing may have changed the way we do things, but Ivy Garcia is still giving her all to the causes close to her heart. The 7-year-old holds the title of International United Miss New Jersey Princess for 2019-2020, and her mother, Laarni, said Ivy has done “so much community and charitable events” since receiving the title in September. “She truly has the giving heart for it,” said Laarni. Ivy held a Coat Drive for the homeless in November alongside Passaic’s Mayor Hector Lora and the organization Tender Loving Totes. She attends Saint Philip Preparatory School on Valley Road, and she arranged for her 2nd grade classmates, first graders, and her Girl Scout Brownies to make holiday cards for the St. Joseph’s Pediatric Clinic in Paterson during Christmas.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

During March, Ivy collected boxes of Band-Aids for St. Joseph’s Pediatric Clinic, as well as books for St. Joseph’s Pediatric Emergency Department. She also found another way to give back to her community despite social distancing during COVID-19. “During this time of social distancing, she has started [creating] YouTube videos of herself reading books to children,” said Laarni. Ivy’s YouTube channel can be found under the name, Ivy Peyton. Her channel was created this past March and has accumulated more than 100 views across the 10 videos that Laarni either posts from YouTube on her Facebook page or posts first on Facebook and then to YouTube. Looking ahead, Ivy hopes to become a marine biologist or a veterinarian, which aligns well with her love of animals and commitment to the Clifton Animal Shelter. She donated bags of items to the shelter and visited the cats and dogs in the past, and she would like to continue doing both in the near future. Though Laarni’s pride for her daughter’s community service is evident, it is also clear that she is proud of the effect Ivy has on her peers. “She has participated in many other community service events and she has on her list things to do in her hometown of Clifton as well,” said Laarni. “She has encouraged other children to give back to the community.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

Bernadette Silva and Jacqueline Cupoli. Silva treated Cupoli to “Romeo & Bernadette” off-Broadway for helping with her children when she had to take her mom to Puerto Rico for a funeral.

Bernadette Silva’s ability to encourage others to push themselves and try new things positively affects many lives, including Jacqueline Cupoli’s. While Silva wears many hats professionally, she is a constant source of encouragement for her clients and friends. “She makes every life she touches better,” said Cupoli, 56. “Clients quickly become friends and friends become family.” “Bernadette has changed my life and a lot of others, also,” she added. Silva, a mother of four, is a psychotherapist, Licensed and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, vocational expert, social security vocational expert, and an owner/ operator of a boutique fitness business. Silva’s hope is she will open her boutique wellness center in June at 870 Bloomfield Ave., in the Allwood section. The center would offer clients a variety of wellness services given her diverse background. “I’m a therapist and also do forensics,” said Silva, 47, “so I like to do multidisciplinary wellness … massages, counseling, anything homeopathic.” “I want people to understand once they walk in … that it’s basically working from the body within,” Silva continued. “Your body is a machine and just like a car, you need a tune-up.”

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Bernie and Jacqui Cupoli met Silva after she received a Christmas gift in 2012 to have exercise lessons with her. Cupoli signed up to take private sessions that January with Silva and then started going to her classes. “I hated exercise, but I loved her personality and energy, so I kept going,” said Cupoli. “She finds something to celebrate in every day and it’s just wonderful. She’s really encouraging.” At the time, Cupoli said that she was going through some personal struggles, among which were the fact that her children were getting older and she was not working. It was with Silva’s help that she could address the feeling of not being needed anymore and her lack of self-confidence. The progress was gradual, but Cupoli sees the difference in many of the things she is willing to do now that she would not have done years ago. One instance is that she rented a shore house a couple of years ago. “It was the first time I dealt with a realtor and signed a lease,” said Cupoli. “First my father and then my husband did it.” It was Silva’s encouragement and loving support that brought Cupoli to where she is today. “You can’t be tired and run down when you’re with her,” said Cupoli. “She just gives you energy.”

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

The Oak Ridge section resident said that her children, Julie-Anne (CHS 2010), Joseph (CHS 2013), and Jake (CHS 2017), also notice a difference in her. “A lot of times even working on the computer, if I had a question, they’d say, ‘I’ll do it for you,’ and I’ll be like, ‘No, I can do it,’” said Cupoli. “I think they see there’s more confidence and less fear.” “I think in the beginning, they thought they had to take care of me when I got separated,” Cupoli added, “but now they see I can take care of myself and them.” Now, as she reflects on the last seven years, Cupoli is much happier. “I’m not afraid, I know I can try things,” said Cupoli. “I’m OK asking for help and it’s all because of Bernie.”

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Learning what Cupoli said about her effect on other’s lives touched Silva. “That’s gonna make me cry, that’s so sweet,” said Silva. It also reaffirms her belief that expressing a genuine interest in others can go far. “When a person comes into my door or space, I look at them, I hear what they have to say, I ask what their goals are, and I somehow connect with them,” said Silva. “Not even just to give them what they want,” she added. “I’m genuinely interested in who they are as a person, who’s their family, what’s their day like. They know me as Bernie and treat me as more than a business member.” Throughout her professional journey, Silva has carried that personal touch and interest in fostering a caring community. When she started working out in the park with a group of Montclair stay-at-home mothers after the birth of her third daughter, the group leader said that Silva would make a good leader. Fast forward 12 years, and now what started in the community has transformed into a business with the same community, close-knit feeling. The classes she leads hold up to 10 people, and Silva said she would prefer more classes rather than making classes larger and risk losing the personal touch. “I think that’s one of the reasons people look forward to coming and hang out outside of the classes,” said Silva. “It feels good … that it started in a community in Montclair and somehow that outdoor vibe was brought inside.” Silva hopes in the future that her new space will offer the community an opportunity to come together with a common desire of wanting to feel well and “carry that throughout their lives.” By that same principle, she hopes others will be inspired to support others in big or small ways, such as noticing a classmate did not attend a session and reaching out to check on them. “I would love to leave an imprint about making wellness part of a lifestyle,” said Silva. “It’s not just something transient that’s in and out, or a fad. I want people to walk in and out feeling wonderful and happy, and maybe not because they’re losing weight, but they feel good about themselves,” she added.

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When it comes to game changers, look no further than Dawn Carofine (left) and Brittany Gaccione. The CHS alums are senior class advisors who remain committed to the school and the city that gave them their starts. “They continually attempt to boost school spirit and spread the importance of community involvement,” said Vikki Rogers, CHS’ vice principal (central). As senior class advisors, the pair are involved with fundraising, homecoming, senior prom, and graduation. However, their involvement does not end there. Gaccione (CHS ’07) runs the student council and is the head gymnastics coach, and Carofine (CHS ’01) runs the school climate club. “They are genuine assets to our building and to the city of Clifton,” Rogers added. Proud of their roots When Gaccione walked the halls at CHS, school spirit felt different than what she sees amongst students today. “I feel like when I was in high school, my friends and I and others were so inclined to go to hockey games and football games as a group and make a night of it,” said Gaccione, 31. “I feel like that doesn’t really carry through.” Since returning to CHS and becoming a senior class advisor, one way she said they have tried to boost engagement over the last few years is pushing student-faculty sporting events. Signing up students to participate

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

is a challenge, though, and one perhaps linked in part to students having part-time jobs or other conflicts on the weekend. Despite a noticeable generational difference, CHS and the city’s community is still a source of pride and the reason Gaccione has made the city her home as an adult. She lives in the city with her fiancé Pat Errico (CHS ’06), and the couple hopes to move to the Montclair Heights section. It was also always her first choice for where she wanted to work. After graduating with an English and education degree from Montclair State University, she credited CHS’ former English supervisor Dr. Christopher De Vinck for her first jobs. At that time, he was also the professor of her methods course. “He inspired me,” said Gaccione, “and when I heard from him that they were looking for maternity leave replacements, it’s the first place I applied and … he hired me.” She started at CHS in a maternity leave position in March 2013 and then was hired in September as an 11th grade language arts teacher. Today, she enjoys teaching 10th grade language arts, but also finds her work outside of the classroom rewarding. “I think my favorite part is being involved and feeling like I’m making a difference,” she said. “When

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

you get to plan fun events and really see children enjoying themselves and making the most out of their high school experiences that’s what means the most to me.” Gaccione expressed many hopes for her students. One of those hopes is that they become good, well-rounded people who get involved and perform acts of kindness outside of school. She also hopes they never lose their sense of Clifton pride. “I hope that even if they don’t return to Clifton after college or whatever they do after high school … they remember where they came from and are proud of where they came from,” said Gaccione. “That’s, in essence, who I am,” she added. Life-long Mustang spirit Although Carofine’s teaching career did not start in Clifton, she didn’t stay away from her alma mater for long. After studying biology and teacher education at Montclair State, she worked in Elmwood Park as a biology teacher for two years. When she learned of an opening in Clifton, she took advantage of the opportunity and began teaching biology at CHS in the Fall of 2008. Carofine has taught anatomy and physiology at CHS since 2013. Her decision to return to CHS was rooted in school spirit and the desire to return to a familiar district. “I loved my time there as a student and I always had a lot of school spirit,” said Carofine, 36. “I was in the

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

marching band and used to going to football games and … I liked the mix of kids.” “Of course, it’s different from a teacher standpoint than student,” she continued, “but as a student, I knew teachers cared about the kids and I still feel it’s that way.” One of the things Carofine enjoys is seeing students enjoying themselves, but she also likes seeing students getting the recognition they deserve. As part of the climate club, she helps Ahmad Hamdeh, CHS’ vice principal (south), organize the students of the month for all four grade levels and the teacher of the month. “It’s improving the climate of the school by promoting … these kids,” said Carofine, “and it’s nice because it’s not just necessarily the smartest kid. It can be kindest and most hard-working [student] and is based on teacher recommendations.” When it comes to the values that she hopes her students take with them as they move onto the next period of their lives, Carofine does not hesitate. “They’re capable of it,” she said. “Even though some of it may seem hard, I’ve seen them do great things and I know they can accomplish anything they put their minds to.” Today, Carofine and her husband, Michael (CHS ’00), live off Valley Road with their daughter, Elizabeth, who will turned 1 this May. The couple remains near family in Clifton and does not have any plans to leave. “I had a wonderful experience here and so did my husband,” said Carofine.

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June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

Who is the unsung hero of 2020? This section coordinated by Ariana Puzzo, Associate Editor & Social Media Manager

So here they are: The Class of 2020! On these pages, you’ll meet high school grads from CHS and surrounding schools as they responded to our survey with comments and photos. We begin here with their shout-outs to classmates who they felt deserved a little more recognition.

Andrea Dubbels: May Yuasa is the unsung hero of our graduating class. She is an extremely successful student, artist, majorette, and athlete. May got accepted to an Ivy League school, Cornell University, and always works hard to make the world into a better place. Christina McCoy: May Yuasa. May has been super active in our school, taking part in track and being a majorette in the Marching Band for four years. She has had amazing grades and she donates her time to causes with her passion for art. She organized painting an underpass this past summer, and during this time is running a social media account selling custom art she and her friends make to people to raise money for the local hospital to help with Covid-19 efforts! She’s an amazingly kind soul and will be going to Cornell in the fall.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Carol Arantxa Martinez: May Yuasa is a first generation college student, who got into Cornell University without anyone’s help or a single SAT class. She is hardworking and always finds a way to help others. She organized a mural in the city of Clifton and created Color for COVID, an organization that raised over $700 for St. Joseph’s in exchange for art made by herself and fellow friends. May would attend band practice as a majorette sergeant and run over to do crazy mileage so our cross country team would have enough members to compete. In our track team, she took care of everyone who needed help. She took the time to bake cupcakes for every holiday for everyone on the team. May has a way to make everyone feel special, she is the purest person I know and has not gotten any recognition. She is my hero and inspiration that a first generation American can accomplish her dreams.

2020 Senior Survey

Who is the unsung hero of your graduating class? Melissa Wydak: Honestly, I don’t think there is one person that deserves a spotlight. Collectively, as a class, it was a great past couple of years. Some have come and gone, but the seniors that are here now, we are all closely bonded. I’m happy that I will be graduating with them. I know that even though people are going away to schools, we all will remain close.

Ralph Ramayoni: I believe it’s myself because I believe I have had a good year academically while being a state champion for the soccer team. I’ve made many friends throughout the school year and heard their opinions for the student council. On top of that, I help athletes recover by being a part of the athletic training club. My time at CHS couldn’t have been better!

Cassidy Rubio: My friend May Yuasa has worked hard all through high school maintaining good grades, but more than that she’s used her talent as an artist to help others. Over the summer, she organized the painting of a mural on an underpass on Lakeview Ave. Along with some others, she organized Color for COVID, a nonprofit aimed at raising money for COVID-19 relief. In exchange for a donation to St. Joseph’s, donors will receive their choice of May’s art work. May has really used her skills to help our school and our community without anyone really knowing. Lily Zschack: Jack Louer because he is a beast at everything.

Vanessa Hernandez: Lara Rivera. We both met at the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton in the Seahawks swim team, but later we’re in the same swim team again. She has always been there for me when I am nervous about a race and has even helped with personal problems. It’s

not just me, but she helps everyone. I would’ve never been able to do my county record time on the 100 butterfly if it wasn’t for her being there for me before the race. Adrian Matos: Besides myself, I would have to say my good friend Jack Louer. He is a great student and an all-season athlete and an even better friend.

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

Who is the unsung hero of your graduating class?

Tracy Termyna, Sebastian Moreno, I’niah Mann, Jack Louer. At right: Amaya Rold and Malak Hasan.

Tracy Termyna: Each and every student in the Class of 2020 is unique in their own way. Tirth Patel: My club teacher Mrs. Sarmiento.

Alexis Kobylarz: My friend Shamel Mercado is definitely an unsung hero of the Class of 2020. He is an allaround great person with an infectious personality. He goes out of his way to make everyone laugh and looks for the positive in everything and everyone.

Jessica David: Khushi Patel. Khushi is a really good friend of mine and she has the kindest soul. Khushi has the friendliest smile and is nice to everyone she talks to. She is an anchor for our Cast 3 morning news show for the school and produces music videos that keep the school entertained on Friday mornings. She has also been a manager for the baseball team and boys basketball team. She has great grades and puts her all into whatever she does! Tasneem Musa: Justin Curry, who makes music.

Daniel Marriello: My graduating class are all unsung heroes. We have been through so much and keep rising above. We have proven again and again that we can handle anything that is thrown our way. Grace Shukaitis: I believe it could be some of the teachers in our school. Even though we are learning online, they are still putting in so much effort to make sure we get the education we deserve. Valentina Alfaro: My choice is Justin Curry. He is very humble with everyone in school and he is very unique.

Alexa Dominguez: Mrs. Tietjen, the Central Wing secretary. She gets along with everone; students and staff. She does her job very well and I had the pleasure of working with her during my office work time. Sean Cruz: Victoria Rogers doesn’t get enough credit!

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Allison Giust: The parents. They always supported us, made sure we had what we needed, and ensured that we were where we needed to be.

Lexie Anaya: The entire senior Class of 2020 are unsung heroes! We are definitely unique; we missed out on a lot. We will handle it with our heads held high.

Sabrina Budhu: I think there are a lot of underrated students in my grade, so it’s hard to choose just one. They’re driven by their own tenacity without the need for attention, which is something I truly admire. Marek Maciejewski: I feel as if my class had not one unsung hero, but countless. The kids I went to school with every day had a drive toward success. This determination is what made our school so special. Jack Louer: Sebastian Moreno is a great friend, smart, hard working, and humble. We made some great memories over the years in the CHS Mustang Marching Band. Sebastian Moreno: I would choose Robert Urban. He has great charisma and a funny, compelling mind.

Jackmilan Lopez: I would say that the track teams should receive more recognition. They are continuously raising the bar and standards of what effort and commitment to a sport really means.

Mykel Montanez: I don’t think we have an individual hero among our class. I feel like the fact that we do most of the activities as a group and stay friends regardless of petty drama makes us unique. Mohammad Mohammad: Me, because I overcame all of the difficulties and got held back and behind I still came out on top. Michelle Urrego: Danielle Colon. She has been one of my closest friends since 2nd grade and I don’t think high school would have been tolerable without her.

Jaden Fortuna: Stan Puzio the hero of 2020.

Matthew Rodriguez: Anabel Espinal. She had the courage to start up a Bible club on her own before knowing that she had any support in CHS and knowing that there was going to be negativity and hate against it. The talk about religion is turned down a lot of the time in school because of the controversy it can start. Anabel is standing up for her beliefs and making a difference to share the gospel and love of God. A young adult in our society who is as faithful to God as she is should receive attention.

Nadir Ahmed: Honestly? Me. I’m the youngest senior I know and I’m going to college at 16-years-old. I skipped eighth grade and was born and raised in Detroit. I also really like Michael Capili and his humor. His humor lightens the mood and is a great relief from all of the stress that comes with classes. If anyone is an unsung hero, it’s him.

Julia M. Montes: Alexandra Nicoles has been dancing her whole life and she’s truly amazing. She’s also very intelligent. She takes dancing to a whole new level. She could make you feel different emotions with her movements. You truly get the whole dancing and emotional part about dancing when you see her give her soul into a dance. I feel like she has so much talent, it’s incredible.

Amaya Rold: My friend Malak Hasan (at right) and I graduated with a PCCC diploma in Early Childhood Education in our junior year of high school. Not only did no one from CHS attend the graduation, but our professor did not either. I kind of understood why staff from our school did not attend, but they did not even recognize our accomplishments. They are always focused on when a sports team wins a game, but could not even mention two juniors graduated with a college diploma in Early Childhood Education. We sat through a tedious three and a half hour class and worked so hard to not get recognized by anyone besides our families. I feel like we deserved to be at least congratulated. To answer the question, my friend Malak and I are my heroes. Vanessa Goris: Everyone in Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. We work hard to help our community, but never get noticed by the school.

Hannah Kulesa: My good friend Danielle Colon. She is the funniest and sweetest person that I have ever met and she never fails to make me laugh. Everyone needs a friend like her to brighten their day.

Ricky Dhar: There were many moments of anger and sadness, but anyone who made it through all that to this moment is a legend!

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

Who is the unsung hero of your graduating class? I’niah Mann: Layla Carrasquillo. She’s very beautiful, sweet, and smart. She is truly gifted. She can tell you the exact time and day that you were born just by you telling her the month and year of your birthday.

Rachel Vazquez: Anabel Espinal. Her unconditional love for everyone around her is really special. She can make anyone who doesn’t feel special, FEEL special. She created the Bible Club so that we can all feel like we have a special place somewhere. She really is an unsung hero in mine and many others’ eyes. Mohammad Raza: I believe in their own way, every student is an unsung hero. The real ones that go through so much, but never share a single thing. The true unsung heroes are unknown. Anthony Zawrak: I believe that someone who has not received enough attention in my class is Angie Cardona. Not only is she a great artist, but she is also one of the kindest and most caring people that I know. Michelle Teraz: Virginia F. is the sweetest, most positive person in our grade. She deserves more hype.

Daniel Buongiorno: Chris Foti. A great friend of mine who is always hard working and an overall great person.

At Paramus Catholic High School: Mackenzie Cavagnaro, Fr. Don Hummel, Marching Paladin Band Director Gary Sabak, Katelyn D’Ambrosio. Inset, Janelie Nunez.

Janelie Nunez: My unsung hero is my band director, Mr. Gary Sabak. He works hard both inside and outside of school non-stop. His passion for music lights up any room that he’s in. He truly loves and cares for his students and I can’t thank him enough for making my high school experience the best that it could be. Robert Urban: Sebastian Moreno. He always has nice things to say and can cheer anyone up with his funny personality. Kerrie Sekanics: Honestly, I would say the whole class. We are all staying positive during these hard times. We are unique because of how we are not receiving the regular senior send-off, but we are all doing our best to make it still memorable.

Kyle Zlotkowski: My classmate, Kyle Egan, who lost his battle to cancer this past November. He will always be our brother and be remembered. Sedrah Rahmoun: My best friend Ilayda. We are very lowkey, but she’s a very outgoing and amazing person.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

Covid-19 created a lot of pain. Is there a bright side to the lockdown? What did you learn, how did you grow? Any new/re-discovered hobbies?

Isabel Nemeth: Even though I am utterly devastated by this, being in lockdown has given me the time to start working out more, eating healthier, and just being able to stay on top of things and being organized.

From left: Isabel Nemeth, Lily Zschack, Alan Leland, Beanka Beechan.

Carol Arantxa Martinez: I learned to not take things for granted. Looking back, as hard as my classes were, I had my friends through it all who helped me every step.

Lily Zschack: I’ve been able to spend a lot more time with my family and focus on myself.

Leila Ettayebi: I learned how to be alone with my own thoughts and that there are people out there with much bigger problems than me. I learned to stop taking everything for granted. Melissa Wydak: The bright side of the lockdown is I got a lot of time to reflect on my decisions and really focus on myself and well-being. I’ve been really focusing on myself and preparing myself for college.

Alexis Kobylarz: Covid-19 definitely caused pain to me and my fellow classmates, cutting our senior year short. The bright side of this lockdown is getting to spend more time with my family before I leave for school in the fall. I learned not to take the little things for granted.

Janelie Nunez: This lockdown has taught me to appreciate my home and my family. We keep each other sane and it has strengthened our relationship. I’ve learned to love and take care of myself first. I’ve rediscovered my passion for writing and have been practicing guitar.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Hannah Kulesa: The bright side of this lockdown is that I get to spend more time with my family. I definitely feel grateful to have these extra hours to focus on my mom, dad, and brother instead of running around like I usually do. For the most part, quarantine has brought my family and I closer together. Another favorite part of quarantine is being able to sleep in. I feel very well-rested! Destani Diaz: COVID-19 made me realize that we take things for granted and that life is too short to be worrying about certain things. Brandan Sanchez: The bright side is that I got a lot of free time to better myself and educate myself. Tirth Patel: Practicing my keyboard/piano.

Ricky Dhar: Yes, there is always light to any darkness. I learned about being grateful for what I have and what I had. COVID-19 did take away my senior year, but it didn’t take away my ability to grow as a person in these months. I’ve grown to be accepting of everything that comes and to be thankful for all of the great times I’ve had with my friends and family. I used to take a majority of things for granted, but now I know that they hold so much significance and they will stay significant as I grow. One of the hobbies that I picked up is reading.

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

Is there a bright side to the lockdown? Ralph Ramayoni: The bright side was spending a lot of time with my family whether it was renovations throughout the house, gardening, game night, or picking up new hobbies...photography, skateboarding and painting. I grew by realizing we should always take a step back from society - whether it be from our phones or working - and relax. Always keep a good schedule and realize how important socializing with others are.

Adrian Matos planned to join the lacrosse team during the spring of his senior year, but COVID-19 cut that plan short. “I would be the first in my family to play the sport,” said Matos. “I was excited to play a new sport and play it with my good friends Jack Louer, Tommy Lyons, Eddie Maldonado and Jerry Monge.” Matos made the team as goalie prior to the closing of schools in response to the pandemic. It would be a fresh start in his final spring season as a student-athlete at CHS. During previous seasons, he played baseball for the Mustangs. However, lacrosse was always on the periphery. “I have played lacrosse casually for a number of years with a couple of my friends who have been on the lacrosse team,” he said, “so I wanted to try it out my last year.” Despite the unexpected change to his plans, Matos has stayed active while staying at home. “I have continued to practice with my friends while socially distancing,” he said. “The boys and I have continued to play whenever possible.” As the end of senior year approaches, Matos hopes for one thing: the graduation ceremony to be held on the football field. “We have had our most memorable school year taken away; senior activities, celebrations, awards dinners, senior night, possibly prom and an unplayed season of a new sport for me,” said Matos. “Right now, all we want is to be able to walk across that field wearing our caps and gowns.” By Ariana Puzzo

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Vanessa Hernandez: The bright side to this lockdown is it’s giving a chance for the Earth to heal without us outside, and by us staying indoors, we are helping by not risking increasing cases. Personally, I have been planning ahead with my future goals and getting ready to transition from being a senior to being out in the real world.

Hailey Krajewski: I believe, if you look hard enough, you can find the bright side to any situation. I learned to fill my time with things that I enjoy. Not being able to participate in sports freed up a lot of time for me. For the first time in my life, I was expected to just focus on my studies. What I learned was that I not only enjoyed sports, but I feel lost not participating in them. I also learned that I am quite the sidewalk chalk artist as I left inspirational messages and pictures for others to see. Jessica David: As a senior, it was very difficult to find a “bright side” during quarantine. However, I’ve enjoyed taking things slow and I’ve noticed the little things in life. I’ve enjoyed sitting outside and closing my eyes while the warm sun shines down on my skin. I’ve discovered new music and stretch every morning. During this time, I have taken more time for myself! I feel more at peace.

Daniel Marriello: I have always tried to be an optimistic person while still being realistic. After a bit of a brief slump, I have learned to manage my time better due to my school’s structure of online learning and now have time to spend with family and friends while not staying up all night to finish my homework.

Andrea Dubbels: For me, the bright side of the lockdown is being able to spend time with my family. I may not be able to see them as often once I go to college, so I am taking advantage of the extra time we have together. I have rediscovered many crafting activities (like knitting and embroidering), and I have burned through every action movie on Netflix. Another activity I have had time to enjoy is watching YouTube videos about the Lorentz factor and Schrödinger’s Cat.

Ryca Sese: Although Covid-19 created a lot of pain and loss in the world, it has been extremely beneficial on the environmental front. Our planet has been given a chance to heal and recover from years of pollution and neglect. Animals are returning to their old habitats and the ozone layer is repairing itself in the absence of air pollution produced by factories.

Brianna Rubio: There is no bright side to this lockdown.

Valentina Alfaro: I learned that although the struggle is hard, we have to keep our heads high. I learned to appreciate every moment in life.

Nuha Atallah: I got closer to my family.

Grace Shukaitis: Honestly, there is not a bright side except that I get to sleep more. I have learned to not take things for granted and to cherish what you have now.

Allison Giust: The bright side is that my schedule isn’t as hectic now and I can spend a lot more time on my hobbies. I’ve picked up painting during this time and I’ve also been playing my instruments a lot more.

Lexie Anaya: The bright side of the lockdown is the family time. We have become so much closer. I have learned this is something we are all going through, not just me. It made me grow and learn to accept the things I cannot change.

Christina McCoy: This lockdown made me realize even more how lucky I am to have the friends and people I care about in my life and how much I will treasure the time I get to spend with them. It’s a hard time for so many people in many aspects, but I am glad to see the kindness of people coming out to help everyone. I believe this pandemic, even though we have to be separated, is drawing communities together. Alexa Dominguez: The only bright side was that I got to spend more time with my family. I learned to stay focused and push forward because the end goal is always rewarding. Sean Cruz: My bright side is that I get to do school work from home. I also love that I get to cook so much more.

Luciana Candeias: I learned to appreciate what you have; you never know when it will be taken. I miss going out whenever I wanted for the littlest things. I have learned how much I truly care about certain people.

Cassidy Rubio: I’m getting to spend more time with my family. We are very close and the lockdown has brought us closer. I’ve learned a lot about prioritizing my time when no one is watching. Being home all day gives me so much free time that it can be difficult to stay focused on my school work. Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

Covid-19 created a lot of pain. Is there a bright side to the lockdown? What did you learn, how did you grow? Any new/re-discovered hobbies? Sabrina Budhu: I took this time to refine my baking skills, along with other hobbies. However, I also started to appreciate and miss school. I am so thankful for the friends that I made there and I hope to continue making more memories with them as soon as it is safe. Marek Maciejewski: I have learned that there is not much of a bright side to the lockdown, except for time. With all the negativity and chaos happening around the world right now, I’ve also learned that the only thing someone can do is have faith. We can only hope for this nightmare to end as soon as it can. I’ve been spending most of my time working out and playing video games, but this time of “leisure” comes with its toll.

Jack Louer: Although this is a devastating time, I learned that the environment and animals have thrived. I have also enjoyed spending quality time with my family. I learned how to install sheet rock and flooring. Tracy Termyna: It is still hard to find a bright side to the lockdown. I have taken time for myself and taken time to plan out my future at college. I learned that we should not take school for granted, along with seeing our friends. I miss my friends more than anything.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Jaden Fortuna: Spending time with family has been very enjoyable.

Jackmilan Lopez: Though the lockdown brought a lot of struggles and difficulties, it has allowed me to focus on myself a little more. Personally, I started to work out as a hobby, but now it is a crucial part of my daily routine.

Mykel Montanez: I feel like the bright side to all of this is that our world needed a break from all of the activity and pollution. It is the perfect time for our planet to heal. A hobby that I resumed is fishing. Mohammad Mohammad: I’ve learned more about family and spent more time connecting with my family that we lost touch with before. A new hobby that I picked up is playing basketball. I play every day for two hours. Tasneem Musa: It made us become stronger, although it stinks not being able to have a real senior year. I learned to have patience and to cook. Beanka Beechan: Yes, there’s definitely a bright side in the lockdown for me. I got to spend more time and interact with my family. I learned how to cook more foods, I became a better baker. I started reading a lot more.

Amy Vargas, Mykel Montanez, Michelle Urrego, Matthew Rodriguez.

Michelle Urrego: I learned that many of us took for granted how privileged we all are to be in a well-developed country, whereas others across the globe aren’t given these opportunities.

Ameer Ijbara: I have been getting my grades together and planning my future.

Matthew Rodriguez: At first, COVID-19 caused a lot of disappointment, whether it’s losing loved ones, losing jobs, and personally losing prom and graduation. After a while, I discovered that this is happening through God’s will. I learned with all of the time I had during quarantine to build my relationship with Jesus. Nadir Ahmed: COVID-19 may have caused great pain to many, but it also created a lot of opportunities for us to grow. Being in lockdown, many of our families have grown closer and bonded much more. COVID-19 allowed us to create many more memories and, in doing so, let us learn more about ourselves.

Kerrie Sekanics: I have learned to love myself and how to only really focus on what matters to me. Throughout high school, many people make decisions to fit in and they hide their true selves. This is a time to just not care, be yourself and do what makes you happy because at the end of the day, it’s you who matters.

I’niah Mann: The bright side is that I’m closer to my family. I’ve learned that our freedom is temporary and can be taken from us any day. I grew to know that the little things matter in life and to have patience and stay positive. I re-discovered that I can still draw and write music. Amy Vargas: There’s no bright side. Even though we have to stay home to be safe, being away from your friends, family and teachers isn’t a good feeling. What I learned is that you don’t know what you have until it’s gone and that things happen for a reason.

Liana Neumann: What I’ve learned is that you have to make the best of any situation despite how bad it is. Also, I’ve learned how to manage my time better.

Mohammad Raza: We all had to sacrifice many things, but just like anything in life, with hardship will always come ease, and COVID-19 is no exception. The virus gave us an opportunity to come up with ways to be productive in new ways. To a certain extent, people are now able to make their own schedules and not worry about time in between. I now spend the time I would be spending going to school or walking to classes doing something productive or relaxing. This opens a big window to be able to work more efficiently.

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

Covid-19 created a lot of pain. Is there a bright side to the lockdown? Salma Saheli: I learned guitar, piano and calisthenics.

Anthony Zawrak: COVID-19 has not only impacted me, but all of my fellow graduates that will not be able to experience what many have already experienced. It might be hard, but thinking about the future and what there is to come really eased some of my sadness and pain. During this time, I took some time to focus more on myself, yet catch up on homework assignments and daily Google Meets. Another thing that I have done is talk to my friends and meet some new people that I will be seeing on campus next school year.

Julia M. Montes: I feel like things happen for a reason and sure, COVID-19 turned our plans around, but I learned that we as humans are going back to our roots. Since everything is closed, we have to be natural like the older times. We are remembering how life was before the 21st century. We get to know and communicate with the people who live with us. This is Mother Nature’s way of giving us a pause in life. This is a moment to reflect on everything. We truly get to value every little thing that we have and regret everything that was taken for granted.

Daniel Buongiorno: I got to rest and and play games with my friends and go for walks to help clear the mind. I learned to enjoy every day because who knows what could happen? Evelyn Alvarez: I learned how to work together with my family to stay safe and stay healthy.

Sebastian Moreno: I’ve spent a lot of time with my family, which is always a bright side. Some memories will never be forgotten because of the circumstances we are in.

Rachel Vazquez: A bright side to this unfortunate event in our history would be that after the clouds disappear, I know a rainbow will brighten our future. Bad things sometimes need to happen in order to make way for new and more positive things to come into our lives. Whatever happens, we need to be here for each other as a community. Over the quarantine, I’ve taken on baking and began doing more art projects for myself.

Michelle Teraz: The bright side is that I have time for small projects around the house and I’m baking more than I ever have before.

Robert Urban: I lost motivation for certain things, but thanks to friends and family, I was able to get back on track. I started playing video games a lot more than I was before this. Vanessa Goris: I learned more about nails and hair braiding. I now started working out and dancing.

Sedrah Rahmoun: It’s not that bad. In the beginning it was, but I love spending time with my family and turning off social media. I’ve grown as a person during this time.

Amaya Rold: COVID-19 caused me to take a break from my job, miss out on my senior year, prom, and graduation. I was very upset at first, but I learned that there is nothing I can do. People are dying and very ill, and my main focus is on how to help them. Yes, it is upsetting that I am missing out on so much, but I have stayed positive through it all. I grew to become more positive and learned how to cook new things and just be there for my family. The bright side is not waking up early... doing my work from home.

Julie Eljerou: I enjoy spending time with my family and talking more often with my friends. It taught me to not take anything for granted. We, as seniors, went to our last day of school without knowing that it would be our last. Alan Leland: Cooking more and exercising daily. Kyle Zlotkowski: We got more family time.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

What was your greatest achievement in the last 12 years?

Grace Shukaitis: Making the Mustang varsity softball team as a freshman and becoming a captain in junior year made me happy because all that hard work, endless weekends of practice and training paid off. As an additional bonus, these achievements made my dad proud, and that is one of the greatest achievements of them all.

From left, Daniel Marriello, Vanessa Hernandez, Marek Maciejewski, Grace Shukaitis.

Daniel Marriello: Graduating with honors followed closely by being the PCTI Marching Band Pit Section leader and leading my section to a best percussion award at a competition at MetLife Stadium this past season.

Vanessa Hernandez: Being captain alongside two other swimmers in the PCTI girls swim team. It was my last season to be together as one, and since the season ended a couple of weeks before this lockdown happened, I don’t mind ending my senior year the way it did. This swim team has a special place in my heart, and I couldn’t ask for a better team. Hailey Krajewski: My academic accomplishments. I’ve maintained a grade point average of a 4.3 and above my entire high school career while participating in both club and high school varsity soccer and swimming. Adrian Matos: I have maintained the solid friendships throughout my 12 years. I have been friends with the same group since kindergarten. Another achievement is being a 4-year member of the Mustang Marching Band. Janelie Nunez: Getting into my dream college.

Valentina Alfaro: I obtained 4 Honor Rolls in a row; 2 regular and 2 distinguished.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Jessica David: Maintaining high honors ever since 3rd grade. I was able to maintain my grades at a high number while playing soccer my entire life and participating in other extracurriculars!!

Isabel Nemeth: Probably being able to juggle all honors and AP classes, sports, a part-time job, and an internship throughout high school. I don’t know too many others who have done the same. Andrea Dubbels: Being the Valedictorian of the 2020 Class among so many other amazing and high-achieving students, while also managing to balance the other extracurricular activities that I love. Marek Maciejewski: Graduating from secondary school. I feel like too many kids nowadays grow up not knowing their culture and language, so I take great pride in knowing I’m still holding onto my Polish heritage.

Sean Cruz: Being named to the First Team All County Bowling team. Allison Giust: Getting to march in the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco with the Mustang Band.

Christina McCoy: It’s hard to sum up one moment as my greatest achievement in these 12 years. I think my

“My hard work paid off.” Hannah Kulesa: I know a lot of people go to college but I have worked especially hard to keep my grades above an 85, participated in tons of extracurriculars, and volunteered. Finally getting the acceptance letter from Seton Hall and receiving academic scholarships and awards makes me so proud. My hard work paid off.

Michelle Urrego: Being able to say I’ve made it through middle and high school without a scratch on me. Lexie Anaya: Signing a contract with Wilhelmina.

Sabrina Budhu: I think the most rewarding achievement is having my parents express how proud they are of me. No award or medal could amount to these moments. Ryca Sese: Making it to my senior year.

overall achievement that I am proud of is doing my best during school while remaining true to myself and my passions. I’ve had positive energy no matter what school I’ve been in and I’ve always tried to be the kindest person I can be to my teachers, friends, and peers. I’ve been successful and got a full scholarship to my dream school while remaining true to who I am, and that I think is the best achievement I could hope to achieve. Alexa Dominguez: I’ve been able to attend the Academic Awards dinner two out of the four years of high school. But honestly, just being able to graduate is my biggest achievement.

Cassidy Rubio: My greatest achievement was being fourth in my graduating class. I put so much time and hard work into all of my classes for so many years not focusing on rank at all. This came as a pleasant surprise and is a validation of all my efforts. Brianna Rubio: Placing 4th in the State Meet of Champions in the 400m for track and field. That means I placed fourth out of all of the 400m runners in the entire state. Another achievement that is equally as great is being 3rd in my graduating class. Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

What was your greatest achievement in the last 12 years? Jack Louer: One of my most memorable achievements is scoring my 100th goal in my junior season of lacrosse. I was looking forward to breaking the school record for most goals scored in lacrosse in my senior year but then...

Carol Arantxa Martinez: Doing it all on my own. I am undocumented and fought through every struggle that came with it. I worked hard and paid for my senior year expenses by myself. I managed to handle a job, five AP classes, cross country and track practice, as well as helping my family financially and around the house. Lily Zschack: Being a NJ Girls Softball State Champion twice. Leila Ettayebi: Going to Morocco to play for the U20 National Team.

Daniel Buongiorno: Becoming a four-year senior for academic awards.

Beanka Beechan: Being able to finally graduate after all the long years.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

On April 18, 2019, in a 20-9 win over Waldwick, midfielder and captain Joseph Walker (right) scored his 100th goal during the game’s first quarter, immediately followed by junior attack man Jack Louer who scored his 100th career goal. Louer, ranked first in NJ for goals (50), finished the game with a career high 10 goals. Walker, ranked 14th in the state for total goals (37), went on to finish the game scoring 6 goals and assisting on 5 others. They are pictured with Coach George Cowan.

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2020 Senior Survey

What was your greatest achievement in the last 12 years? Ralph Ramayoni: Earning Distinguished Honors all four years, having a 4.0 GPA that put me in the Top 60 in our class, and working for the American Dream Mall. I was also on the varsity soccer team for four years and went undefeated as state champion.

Michelle Teraz: Getting an associate’s degree before a high school diploma. I and 14 other Mustangs got our degree at Bergen Community College through a program that Clifton High started in my junior year. I want to be a lawyer and what’s better than saying you’re a lawyer at 23-years-old? I wanted the head start. It was hard to balance it all since I played volleyball for the school in the fall and worked, so my schedule was hectic. Melissa Wydak: Going to college with athletic and academic scholarship money. Volleyball has always been a big part of my life, but being able to play in college is awesome. Academic-wise, I have always been a smart, average student, but receiving the Presidential Scholarship at Felician is definitely one of my biggest accomplishments. Tasneem Musa: Making Honor Roll.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Tracy Termyna: Getting into college. Being able to study what you love for the next four years and carry that with you for life is such an amazing achievement to me, and I am very grateful.

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Robert Urban: Graduating high school on Distinguished Honor Roll

Jackmilan Lopez: Probably being able to go to college and follow my dream. Mykel Montanez: Getting my diploma. This is something I’ve worked hard for all my life and it’s finally here. Nuha Atallah: I understood the importance of school. Ameer Ijbara: Making it this far.

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Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

What was your greatest achievement in the last 12 years? Alexis Kobylarz: Getting into all 15 colleges that I applied to, from the west coast to the east coast. I transferred from CHS to Saint Mary my sophomore year because I wanted a smaller learning environment. That is where I met my fabulous math teacher, Mrs. Buckley. She has prepared me for more than just math and the college experience; she has taught me life skills that I will always remember. Overall, Mrs. Buckley was my steady rock throughout my three years there and helped me overcome many things, including the college application process. I originally applied to my top five schools, then more schools contacted me and I decided to apply to the ones that I liked what they had to offer. The west coast was always the dream, but ultimately it was not realistic. Due to the pandemic, I did not get to visit schools that I would have liked, but I had visited Stockton University and fell in love with it. I knew that I wanted to be near a beach and narrowed it down to staying in New Jersey. Stockton was my first choice in New Jersey and I will happily begin my college journey there in the fall. Jaden Fortuna: Being captain of the Clifton Hockey team, graduating, and starting college. Matthew Rodriguez: To grow out of my immaturity and reckless lifestyle to become a faithful man of God.

Nadir Ahmed: I skipped eighth grade due to my outstanding test scores. I walked into high school in Detroit and was overwhelmed. I am proud of my achievements and keep my head held high no matter the intimidation. I couldn’t have made my parents any happier. Destani Diaz: Believing in myself more.

Brandan Sanchez: Becoming who I am today.

Tirth Patel: Getting good grades throughout my classes. Ricky Dhar: Knowing that I am an able and smart individual. I’niah Mann: Making it to high school and now leaving. Salma Saheli: Making Honor Roll.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Rachel Vazquez: Singing in front of my peers. I’ve been singing all of my life and in second grade, I joined choir. It helped me get better at doing what I love and share my talent with others. I became more confident with myself, and I’m proud of that.

Liana Neumann: Being a two-year volleyball varsity captain, being on the Distinguished Honor Roll all four years, breaking a volleyball school record, and being a first generation college student. Mohammad Raza: Running Cross Country. I learned that I could push myself to run and reach levels that I never reached before. Given the right coaches and routines, you can work hard to do anything.

Anthony Zawrak: Being elected to a position on the Student Council since middle school. Being able to help both the community and the students of the schools will always be something that I will never forget.

Kerrie Sekanics, Kyle Zlotkowski, Mohammad Mohammad, Liana Neumann.

Kyle Zlotkowski: Playing baseball at Bergen Catholic.

Julia M. Montes: Believing in myself and pushing through. Mohammad Mohammad: Getting my diploma.

Sebastian Moreno: Earning my spot in the National Honor Society.

Amaya Rold: Completing and graduating three college classes during my junior and senior years. Also, being a news anchor for our school’s announcements. Vanessa Goris: Being in MCJROTC and getting promoted for all of my hard work in that program. Sedrah Rahmoun: I’ve changed in a good way, and I know what to get myself into and what not to.

Kerrie Sekanics: Becoming captain for the CHS girls soccer team. It was something that I always hoped for since watching my older sister play and be captain in the previous years. I’m the last Sekanics of a legacy of the Sekanics family attending the Clifton school system! My dad was the captain of the baseball team, my eldest sister Jennie was the lead in the musicals and a leader on student council and Mustang Pride, and my second oldest sister, Meghan, was also captain of the soccer team and on student council. It’s so surreal to be graduating. Julie Eljerou: Making Honor Roll from middle school to high school, and being a part of both the National Junior Honor Society and the National Honor Society. Alan Leland: Becoming an Eagle Scout.

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

Tell us about your greatest inspiration.

“Our 2020 graduates pictured here, Lillian, George, Heaven, Katherine and Jhoan, keep us inspired and motivated as do all our students at NJEDDA High School. Our mission is to advance the independence and to enrich the quality of life of individuals with disabilities by providing opportunities to challenge themselves to learn and grow emotionally and functionally in educational, therapeutic and vocational environments within an atmosphere of acceptance.” Dr. William Weiss.

I’niah Mann: My mother, Chakia Coleman. She’s always been there for me, especially when it came to my education. She would always call me out when I was not doing what I needed to do, but she would also reassure me that if you want something in life, you have to go get it. I want to be great and, in order for that to happen, I need to be dedicated and stay focused. Andrea Dubbels: Among the incredible teachers and staff at CHS, I must say Raymond Burns. He taught physics so well that it became something that I am interested in studying further, but he also stood as an example of compassion and kindness to all.

Ryca Sese: My mom, Carrel Laviña, is my greatest influence. She works the frontlines of this pandemic at a nursing home. She makes sure her staff and all of us at home are taken care of. I grew up to be strong and independent because of her great example. Grace Shukaitis: My father, Stephen Shukaitis always pushed me to be the best person I can be and he never gave up on me. He is my biggest supporter; he was at every one of my sports games and academic events.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Ralph Ramayoni: My friends: Gio Chapel, Joshua Pou, Jan Tomon, Matteo Maccarrone, Julia Jurkowski, Isabel Nemeth, Yana Habura, Kerrie Sekanics, Jessica David, Payton Englehardt, Jessica Bonilla, Alia Noir, Jessica Alexander and many more. I helped them get through the day by lending a helping hand, cheering them up if they felt down, and just smiling and waving at anyone I saw. Valentina Alfaro: Emille Ortiz. She has always helped me to push and strive for what I want. Christina McCoy: My mom, Barbara McCoy is one of the smartest, kindest, and strongest people I know. She has always been there to promote me even when times are tough, and I hope to be an amazing parent like her. Alexa Dominguez: My cousin Jasmine Nunez because she was able to get through the 12 years of school being a straight A student and is now doing the same in college even after her father’s death. She works a job and also gets to travel the world. Jasmine is my inspiration. Sean Cruz: My brother Kevin—that’s why I’m doing what I’m doing—it’s for him.

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

Tell us about your greatest inspiration. Brianna Rubio: My sisters. My twin sister, Cassidy, has taught me how to be compassionate and my younger sister Jessica has taught me to find humor in every moment. They are constantly motivating me and pushing me to be a better student, athlete, and person. I could not be the person I am today without their support. Allison Giust: My mom, Suzanne Kelly-Giust has been a huge influence. She pushed me to try doing a lot of things that I may not have been comfortable with and encouraged my artistic endeavors. Lexie Anaya: My mother, Cara has kept me grounded and focused on becoming the best me that I can be.

Marek Maciejewski: My father, Jerzy works endless hours for me and my family to live comfortably, and never complains about a thing. His work ethic is something that I aspire to one day replicate. Without my father, I would be far from what I am today. Jack Louer: My older brother Jimmy Louer. I have always looked up to him. He has looked after me throughout the years and inspired me in sports and school.

Carol Arantxa Martinez: Ms. Miller helped me through the hardest time of my life and is one of the strongest people I know. She re-shaped the way I saw writing and it is something I will always carry with me.

Lily Zschack: My older sister Zoe is a big role model in my life because she inspires me to work hard every day and hopefully grow up to be like her. Leila Ettayebi: Honestly, myself because I saw that when I pushed myself, I got the results I wanted.

Melissa Wydak: My grandmother Virginia Dugan and my mother, Virginia. My grandma has always been really important to me. Sadly, she passed away last May. I know she is looking down on me happy as ever about all the things I’m doing and have done. My mother keeps me going; she is and will always be someone I can look up to. She has always been my number one fan and supporter. I honestly do everything for her. Tracy Termyna: My parents, Michael and Donna. They have helped guide me in the right direction and will always be by my side.

Jackmilan Lopez: My little sister, Aitana. She may be young, but she is the reason why I keep pushing my limits. I want to make her proud.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cassidy Rubio: My greatest influence this year was Mrs. Beth Slanina, above left. She took me under her wing and taught me so much about graphic design. Spending time together working on the CHS yearbook was my favorite part of my day. Mykel Montanez: My father, Mike is such a hard working man and stays true to his values. I respect that and aspire to be like him one day.

Mohammad Mohammad: My mother and father. Without them, I would have never made it to where I am right now. I would never continued with my education. I would have been stuck in a bad place and state of mind for the rest of my life. Tasneem Musa: My mom. She was with me through it all and believed in me.

Beanka Beechan: My cousin Phillip Beechan. He pushed me to be more focused and diligent.

Michelle Urrego: Lindsey Cinque, who was my French teacher for the majority of high school. She’s an amazing, uplifting person that overcomes all of her problems. I hope one day to be as strong as her.

Nuha Atallah: My ninth grade self: I grew from the person that I was then to the better person that I am now.

Jaden Fortuna: Stephanie Fortuna because of what we have been through the last few years. She has always put our family as the priority.

Salma Saheli: Machine Gun Kelly and Eminem because they are not afraid to speak their mind and give back to fans. They also make good music.

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

Tell us about your greatest inspiration.

“We’re brothers,” wrote Daniel. “That’s it.” Daniel Marriello: My younger brother, Thomas, who was diagnosed with autism when he was three-and-a-half years old. As we both have grown he has helped me to become a more compassionate and understanding person. I can’t remember a specific time where this has affected a decision directly because it is just a part of me that has existed for as long as I can remember.

I think I am a better friend and a better listener because of him. I feel like he has made me more open to other people’s views and issues and I have a better understanding of differences. One of the most influential activities that my brother and I both enjoy is baseball. My parents started a special needs baseball team called PRAISE in Clifton a few years ago. I volunteered to become a coach for the team to help organize the games while my brother played. This experience has brought us closer together while also strengthening the community we have with the team. Through the baseball team, some of my friends have come to volunteer as shadows for the team. They have all come to experience and have a deeper awareness of other individuals with different abilities. I feel happy knowing that they will keep that awareness with them as they go out into the world just like me. Another major activity that my brother and I both participate in is gaming. Even from an early age, Thomas was always fascinated whenever I was playing a game. We now are able to play together and discuss our viewpoints on game design. Our relationship is no different than any other sibling relationship. We’re brothers. That’s it. June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

Tell us about your greatest inspiration or someone who is a great influence? Hannah Kulesa: My mom, Lisa and my dad, Brian have taught me to work hard for my goals and to always do my best. They are the reason that I am the dedicated and passionate person that I have become today. I love them with all of my heart.

Destani Diaz: I have too many to choose from; they all made an impact on my life and all gave me great advice. Each influencer was there for me, but in different aspects of my life. Brandan Sanchez: My brother, Anthony. He set a strong example for me growing up, knowing I had to dedicate myself to my studies and make school my priority. Sabrina Budhu: My mom, Videla is the epitome of compassion and strength, and I aspire to become as much a role model as she is to me. Ameer Ijbara: My father, Mohammad, is a strong man and faced many things that made him who he is today.

Matthew Rodriguez: My father. Through his battles from childhood until recently, he has shown me how to be the best man possible. Always pushing me to not be like others, to set my priorities straight, and to have the knowledge that I can overcome any demons that I may suffer through in life. Nadir Ahmed: Nareen and Lafas Ahmed, my parents. They were my source of structural support and an amazing positive influence on my character in and out of school. They pushed for my success and wouldn’t allow me to slack on any assignments, regardless of any situation, and I’m grateful for it.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Ricky Dhar: My sister, Prima Dhar,. There are moments when life is difficult, but she is there to remind me that I am a smart, honest, and genuine person.

Julia M. Montes: I know it may sound so cliché, but I would have to say my mother has been my biggest influence. This woman came to this country barely 18-yearsold and she worked hard to get to where she is now. She made me realize that you get what you work for, not what you wish for. She came to a whole different country, spoke another language, and I mean, she was clueless as to what her life was going to be. But she did know that whatever she did, she was going to succeed. I am the same age as she was when she came here and I can’t imagine myself just risking everything to chase a dream. To give myself and my family a better tomorrow. She pushed through many obstacles - one of them being a single mother of four children. She always stood tall and picked herself up. Not once did she do anything of low values, which taught us that we have to respect ourselves despite the situation we’re going through and we have to remain humble at all times.

Robert Urban, Allison Giust, Ricky Dhar, Alexa Dominguez.

Michelle Teraz: David Radler. He was a great teacher who always told stories and gave helpful tips for the continued high school years. Daniel Buongiorno: Lewis Hamilton. He is a very hard worker and a great Formula 1 driver, who is always positive and always puts in the work.

Evelyn Alvarez: Andy Biersack. He is the lead singer of a band called Black Veil Brides. I like him so much because he is not afraid to be who he really is, and I love all of his songs. Sebastian Moreno: Most definitely my mother, Joanna Moreno, and my father, Carlos Moreno. They motivate me every day to try my best and become as successful as I possibly can.

Robert Urban: My family is my greatest influence. They push me to work hard so that I can be successful later on in life.

Amaya Rold: My parents, Robert and Sonya, have been there for me since they adopted me and help me achieve what I want in life. They are always there to push me to do my best, but also be independent at the same time. Vanessa Goris: CWO2 Navarro. He’s a father figure to me, and he always helped me with schoolwork and was always there for me when I was having personal problems. A great teacher.

Anthony Zawrak: My parents, Susan and John, have taught me to be the best version of myself and to stay positive no matter what.

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

Tell us about your greatest inspiration or someone who is a great influence? Alan Leland: Mr. Colligan and Mrs. Schemly. They challenged me and helped me find my hidden potential. Kerrie Sekanics: My whole family. They all teach me different things, especially on how to be a dedicated, hard worker and always work for what you want because it won’t get handed to you. Kyle Zlotkowski: Mrs. Bender, my first grade teacher at School 5, was one of the best teachers I ever had.

Sedrah Rahmoun: My sisters, Sarah and Yasmin. If I didn’t have them in my life, I don’t know if I could have gotten through high school. They taught me right from wrong, and told me that not everyone is going to like me. I learned that the hard way and I’m OK with it now.

Adrian Matos: My parents Vivian Molina and Eddie Matos, pushed me to always strive to do better and have always kept me going. Alexis Kobylarz: My mother, Debbie, is a hard worker and always encouraged me to do my best and never give up. She is the reason for my success.

Janelie Nunez: My mom Eneida inspires me to strive for the best and to stay humble and to be kind to others.

Jessica David: My mother, Alice. She moved out of her house when Julie Eljerou: My parents, Hafez she was 17, worked a crazy amount Eljerou and Dareen Alndfa, are alof hours and was able to pay her ways there for me no matter what way through college by herself happens, and they have sacrificed without her parents’ help. I want a lot so that my siblings and I can to be as independent as my mom succeed and grow. is. As I get older, I realize that inVanessa Hernandez: My greatest independence is key. I need to learn fluence would be Mr. Donato, who was how to make money for myself and find connections for my Criminal Justice teacher at PCTI. With all the stories myself. Growing up, my mom has given me little bits of he shared with the class about his career and all that I advice that will help me take my first footsteps into the have been taught, it’s because of him that I want to conreal world after high school. Fast forward 17 years from tinue studying from Criminal Justice to Justice Studies 2002, I’ll be graduating in one month and I couldn’t be at MSU. more ready to tackle the world using my mom’s words Hailey Krajewski: My mom, Christine Metzger, is the of wisdom. most influential person in my life. She manages to touch Isabel Nemeth: This would have to be my mom, Sylvia. the lives of everyone she meets and forever has a place Even though we argue a lot, I do constantly think about in their hearts. She has taught me to be true to myself and how she would handle a certain situation. Her discipline to stand up for what is right, and she continues to do so has influenced me to always make the best decisions. each and every day. Rachel Vazquez: God. He has helped me and guided me throughout my entire life. Without Him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I owe everything I am to Him and I’m so grateful to be a child of God.

Mohammad Raza: The Prophet Mohammad. Religion is an important part of my life and it defines who I am most of the time. As a Muslim, I want to base my life off of his. He always helped the people in need and led a life of peace and honesty.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

2020 Senior Survey

Where will you be in Sept. 2020? How did you reach that decision? What is your career goal?

From left: Matteo Maccarone (Kean University), Adrian Matos (William Paterson University), Lily Zschack (University of Delaware), Mackenzie Sekya (University of Delaware), Jack Louer (SUNY Maritime College), Bridget Riordan (Stockton University), Robert Urban (Mass Maritime College), Sebastian Moreno (Pace University). These seniors have been friends since kindergarten at School #2, then WWMS and then CHS!

Kyle Zlotkowski: I made the decision to stay home and attend Montclair State to pursue a career in the PT field.

Sedrah Rahmoun: Parisian Beauty Academy. When I was in seventh grade, I always knew that I wanted to do something with hair and makeup. Now, I’ve reached half of my goals and my career goal is to open up my own building so when people walk inside, they can be happy and relaxed and most importantly, beautiful! Michelle Teraz: Ramapo College’s campus is a literal park. I hope to become a lawyer before I’m 23-years-old. Salma Saheli: PCCC; a good place to start college.

Daniel Buongiorno: PCCC because of the culinary program. I want to be a chef and maybe a firefighter.

Evelyn Alvarez: A community college to be a graphic designer. I choose this career because I love art and I think that with art, you can express who you are.

Jessica David: William Paterson to major in political science. I wanted to go into a field that will make change and help others. I want to leave a mark on this earth and for people to recognize my name when I die. I chose political science because I want to involve myself to better our country. Everything needs improvement and I am more than willing to help improve our great nation.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Isabel Nemeth: My first year at William Paterson for Business Management and Marketing. Although it was not my first choice school, it is an affordable option for now and I still love the programs and what it has to offer.

Daniel Marriello: NJIT in one way or another. After visiting two years ago, I knew that I belonged there. My career goal is to become a game developer to give back to a community that I already have a passion for. Andrea Dubbels: Columbia University in NYC. I came to my decision due to Columbia’s academic rigor and impressive track and cross country team, which I will be a member of. While I am uncertain of my career goal, I am looking into studying Astronomy and Creative Writing. Ryca Sese: I am preparing to enlist in the US Army this October. This decision was not an easy one, but during this pandemic I was given plenty of time to think and I’ve decided it’s the best option for me moving forward. When I return from active service, I hope to continue my education and work toward my career goal of becoming a future educator. Grace Shukaitis: Playing softball and studying Radio, Film and Television at Rowan University. I came to this decision because their campus is beautiful and it feels like the right place to be.

Tracy Termyna: (Signing I Love You and holding her acceptance letter from Bloomsburg University) I will pursue a dual major of Deaf Education/Early Childhood Education. Finding the right school for my exact major was a struggle, but with help from my sign language teacher, Mrs. Lesler, and my parents, I was able to find the right school for me. My career goal is to be a teacher. Valentina Alfaro: At PCCC studying to be a journalist.

Christina McCoy: Caldwell University has a small, caring campus that felt like home. I will double major in elementary education and psychology to get a master’s degree in both fields so that I can be an elementary school teacher and later a school counselor, perhaps a principal. Alexa Dominguez: In an airline academy to become a flight attendant. I love to travel and want to see the world. Sean Cruz: William Paterson majoring in biology. I reached that decision because my bio teacher was amazing and I hope to be a biology teacher.

Luciana Candeias: I will be at Eastern International College. I wanted a small, affordable college that had a bachelor’s degree for sonography in New Jersey. This school is the only school that has all of my needs. My career goal is to be a sonographer and become wealthy enough to quit and own my own beauty salon. Cassidy Rubio: At Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. I really enjoyed visiting the campus and there are plenty of majors to choose from. Overall, I liked the feeling I got from Lehigh and I will be a potential international relations major, but I’m not sure what my career goal is.

Brianna Rubio: I chose Monmouth because I was offered an athletic/academic scholarship to run track that covers the full tuition. I plan to major in political science and I am considering a career in law. Matthew Rodriguez: Berkeley College to get my associate’s degree and later enter a police academy, get recruited to a department, and then come back to finish my last two years of college. My goal is to be investigating narcotics cases and catching child predators.

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

Joseph Rivera and Sadie Bevando received scholarships from the Theater League of Clifton; Jaden Fortuna, Nuha Atallah.

Sadie Bevando: I will be studying Theater Production and Design at MSU. I began studying theater design at CHS knowing my time would be short there, I made sure to cram in as many experiences as possible. In two years, I received so much more than one can imagine. During that time I got to reunite with old friends and connect with new teachers who are passionate and care about their students. I involved myself in school activities and worked together with other students on projects that got the gears in our minds churning. Clifton High opened my eyes to the world of backstage theater..

Joseph Rivera II: My plans are to be a film director. The Television and Digital Media program at MSU will allow build my career in film. I’ll broaden my skills editing software, understanding what is needed at a film site, and producing content people will watch and enjoy. CAST was the biggest thing I was a part of in CHS. It taught me a lot with video recording and editing and the influencer for me to choose what I wanted to pursue in life. Allison Giust: Emerson College in Boston, one of my top three choices because of its awesome film program. My career goal is to become a screenwriter and director.

Lexie Anaya: I will be attending Montclair State University, although originally I wanted to attend an out-of-state college. I made this decision in order to be close to New York and pursue my modeling career. My future career goal is in criminal justice. Sabrina Budhu: In September, I will be attending Rutgers University - New Brunswick as a finance major. I hope to become a financial analyst one day.

Marek Maciejewski: I will be attending Seton Hall University to double major in civil engineering and physics. I reached this decision by seeing that SHU offers the best opportunities to succeed out of the schools that I selected. My career goal is to one day live and work comfortably as the head of my own civil engineering firm.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Nuha Atallah: Eastwick College, Surgical Technology.

Jaden Fortuna: William Paterson University to become a software engineer or a computer network specialist.

Jack Louer: I will be at Maritime College to study marine engineering. I will be obtaining a Coast Guard License and receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in marine engineering. I have been interested in the Maritime Industry ever since I visited my brother at Maritime College. My father also works in the Maritime industry. Carol Arantxa Martinez: Temple University. I love Philadelphia and the environment of the school. From what I have seen, Temple gives a lot back to their students and is diverse, much like CHS. My best friend Eric is coincidentally also attending, so bonus points. I will be majoring in health professions and deciding on majoring in medicine or veterinary medicine in the future. Lily Zschack: The University of Delaware. I’m majoring in exercise science to become a physical therapist.

Leila Ettayebi: Rutgers Newark School of Criminal Justice. I will be playing on their women’s soccer team, too. I hope to become a corporate lawyer. Melissa Wydak: Felician University, majoring in biology on the pre-med track and playing division two volleyball. My overall career goal is to become a surgeon; specifically a neurosurgeon. Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to go into the medical field and after spending my summer interning at Valley Hospital, I know for sure that working in the medical field is for me. Ralph Ramayoni: Montclair State University. I was able to reach that decision because MSU was a good fit financially and its location would help me focus on my career. My career goal is to be a certified public accountant. Jackmilan Lopez: PCCC and ultimately, Montclair State University. I want to major in criminal justice. Tirth Patel: Bergen Community College.

2020 Senior Survey

Where will you be in Sept. 2020? How did you reach that decision? What is your career goal? Mykel Montanez: Hopefully, I will be in trade school pursuing my goal of being a HVAC technician.

Mohammad Mohammad: PCCC and then after that, I’ll head to NJIT. My career goal is to hopefully be a computer engineer or a police officer!

Tasneem Musa: Passaic County Community College studying ultrasound. I just found it really interesting and nice to distribute the news to new parents.

Beanka Beechan: I will be in St. Thomas USVI. It took me a year to decide if I wanted to stay in the states or go back home. I visited last summer and since moving to NJ after my home was hit by two hurricanes three years ago, my decision was purely based on current circumstances. My career goal is to build a successful business.

Michelle Urrego: Montclair State University! After much hard thought, I decided to stay close to home and go after my dream in the medical field. Ameer Ijbara: PCCC. It was the best way to start my career. I would like to study business and marketing.

Nadir Ahmed: Rutgers New Brunswick, with a major of pre-med. I intend to become a doctor and decided that in order to achieve that dream, I should go to Rutgers.

Hannah Kulesa: Seton Hall to study occupational therapy and help children through their disabilities.

Julia M. Montes: I hope to be in college. I made that decision because I want to be somebody in life. My true goal is to prove to my mom that although she gave up everything back in our native country, none of her sacrifices were taken for granted. Thanks to her, I am who I am today and that I will never be able to repay what she has done for me or for my siblings. Brandan Sanchez: Montclair State because I received a scholarship with the goal of becoming an accountant.

Ricky Dhar: Rutgers-Newark School of Business. Although I have not yet decided on a major, I know that I will be at a great school to figure that out. I’niah Mann: PCCC for an associate’s and then Parisian Beauty Academy. Once I complete my 1,200 hours at beauty school, I would then like to open my own salon.

Rachel Vazquez: PCCC majoring in Early Childhood Education so I can stay with my family and continue being here for them. I want to be a preschool teacher and make a positive impact on our future generation. Robert Urban: Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

Memorial Day, May 25, 2020, at the War Monument in Downtown Clifton. While the solemn event usually attracts hundreds, this group laid a wreath, placed flags and remembered The Fallen—the 300 plus Cliftonites who gave their lives while in the service of our nation during WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq.

Main Memorial Park in Downtown Clifton is looking better than it has in years. The legendary Racy’s Pond at the center of the park is home to many fish, turtles and serves as an active landing strip for waterfowl. Walkers and joggers are finding the pathways around the park an enjoyable place to stroll. And despite the high traffic, the park and pond remain clean thanks to the hard work by DPW crews and community volunteers.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Racy’s Pond in Main Memorial Park has really cleaned up— just ask Daniel Feliciano (above) and Lucas Loucopolos. After doing their online school work from CCMS, the 7th graders fish, catch and release at the Downtown park.

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

Even though the Theater League of Clifton has postponed its spring production of the musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Mark Peterson, president, said that the organization remains active behind the scenes. The board of TLC recently awarded its annual scholarship program for two outstanding CHS students (see page 62) involved in the theatrical/performing arts. Peterson said he’s hopeful there will be a mainstage production and other events in the fall, based on the evolving Covid-19 situation. “Keeping in mind the safety and well-being of our patrons, the Theater League will resume staging our productions in accordance with the guidelines given by Governor Murphy.” Updates and info at: theaterleagueofclifton.com Passaic County’s Complete Count Committee continues to encourage response to the 2020 U.S. Census, due to be completed by Oct. 31. “We held five Facebook live events in the most spoken languages in Passaic County,” said Chair and Freeholder Director John Bartlett. Events focused on themes of education, business, social services and seniors. There’s also commercials on cable in various languages and resources sent to clergy to share with the faithful. Census data collected affects how $900 billion in federal funds will be allocated through 2030, he explained. “Those funds support a lot of the services for health care and education, areas where we’re seeing providers stretched thin and challenged to meet everyone’s needs. The most important things we can do now,” added Bartlett, are “respond to the Census if you haven’t already, and call friends and family to make sure they did too.” More info at www.passaiccountynj.org/census.

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Mark Peterson (left) and John Traier, the president and treasurer of the Theater League of Clifton

Assemblyman Thomas Giblin has introduced legislation for an insulin assistance program for individuals who need help acquiring their medication. Under the bill (A-4155), those without health insurance would receive assistance in acquiring their medicine. “Nearly 45 percent of NJ residents who lost their lives due to COVID-19 also had an underlying condition of Diabetes Mellitus,” said Giblin. “Their chances might have improved if their diabetes was well-managed.” Poorly managed diabetes leads to high blood sugar, which can suppress the immune system and ultimately make it harder for the body to fight off infections. As such, a well-managed condition can decrease the risk of worse COVID-19 symptoms. However, an estimated 1 in 4 Americans are unable to afford their insulin medication, which is key to treating and managing diabetes.

Cliftonmagazine.com • June 2020

Birthdays & Celebrations - June 2020

Daniel Sotamba turns 7 on June 30. Michael & Rosemary Baran celebrated their 26th anniversary on May 7. Emma, Olivia & Victoria Green turn 14 on June 24. Ashley Parsons hits 30 on June 13. God Bless Saba Ralli who is 23 on June 16. Writer Jack De Vries will be 63 on June 25.

Happy Birthday to.... Send dates & names .... tomhawrylko@optonline.net Bob & Alice DeLiberto will be married 33 years on June 27. Special blessings to their parents Dorothy & Joseph DeLiberto who also celebrate—their 66th anniversary!—also on June 27. Alan & Carolyn Spoto celebrate 35 years of marriage on June 9th. Happy 38th Anniversary to Eileen & Ed Gasior on June 5. Vinny Dalbo....................... Holly Kocsis....................... Timmy Spears..................... Tatianna Ayoub................... Jonathan Borrajo................. Denise Magaster................. John Traier......................... Karl Aponte........................ Thomas Lesch..................... Michael Musto....................

6/1 6/1 6/1 6/2 6/2 6/2 6/2 6/3 6/4 6/4

June 2020 • Cliftonmagazine.com

Emma Nysk........................ 6/5 Brian Coleman................... 6/6 Rob Cone.......................... 6/6 Samantha Malenchak.......... 6/6 Koreana Sabo.................... 6/8 Robert Ciallella................... 6/9 Ava Nicole Genardi............ 6/9 Jaime Zapata-Rosas............. 6/9 Larry Grasso.................... 6/10 Javier Pachas-Nemoto........ 6/10

Joey Randazzo................. Nicole Carreno................. Margaret Nysk................. Adam Soder..................... Monica Baquerizo............ Cindy Brevic Goldstein...... Steven Hatala, Sr.............. Anna Jurgowski................ Christopher Stetz............... Christopher Zaccone.........

6/10 6/11 6/11 6/11 6/13 6/13 6/13 6/13 6/13 6/13

Emma and Istvan Tamas celebrate their 51st anniversary on June 18. Andrew Bandurski............. Jennifer Liddle................... Danielle Dvorak................ Derek Dvorak................... Stephanie Dvorak............. Jane Justin........................ Kristina Marchesani........... Joseph Peterson................ Raymond Kuruc................ Rafelina Reyes.................. Tabitha Sosa..................... Jim Schubert Sr................. Aileen Haight................... Alexander Conklin............ Joseph Hrina.................... Nella Baquerizo............... Mike Skurski..................... Brittany Martorella............ Connie Musleh................. Daniel Marriello................ Susan McDonald.............. Walter Vladyka................. Marco Greco................... Kristen Murcko.................. Mason Immersi................. Monica Szewczyk............. Robert Conklin.................. Christopher Lucas..............

6/14 6/15 6/16 6/16 6/16 6/16 6/16 6/16 6/18 6/18 6/18 6/18 6/20 6/22 6/23 6/24 6/24 6/25 6/26 6/27 6/27 6/27 6/28 6/28 6/29 6/29 6/30 6/30 Cliftonmagazine.com â&#x20AC;˘ June 2020â&#x20AC;&#x192;

Belated Greetings

Gia Camille Genardi was 20 on May 2 and her sister Ava Nicole, graduated Delaware U and turns 22 on June 9. Theresa Bivaletz and Nolan Back were married on May 1. David and Rose Mary Young celebrated their 62nd anniversary on April 19. Brian Bender, CHS 2011, was engaged to Kayla Gonzalez, of Hackettstown on April 6.

Kristy and Ihor Andruch celebrated 18 years of marriage on May 4. Their son Stefan Andruch turned 16 on May 3.

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June 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ Cliftonmagazine.com

SAFE AND STRONG

TOGETHER Creating a safe environment for all your healthcare needs. That was our mission before the pandemic. That was our mission during the pandemic. That remains our mission…today and every day.

What You Need to Know

About Returning to Healthcare Services We want to assure you that our hospitals, doctors’ offices and services are safe, open and available to you. For your continued good health and ongoing protection, we have made several modifications and enhancements at all of our facilities:

Screening: all patients’ temperature screened upon entry; every employee screened at start of work day Hygiene Stations: at all entrances offering complimentary masks, hand sanitizer and precaution information

6 ft.

Social Distancing: redesigned public entrances to ensure a protective flow and distancing in all areas Clean Environment: all facilities cleaned and disinfected continuously, following strict procedures and guidelines

If you have questions about an upcoming visit or procedure, please call and speak with a patient navigator anytime between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:30 pm at (833) 913-2758. Sponsored by The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth

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