Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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Table of Contents
What’s Inside? 10 They Did The Right Thing Unsung Heroes Get a Little Shine
18 Remembering Maria Kutyla ...at Prom, Commencement & Forever
26 Greatest Achievements Seniors Tell of Their Milestones
100 Memorial Day Photos We so enjoy this edition as we tell the stories of our high school grads as they move forward from the first chapter of their lives. For the next 90 pages, you will read comments and see photos of kids from all area high schools as they tell of their accomplishments or share stories from their first 12 years of education. God Bless the Class of 2015!
38 Kids Still Love Auto Shop Classes That Help Shape Careers
52 Making Change After School Working To Buy Cars & Much More
68 Mentors & Great Role Models Mom & Dad Always Trusted Advisors
84 September Plans Plotted
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Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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Singing praises of Tom Barile, senior trumpet player, CHS Mustang Marching Band By Michael C. Gabriele We typically think of heroes as legendary figures associated with military campaigns, pro sports, politics or great social causes. Their names and deeds have been documented in history and in books, etched into monuments and curated by museums. These are people lauded for their accomplishments, courage and dedication. But then there are ‘quiet’ heroes, the ‘ordinary’ people who, in their own mild-mannered way, rise to the occasion and do extraordinary things. Over the last few weeks we have asked seniors and teachers to tell us of Class of 2015 high school students who fit that bill. Many are kids like CHS senior Tom Barile whose heroic deed may be a simple act of kindness, friendship, honesty or community service. On the following pages you’ll find a collection of comments by peers that will sing the praises of unsung heroes in Clifton. We hope you’ll enjoy what they have to say.
Congratulations, Grads! The future lies before you, Like a field of driven snow. Be careful how you tread it, For every step will show. ~Author Unknown
Passaic County Clerk
Kristin Corrado 6 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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CLASS OF
2015
Asked to select a quiet hero from the ranks of the CHS Mustang Marching Band, Cody Holody, band director and music teacher, chose Tom Barile, a senior trumpet player. “Tom is without a doubt one of the most dedicated students in the entire band program,” Holody said. “A very short time ago he came to the realization that music was what he wanted to spend the rest of his life doing, whether that means becoming a professional musician or an educator.” Barile performs in the Mustang Marching Band, concert band, jazz band, full orchestra and pit orchestra. Holody explained that while Barile doesn’t hold an ‘official’ leadership position in the Mustang band, “he has spent a large amount of time before and after rehearsals discussing ideas with directors, holding music tests for younger members, studying the literature performed in the ensembles. He takes such care and pride in what he does as a musician and as part of the organization, continued Holody. “He naturally takes an interest in the younger members of the band, encouraging them to better themselves for the good of the group and effectively transfers his passion for excellence in the arts onto them.” When told of Holody’s impressions, Barile smiled and modestly admitted he does take pride in working with younger musicians. “I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned over the years,” he said. “I do my best to motivate them.” He told the story of a recent orchestra rehearsal, when he gave an on-the-spot pep talk to an uneasy flute player. “She was having problems with one section of the music and feeling nervous. I convinced her that she could play it, and she did.” Barile said his love for music took shape during his junior year while performing in the pit band during the 2014 CHS production of Shrek the Musical. “It was the first time I ever played in a pit band,” he recalled. “Something just hit me from that experience. I fell in love with the entire production and the process of the show.” 8 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
On the eve of graduation as a member of the CHS Class of 2015, Barile now knows music will be a big part of his future, just as Holody observed. “I haven’t thought about becoming a teacher, but it’s possible,” he said. “I’ve never been the best student, but I do what I can.” His near-term goals call for attending Passaic County Community College as a first step to getting his four-year degree. As far as employment, he also plans to audition for the brass ensemble of Medieval Times in Lyndhust. Who knows, perhaps we’ll soon hear this Mustang call the knights to joust in the Meadowlands...
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Mike Orsita, Malak Badeer, Narina Savas, Faith de Vergara, Joudi Amraia, Samantha Declet
Who does the right thing when no one is watching? We asked graduating seniors who attend CHS, St. Mary High School, Queen of Peace, PCTI, Paramus Catholic, St. Joseph’s Regional and other schools to tell us about everyday people doing extraordinary acts of kindness.
My unsung hero is Kyle Chupick (right). He honestly is a great friend and person. He is very caring and always has good intentions for everyone. - Mike Orsita
Jennifer Zuniga (above) is a hardworking girl devoted to her religious affiliation. She is a great and passionate leader in her own way.
The unsung hero of CHS is my friend Lovely Mercado (left). I chose Lovely because she’s been a loyal and supportive friend since kindergarten and I believe that having a friend like her is important and hard to find.
- Faith Senecca de Vergara
- Samantha Declet
Katia Bermejo: The unsung hero is that friend who may or may not be friends with you, but you know they exist. Their existence will have some impact on you today if you still remember them, for you know what reason. That’s what makes them special. Narina Savas: Courtney Licata. She always tries and is always willing to help. 10 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Summer Zheng (right) is friendly and always has the time to offer his assistance to other students no matter how busy he is. He participates in school events and works very doggedly to maintain a high grade point average. He also helps his mother and father’s Chinese food business. He manages to find time to hang out with friends when he’s not busy and is a kind person to everyone. - Abdalah Zidan
Vanessa Hernandez taught me that... the people who talk the least are often the wisest because they sit back and observe. - Malak Badeer
Amany Bidas (above) because she lost both of her parents in high school and still maintained her good grades and honor roll.
Malak Badeer: The hero of my class is Vanessa Hernandez. Vanessa is a very quiet, collected and wise young lady. She taught me many life lessons such as the people who talk the least are often the wisest because they sit back and observe. Vanessa is one of the most compassionate and unique gifts that I got from PCTI.
Andrew Sanz: Lenny Contreias because he got me really involved and focused on various, different things throughout the year. Chelsea Jones: While she wasn’t noticed, Daphne Dannenfelse pushed people to be the best that they can be and she has always been a positive person.
- Joudi Amraia Cassidy DeProspo: Tyler Anzalone is our unsung hero at St. Mary. He’s not just my close friend, but a good and genuine person. As class president, he always brings a positive and fun atmosphere to all of the students. It’s never a dull moment when he’s around. Alison Almiron: Aamir Ali. He is so smart and has had a challenging life, yet he continues to strive for greatness. Kaori Suzuki: Aamir Ali is a genius behind the shadows. Despite his challenging life, he was able to excell in many hard classes. Jennifer Zuniga: Someone that I truly admired is Faith Senecca de Vergara... always loving, dedicated and ambitious to succeed. Shivani Topiwala: Jennifer Zuniga because she is focused with her academics as well as her religious affiliation.
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Michael Valentine: Chelsea Jones is unique, bright and friendly. Matthew Ferko: Mark Glodava. Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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Having worked at Lincoln Park Bank and being chosen for National Honor Society, Lindsey Pena has been an unsung hero. Her work ethic is unmatched and she deserves recognition for her achievements. - Michael Kobylarz I am so proud of who Michael Kobylarz has become. Holding various leadership positions in multiple clubs has not affected his work ethic or his ability to stay at the top of our class. His work ethic and relentless pursuit of success gives me encouragement to be the best person that I can be. I admire his heart of gold and his willingness to serve and help others. He is one of my role models and I could not be more thankful to have met him. - Lindsey Pena
Ciary Bonilla (above) is so kind and helping and I have gotten to be very close with in the past six years. She deserves to be noticed.
Bhargav Desai (right) may get recognition for being a star athlete, but I don’t think he gets recognized as much as he deserves. He has straight A’s in all of his classes. He plays the viola in the CHS orchestra and the New Jersey symphony orchestra. He is definitely a hero for going to practices after school everyday for track, going to rehearsals right after on Mondays and Thursdays, going home to study/do homework and still finding time to maintain a social life; all while acing all of his AP/Honors classes. - Adriana Hernandez
- Alexia Maldonado Nicholas Salgado: I would say that the unsung hero would not be a person, but all of the seniors in my graduation class. Every senior is their own hero, not just one person. Ivan Nogalo: All of the students who have such a great gift of something or things that they enjoy doing, but hide from the public.
Miral Zakaria: All of the kids who weren’t an athlete, in band, or going out with the most popular guy or girl. Amy Philhower: Michael Orsita is the unsung hero because he is a hard worker, an outgoing person and tries very hard.
Henry Inoa: Kevin from Central. He has always had gum since the day I met him and always shares.
Brandon Rosario: Justin Maria because he has done behind the scenes stuff for shows and concerts, and he also started his own band.
Zachary Sjosward: Mike Valido for getting accepted to Tampa.
Lenny Contreias: Amanda Rosa is always hard-working.
12 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Bryan Martinez: Deep Shaw, for being so chill and having a cool name. Angel Almazo: Eric Dobal is a really good friend and really laid back. Valeria Carabali: Shakira Polanco because she is always on time in her classes, she is never absent and she always does the right thing. Verenice Martinez: I think that everyone is the unsung hero. Tina Quisn: Yessica Albuquerque. She brings out the weird in people and gets people to smile.
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Daniel Peltyszyn: The Mechanical Mustangs, the CHS robotics team, deserves far more attention than it currently receives. What they do is truly amazing.
Mechanical Mustangs from the front left: Caroline Ruiz, Manny Garcia, Janice Hurtado, Sebastian Toledo, Naidat Deeb. Rear: Evelina Stepien, Carlos DeJesus, Ruben Giglio, Dominic Estanislao, Andy Nguyen, Frank Richardson IV. Not Pictured: Julia Ruiz and advisor, Monique Dituri.
Jezibeli Garcia: I will say Ivetter Hernandez. She is one of the best people in my life that has always been pushing me forward. She is the nicest and friendliest person out there. Once you meet her you will love her. She also has good intentions for others and wants others to achieve their goals.
Jaskany Abreu: Sabrina Pineda will always put her friends first and will do anything to make you smile at your lowest. She is an amazing singer and a true friend. Rishon Levi Glad Dizon: Amir ElZagheh is a smart hard worker. Wellson Abellard: Emily Adamez. She is a kind individual and selfless. She is also a real hard worker and very funny.
Nour Ramadan: Sara Saleh. Saba Ralli: Tina Quispe because she is an awesome artist. Carolina Jimenez: Michelle Gregorio. She’s such a sweet, unique person who works so hard in class and at work. David Nguyen: Brian Semarile because he is an amazing soccer player and he does not get the credit he deserves for playing so well. Michael Puglisi: Naidat Deet always helped with people’s problems even when she didn’t have to. 14 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Samantha Zalewska (above) is one of the smartest, dedicated and hard-working people I know. She’s kind and always puts her school work first. There’s no doubt that she’ll achieve abundant success.
Felix Rosario: Charbel Boudaher. Yanira Vasquez: My older sister Adly Ortiz is always there for her friends and family. I know inside that she’s smart and confident.
Jania Rosario: Deziree Garcia.
Charbel Boudaher: I would say myself because “no one has my back like I have my own.” I do things to look back and say, “I did that.”
Brian Romero: Angel Morte. He is a talented young writer.
Andrea Garcia: Maldonado.
- Mari Angel Rodriguez
Alexia
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Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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Nicholos Gornuto: Ivas Tornes is an inspirational being. Melanie Vega: I was my own hero. I got myself through everything and picked myself back up when I was down. I also taught and helped myself when no one else could. Craig Wheeler: Rory Houston he’s legit and Division 1 in Track. Hudeyl Waqlias.
Alastar:
Philistian
Alfred Deaca: Adrian Glowka. Ximena De Leon: Brittany Gamarra because she is different.
Ryan Giust: Roman Chyshkevych is one of my closest friends who always makes his school work a priority.
Stephanie Marie Farfan: Ruben Giglio is the sweetest, most friendliest kid ever, but never seems to get enough recognition.
Aalliyah Brown-Felicians: I don’t really know anyone like this, but I give the title to the creative people in this school for the things that they come up with.
Shea Harris: Maharsh Barot’s dedication to his studies and community are unparalleled.
Hanny Fulgencio: Shauira. She is not popular, but she does get honor and deserves more. Austin Rio: Huji Castro. His pleasant nature and kindly manner sparks within the masses a sense of optimism that grants them the vigor to move forward. Kevin Mora: Christian Duffy is unique with a potential to be heard and succeed.
Mateusz Lesniowski: Brandon Lopez is going straight to boot camp and I want to wish him luck so he qualifies as a hero. Daliyah Pierson: Natalie Ponce is unique because of her witty and fast comebacks. Her sarcasm made my day. She helped me get through my senior year. Thanks Nat! Hussam Farhan: Matt Ferko, for being a quiet, shy man who can instantly transform himself into an ambitious, strong man.
Joe Castellano, Gary Hicks, Andre Garcia, George DeBoer, Rocky Natoli, Mike Del Vecchio, Frank Iuele, Bogdan Krysyna.
Andre Garcia: The table cleaners (above with Andre).. Usually after we finish lunch, there is a big mess. They clear our mess and they might hate doing it, but they do it with a smile on their faces. Also, they never seem to complain about clearing the cafe. More people should recognize and appreciate the work that these people do at CHS. I work at the Dunkin’ Donut’s in Corrado’s and I clean up after customers. My work is relatable to the 16 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
table cleaners and has given me a stronger appreciation for their daily effort so I want to recognize them and say thanks. Next year, I will be studying accounting at William Paterson University. I selected accounting as a major because when you are in the workforce you don’t have to look for clients. There are always people looking for the services of accountants, therefore I will always be sought out by people who need help.
St. Mary High School 64 Chestnut St., Rutherford, NJ 07070 201-933-5220 • www.stmaryhs.org
Your Small, Personal, Catholic Choice We’re St. Mary High School, The Gaels, and we are proudly
‘Small, Personal and Catholic’
Congratulations and God’s Blessing to our graduating seniors who are residents of Clifton. Chelsea Jones Kyle Lucianin Michael Valentine Guy Madsen Dino Bradaric
Jordan Tlusty Rachel Crespo Cassidy DeProspo Caroline Solek
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Consider our Gael For a Day program. Prospective students spend a day ‘shadowing’ a Gael throughout an ‘average’ school day at St. Mary. To schedule a time, call John Taormina, our Admissions Director, at 201-933-5220, x220 or jtaormina@stmaryhs.org. Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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From left, Sofiya Nedelcheva, Maria Kutyla, Jessica Goldberg, Angela Meneghin, Slavka Simic, Anna Stroinski and Angelica Flores.
In the Summer of 2013, CHS students Jessica Goldberg, Slavka Simic, Olivia Rosenberg, Mari Angel Rodriguez, Amber Helou and myself organized a fundraiser for our friend, Maria Kutyla, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma. We raised over $50,000 through online donations, a luncheon and a garage sale. The funds raised were used to help ease the medical expenses of Maria and her family. Unfortunately, on Oct. 19, 2013, Maria passed away from her cancer. However, the town knew her,
supported her and helped her as much as they could. Personal get well soon cards and even DVD seasons of her favorite show were sent to her house. Maria brought the community together. Maria is remembered during the college application and acceptance process. She is remembered during prom and scholarship night. She is remembered during AP tests and during graduation. Maria Kutyla is and will forever be remembered by the Class of 2015. - Anna Stroinski
Someone who will not be sitting on the field, waiting to graduate with us. Maria had so many great attributes. She was brave, extremely positive, perseverant and compassionate. She was the type of girl to drop everything in order to help her friends. When she became ill, her friends did everything that they could to do the same for her. Even though Maria is not with us anymore, I know that her beautiful legacy will live on. - Samantha Zalewska My dearest friend Maria Kutyla remains my greatest influence. I was grateful for knowing her and having a great friendship with her as the years went by. I had numerous classes with her during freshman and sophomore years. Although she may have seemed like a quiet person, she was very active and had the best sportsmanship. Despite not being with us today, she is definitely in my heart and I will truly remember her forever. - Joohi Rana 18 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Although Maria did not make it to senior year, I still feel her presence. She was always there for her friends when they needed someone to cheer them up or cheer them on. She’s a large reason why myself and many others have been successful during high school. Her strength against her disease taught us how to be strong during our own tough times. Most importantly, her beautiful smile and silly demeanor could make anyone happy. - Jessica Goldberg Even though she passed away, Maria Kutyla continues to inspire me to live an altruistic lifestyle. - Mari Angel Rodriguez
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Class of 2015
Clifton’s Tiffany Daniels was co-valedictorian of the Class of 2015 at Passaic County Community College. She delivered the valedictory address at the morning Commencement on May 21 on the Paterson campus. “I didn’t expect it,” Daniels said of being chosen as valedictorian from a class of over 1,000. A 2013 grad of Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI), Daniels was recognized as a NJ Star, an honor for high school grads who are academically near the top of their class. The honor comes with free tuition to community college. Graduating PCTI, she planned to attend WPU but instead enrolled in PCCC to take advantage of the tuition scholarship. “As time progressed, I realized it’s been the best experience ever,” said Daniels. “At PCCC, I learned who I am, what I want to do, and where I want to go,” she explained. “I didn’t know that before.” Daniels, who received her Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Technology/Networking with highest honors, is also the first female valedictorian at PCCC to graduate with an Information Technology degree, a fact she stressed in her powerful speech. “I am a proud woman in the technology field, which is dominated by men,” she said. “There will be competition and people trying to see me fail because I am a woman. This will not stop me, nor should it stop any woman from going after what they want.” In her speech, Daniels described the hurdles and failures she encountered on the road to becoming an honor student and urged others not to let obstacles stop them. “It is easy to believe that the possible is impossible; nevertheless I made sure that even if that were the case, I would still continue moving forward.” Daniels also won the CIS Information Technology Graduate Achievement Award and the Graduate Leadership Award, among other accolades.
As part of her degree studies, Daniels worked an internship at Bergen County Technical Institute (BCTI) where she traveled with a network team among the school’s various campuses working on computers. She’ll be doing much more of it soon, since her work impressed BCTI enough to offer her a job this summer. “This time, it will be more hands-on,” she said. “I’m really excited about that.” Daniels will continue her studies toward a bachelor’s degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University this fall where she will major in Information Technology and minor in computer forensics, “I feel honored I was selected to be valedictorian and blessed to have met the people who helped me through this journey.”
Read more about Tiffany Daniels and learn more about PCCC at pccc.edu 20 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
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Class of 2015
By Ariana Puzzo For Abdalah Zidan, perseverance and integrity are two integral values that all people should aspire to exemplify. Although he has encountered multiple struggles throughout his life, Zidan never lost these strong moral principles. He points to his parents who taught these lessons by always doing the right thing. “One of the most important lessons I learned from being raised by my parents,” stated Zidan, the youngest of ten children, “is there is no greater display of integrity than what you do when nobody’s looking. Life will always tempt you to cheat and take shortcuts, but there is no substitute for integrity.” He continued: “If you really believe in something, defend it tooth and nail. If you make a commitment, deliver 110 percent.” Abdalah Zidan reading his favorite book Grendel. with english teacher Orly Saddik.
22 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
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Class of 2015 The personable and friendly grad has a variety of interests. Among them: he is active in his mosque, has practiced Tae-Kwon-Do for over 10 years with Master Elliott Durham at Quality Martial Arts and played piano for many years. “My most fond memory of CHS was freshman year when I played the piano at the talent show. I played so well by the end of my performance the audience was roaring and two friends of mine ran on stage and carried me off as I waved goodbye and thanked the crowd.” While he enjoyed tickling the ivories, he had to make a decision to either continue to practice or go to work. He went practical instead of artistic. For the past year he was a fish monger in the Seafood Department of the Paulison Avenue ShopRite. “I learned how to cook many seafood dishes and I developed very good interpersonal skills,” he said. “My boss Fidel Urbina is a great manager as well and I couldn’t have asked for a better supervisor.” What will he miss at CHS? “My English IV Honors teacher Ms. Saddik. She is a very sweet, intelligent and passionate woman who loves teaching. I’m so happy to know someone who is so interesting and caring. It actually hurts to say goodbye.”
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He said Mr. Bell’s US History II class was his favorite because Bell is a very intelligent and interesting teacher. “Also most of my friends were in that class and Mr. Bell is a cool teacher,” he said, adding that he has a fondness for dodging Mr. Ashworth when not wearing his I.D. Zidan will attend Passaic County Community College to get a degree in electrical engineering and expects to be employed by a networking company. “Mathematics has always interested me. As the Clifton curriculum became more complex and difficult it intrigued me because I enjoy the challenge. When my guidance counselor explained how engineering utilizes the mathematical skills we learn and continue to accrue while working on the job I realized my direction,” he explained. He is not sure if he will go on to a four year university or go to a trade school afterwards. “I don’t want to reach a point in my life where I feel limited in terms of fulfillment in my purpose,” he explained. “I want to try to exceed my limits and never settle for less than perfect.” He advises the Class of 2016 to never be discouraged when they face misfortune or adversity. “Even if you fail,” Zidan concluded, “keep in mind that failure is not the opposite of succes, it’s a part of it.”
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Melanie Vega: It may sound like nothing serious, but learning responsibility and growing up more.
Mark Glodava: Being inducted into the National Honor Society. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve. Cassidy DeProspo: Being named student of the month. Many people are in the National Honor Society and other societies, but only a few get this title. Caroline Solek: I am persistent in my dancing career and have not given up. Jordan Tlusty: Going to college to pursue my dream of being a fashion designer. Lindsey Pena: Working hard enough throughout high school so that I will be able to graduate college debt free. Michael Kobylarz: Being chosen to attend the New Jersey State Police Trooper Youth Week. After applying, I was part of a select group of 100 students from all over the state attended the prestigious leadership training. Aleksander Dimitrovski: Participating in 2013 and 2014 in the Navy JROTC Nationals Competition. Jennifer Zuniga: Receiving my CNA certification and hopefully I will soon have my EMT certification as well. Shivani Topiwala: I have been a NJ Girls State Ambassador, placed 17th in the nation on the PCTI Drill Team and I am an assistant graphic designer. Samantha Zalewska: Getting into Princeton because it has been my dream. Brandon Rosario: Graduating. 26 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Daniel Herrera: Winning County’s for the Boys Swim Team led by Coach Montovano and Coach Bobby. They later named me ‘County Champ.’
Rishon Levi: Building a bond with my friends and gaining people that I can always count on.
Roman Chyshkevych: Adapting to a new country was a significant achievement. Mariluz Kanjo: Making it to senior year with honor roll grades. Nicholas Salgado: Finding a new me after temporarily losing myself. Joel Ciccarella: Being involved in sports, receiving a DECA honorable mention and all of my involvement in community jobs. Ivan Nogalo: Working hard throughout school and preparing myself for life. Henry Inoa: Proving a teacher wrong. Miral Zakaria: Growing up and finding myself.
Stephanie Marie Farfan: Paying for my car insurance and bills myself.
Matthew Ferko: Making Varsity Soccer. Amy Philhower: Getting away with wearing leggings and yoga pants while in Mr. Ashworth’s English class. Nour Ramadan: Believing in myself and knowing that I could make it. Zachary Sjosward: Making my parents proud by getting a college grant. Marie Mendoza: Being on Student Council from 8th grade to senior year, maintaining good grades and making honor roll all while maintaining a job. Saba Ralli: Overcoming my stage fright and performing in front of the seniors during their dance concert.
David Nguyen: Winning second place in color guard after only three days of practice.
No sports. No parties. No dating. No phone calls. Like too many other high school kids in the past, get caught just once drinking and driving, doing drugs or the wrong combination of these, and you’re grounded. That’s final. Be smart and be safe as you graduate high school.
James J. Marrocco Manager, NJ Lic No. 3320 Michael A. Waller Director John Opuda Jr. Director
470 Colfax Ave., Clifton
973-249-6111 www.marroccos.com Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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Kaori Suzuki: Managing my time to do my best in sports, clubs and school.
Yanira Vasquez: Moving forward, never giving up.
Hansmeyri Torres: When I came to America in the sixth grade from the Dominican Republic, I couldn’t speak English. Through determination and patience, I learned English in two years. Now a senior at CHS, I was student of the month in March and I am headed to college and I ultimately hope to be an Orthodontist. My goal is to run my own business and to live a good financial life to help support my family.
Giancarlo Richard Osnato: Clifton Hockey achieved two pretty great things this year. Tying with Paramus Catholic and beating Fairlawn for the first time in seven years was one of my greatest achievements and the best I ever played in my high school hockey career. Cesar Diaz: Working really hard and getting good grades in my classes. Joudi Amraia: Saving up and being able to afford to buy my first car.
Jezibeli Garcia: Graduating from high school and making my mom proud. Tina Quisn: Being CIA Club President. Glad Dizon: Making the bball team.
Hussam Farhan: Achieving a place on the Distinguished Honor Roll in my freshman and senior years of high school.
Michael Bondonna: Becoming a Rank Sergeant in the Mustang Marching Band.
Mike Orsita: Sitting in front of Mr. Ashworth’s English class for an entire class period without wearing an ID.
Fabian Rodriguez: Making Distinguished Scholar two times and working hard in order to get there.
Walter Brown: Making myself and my parents happy when I achieved the Distinguished Honor Roll Achievement Award for 2015.
Elaha Saberi: Four years of Distinguished Honors and being inducted into National Honor Society.
Bryan Martinez: Being accepted to RPI. Lenny Contreias: Getting Distinguished Honor Roll for all four years at CHS. Andrew Sanz: Getting on Varsity Track. Angel Almazo: Getting a job.
Laura Yang: Competing at Navy JROTC Nationals in 2013 and 2014. I have never done anything of that caliber before.
Verenice Martinez: Writing a piece for the school newspaper for my journalism class. I’m not very outspoken, but to write something that was important to me, and to really voice my opinion on something that was important to me, was something that I had never experienced before.
Valeria Carabali: Becoming close again with my family and being in this country studying to have a better life.
Chris Guardia: Getting into college. Daniel Peltyszyn: The transition from a class of 11 to a class of 752 students. Allison Szeliga: Being elected Vice President of the student council. I have worked to make school more fulfilling for my peers by helping to host numerous events and in-school activities.
Kim D’Agosta: Making Varsity Softball.
Miriam Kiano: Joining the CHS community. It made me a better person and gave me the chance to shape my future.
Samantha Declet: Balancing school, work, friends and family while managing to be on Honor Roll for four years.
Nicholos Gornuto: Staying friends with Ryan Murphy because we’ve known each other since infancy.
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Sabrina Furia: Never giving up on school. There were times when I slacked off a bit, but I can proudly say that I have never failed a class. Also, a majority of my time at Clifton High, I have made honor roll. Tiani Hibbert: Becoming one of the Clifton High Cheer captains. Charbel Boudaher: Working, graduating high school and working so that I can continue my business. Alexia Maldonado: Being a hardworking student and making it into the Honors Society. Also, making Honor Roll for three years and making my parents proud. Rubi Garcia: Freshman year wasn’t my year, but everyone goes through that and I changed everything around. Junior year I was passing
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“Being selected 1st Team All Passaic County for Track and Field. I came to realize that it’s more difficult to achieve than most people would think. I take pride in my accomplishment and I am grateful to my coaches, teammates and my family for their support at all times. I was proud to be a Mustang and to run for Clifton High School.” - Rory Houston everything. If it wasn’t for changing my life around, I wouldn’t be a senior now. I’m working my butt off to keep everything going well. Andrea Garcia: Learning that without an education, you’ll go nowhere. Craig Wheeler: The transition I made from childhood to adulthood. Daliyah Pierson: My senior year is when I achieved a lot. More often than I expected, I made it through Mr. Ashworth’s class breaking dress code and without wearing an ID.
Katia Bermejo: I didn’t think about graduating until my senior year. In 5th grade, I wanted to be like my sister. Today, I am self-inspired and my own learner and teacher. Andre Garcia: Getting into university and getting a good job by myself. Hudeyl Aalasfar: In middle school, my friends and I made a video about bullying to share with the school and then we did a play for everyone. Ciary Bonilla: Hanging my artwork in the Art Gallery.
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Angela Rodriguez: Graduating and having a career that I like to work in. Something that can make my days better. Alfred Deaca: Being able to save money to get my own car. Benidick Galan: Always having high grades, never anything lower than an 80.
Aalliyah Brown-Felicians: Expanding my English vocabulary. Hanny Fulgencio: Graduation then going on to study in Maryland. Alex Paulino: Achieving Distinguished Honor Roll several times throughout high school. Ximena De Leon: Distinguished Honor Roll all of high school.
Austin Rio: I survived high school. Nicole Wedel: Memorizing and reciting the first 65 digits of pi.
Shea Harris: Passing Mr. Chil’s Honors Chemistry class.
Adriana Hernandez: Being involved helped me realize that I am always willing to help others. I made a lot of friends and I was lucky enough to have close relationships with a few CHS teachers and know that I will be remembered by some.
Mari Angel Rodriguez: Graduating in the top 10% with Distinguished Honors all four years. Also, getting accepted to BU, GWU and TCNJ.
Kyle Chupick: I played baseball in Little League, travel baseball teams and on CHS Varsity. Senior year, I pitched a two-hit shutout against
Harry Termyna: Maintaining a 4.0 GPA and holding a spot in the Top 20 of my graduating class.
Brittany Calderon: I was honored to be named the April Student of the Month at CHS. I am determined and motivated to do everything to the best of my ability. Even when I am done with school, I will always set goals for myself and try my hardest to achieve them. I never truly knew what I wanted to be. As I matured, I’ve realized that many of my friends feel comfortable coming to me for advice, whether it has to do with troubles in their lives including school, family, or friends. Knowing that giving my personal advice helps others has given me the motivation and inspiration to become a psychologist. In the past, I really enjoyed playing Track and Soccer. But over the past two years at CHS, I’ve gained a strong passion for cheerleading. Cheer has not only taught me new, difficult skills, but I have 32 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Eastside. I can honestly say that playing Varsity was one of the most enjoyable parts of my years. Joe Duffy: Being chosen to be a school Ambassador. It is something few students get to be a part of. Paulina Edel: Playing side-by-side with the New Jersey Symphony Ochestra at NJPAC three times. Kevin Jerzy Biernat: Making 1st chair in Region and All-State Honor Bands and being accepted to Ithaca College, University of Denver and Berklee College of Music.
also been able to support Mustang Football and Basketball teams. Competition plays a major role in cheerleading and not every high school has the privilege to compete. I’m proud to say that I’ve experienced this journey with my amazing team. Now I get to share this experience of cheerleading with younger girls who want to pursue their future careers in cheerleading and hopefully, I’ll be able to watch them achieve what I have one day. If I had the chance to meet with incoming Mustang students, I would tell them that this school brings a very strong community together. CHS has many different extra-curricular activities, sports and clubs. The best thing about the high school is that there are many students who attend and it is easy to make new friends. Also, the school contains an amazing staff that all want their students to succeed.
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The Clifton Student Union was founded this past year primarily by Anna Stroinski, Nicole Rodriguez-Rowe, Alaa Khalil, Marissa Dianas and Olivia Rosenberg when they and other CHS students consistently attended and spoke about issues at Board of Education meetings. The Union was also formed by creating a remarkable folder of issues that was undeniably well-received by members of the Board. In April, the Board ok’ed that a non-voting student representative be on the Board and allowed the CSU to be a recognized club. A CHS history reacher has been the advisor since. “The CSU really stands for trying to get greater student voice in decision-making at the high school through organizing for power,” he explained. The Union has been raising funds so it can purchase a Memorial tree to commemorate students that have passed away. The group is also planning its first community service project in June. For 2015, the CSU did not have officers because the group wanted as many voices from the student body as possible.
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Class of 2015
Photo & Story by Sandra Woods Shivani Topiwala is a bright young woman who prides herself on practicing self-motivation to achieve her dreams. This Clifton native of the Allwood Road area attended School #14 and Woodrow Wilson Middle School before coming to PCTI. As a member of the School of Communication Arts, she avidly seeks opportunity in order to pursue personal growth, which accounts for much of her success. Topiwala’s enthusiastic and hardworking attitude has earned her an outstanding 4.4 GPA. She also ranks in the top one percent of the Class of 2015. By extension, it’s no surprise she has achieved Principal’s Honor Roll throughout most of her academic career. Dedication permeates throughout her entire lifestyle. “I only feel comfortable giving 110%. I really look forward to challenging myself.” While attending PCTI, Topiwala has taken 10 Honors courses and four AP classes, earning her a potential 28 credits for use after graduating high school. Aside from her fortitude with stellar grades, Topiwala is also involved in a host of activities. She is a member of PCTI’s NJROTC and serves on the Drill Team.
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In addition, she acts as the Lieutenant ranking Liaison Affairs Officer – a role which dutifully assesses and fosters communication between instructors and cadets. She is also a member of ERASE, National History Club, Gifted & Talented, National Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society. She plays on the Girls Tennis team and was also selected for NJ Girls State. Topiwala showcases great diligence in all of her endeavors. It’s no surprise that she already has plans lined up after graduation. She will attend Rutgers University in New Brunswick and will pursue an education in Biomedical Engineering - an area which focuses on making prosthetics, stem cell research and 3D printing. As a minor, she will dive into the world of Neuroscience as she also plans on pursuing the PreMed track. When asked about the valuable experiences she’s had while attending PCTI, Topiwala said, “This is the closest kind of education a high school student can get to actually being in college. There are so many opportunities to take advantage of, so just go for it.” This creative thinker provides sound advice for future Bulldogs—or anyone thinking about attending PCTI.
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In CHS Auto Tech classes, students have been dissecting a Ford Taurus station wagon and creating an El Camino type car under the tutelage of instructor Richard Alberghini. Several students enrolled in various tech schools after graduation, and others are planning on entering the automotive tech field.
Matthew Ferko: Auto Tech because I fixed my own car.
help and our own work, we were able to score 5’s.
Ethan Nouhan: Although I usually hate math, Freshman Geometry with Mr. Erk made math fun and he also taught us lessons about life. Whenever we finished a lesson for the day, we would just talk. Sometimes he would tell us jokes, other times he would give us advice about the next few years of high school and sometimes we would just relax. His class was one that I looked forward to spending time in every day.
Daniel Herrera: Math because with practice and hard work, solving problems just made sense to me.
Nikola Kamcev: Mrs. Brach’s AP Calculus course. She does an amazing job of teaching tricky math concepts in a comprehensive way. Her class sparked my interest in math and is a large part of the reason that I am considering studying math in college. I took AP Calculus as a junior and was excited to come to her class and learn every day. She encouraged me and classmate, Bhargav Sonani to take the BC Calculus exam (one step up from the AB Calculus course that CHS offers) and with her 38 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Roman Chyshkevych: Biology with Mr. Meck. The subject came naturally to me and he made the class fun. Mariluz Kanjo: Math. Caitlyn Cindy: Mr. Lotito’s History II. I took the class during my junior year and truly enjoyed it. Nicholas Salgado: Mr. Ashworth’s English class. Joel Ciccarella: Environmental Science because it was interesting. We were able to go outside and it was my last year in a class with my friend Brian Counterman, who I’ve known for over 10 years since School 14. Ivan Nogalo: Mr. Alberghini’s Auto Tech. I enjoyed learning about the subject and being with friends. Amy Philhower: Mr. Ashworth’s English class.
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Saba Ralli: My senior year English and Psychology classes. Michael Puglisi: Art classes with Mrs. Maak and Mrs. Karcz seem more like they are trying to help and are not just teachers. Marie Mendoza: Mrs. Roger’s English class and Mrs. Lesler’s Sign Language class. Both teachers made class fun and enjoyable. I would always look forward to going to their classes every day. Mark Glodava: Biology with Mr. Meck. I really enjoy the subject matter and Mr. Meck’s passion for teaching made it very interesting. He used PowerPoint presentations during class, which made it easier to understand. He also knew how to relate to the students to get the most out of them. AP Biology with Mr. Meck made me realize that I would like to pursue Biology as a major in college. Brandon Rosario: Auto Tech because the teacher was good and knew what he is talking about. I also met people with similar interests. Nour Ramadan: English with Mr. Ashworth. He made me work and bust my butt and I am glad for that. Zachary Sjosward: Ms. Gaccione’s English during my junior year. I met a lot of new people. Lenny Contreias: Mr. Romanak’s Surveys of Math class. It was so great because my friends were in the class and Mr. Romanak made math a fun subject to learn. 40 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Valeria Carabali: Geometry because it was a nice class and my teacher would explain everything. She always was happy and I got good grades in the class.
Cesar Diaz: English classes were always my favorite classes.
Kandece Rosario: Senior year gym because staying active and in shape meant so much to me.
Joudi Amraia: Co Op because I gained real life and work experience.
Verenice Martinez: Clothing and Fashion with Miss K.
Mike Orsita: Mrs. Kane’s Survey Math class was really good.
Brianna Labanich: Anatomy and Physiology with Mrs. Carofine. I love learning how the body works. It is amazing how many things can be learned from one body.
Walter Brown: English 4 with Mr. Ashworth. He taught me how to stay focused and be a strong reader.
Narina Savas: I enjoyed Math Survey because the class was easy.
Jezibeli Garcia: Mr. Ashworth’s English. Even though he gave us so many assignments, the way he teaches makes you think about life.
Andrew Sanz: English 4 because my teacher was the best teacher in all of my years of high school.
Tina Quisn: History. I love learning about people’s cultures and about how people’s lives were.
Angel Almazo: English 4 because Mr. Ashworth made a class that I normally find boring, interesting.
Samantha Declet: Band class with Mr. Holody because I love playing music and I’ve learned a lot this year. I also enjoy my sign language class with Mrs. Lesler because I love learning new signs and a new way to communicate in the world.
Bryan Martinez: Mrs. Merizwa’s Math class was my favorite class.
Jessica Goldberg: AP Biology with Mr. Meck and AP Calculus with Ms. Brach. Both teachers made subjects that can be described as difficult and tedious into fun lessons filled with jokes and songs that helped each student remember and understand information. Both classes were truly academic and enjoyable.
Juan Quirino: English class because although I don’t like English, I think that Mr. Ashworth is the best English teacher. I like how he involved life today with the old books that we read.
With Fuse Technology, these Clifton doctors get the full picture of your colon, and that means a more effective Colonoscopy.
Dr. Steven Gronowitz, MD, Dr. Howard B. Baum, MD, Dr. Boris Reydel, MD, Dr. Robert Lintz, MD
Dr. Andrew Boxer, MD, Dr. Natan Krohn, MD, Dr. Bharat Dasani, MD, Dr. Janardhan Bollu, MD
164 Brighton Rd., Clifton
973-859-3700
It’s been 20 years since we’ve seen any real innovation in the medical exam known as colonoscopy. To date, standard scopes give the physician a limited 170 degree field of view. Fuse Full Spectrum Endoscopy is revolutionary in its ability to provide a full 330 degree field of view, giving your gastroenterologist the ability to see more of the colon and thus the ability to detect more pre-cancerous polyps.
Take Control — Act Early — Get Tested Today! Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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Ruben Giglio, Natalie Ponce, Maharsh Barot, Brandon Lopez.
Daniel Peltyszyn: It’s a close tie between Mr. Henry’s U.S. History I Honors and Mr. Chilowicz’s Honors Chemistry. In retrospect, I recognize that those two classes changed my way of thinking and learning.
Tiani Hibbert: My all time favorite class was social studies with Mrs. Plattie and Mr. Klagan at the Annex. Not only did I learn a lot from both teachers, but the class was just so fun. I wanted to learn all the time.
Allison Szeliga: Either my AP Calculus AB class or my AP Micro-Economics class. In AP Calculus, my teacher, Mr. Phelan, made class interesting with his great sense of humor. His class made me realize that even if the content is difficult, a good attitude can help make learning much easier. I also enjoyed AP Micro-Economics taught by Mr. O’Brien because the small class size allowed for a more in-depth type of learning to occur. I also really enjoyed the subject of Economics, which furthered my confidence in my decision to be a Business Major. Both classes made my senior year better than I had expected, for which I thank the two aforementioned teachers.
Miriam Kiano: English with Mr. Ashworth. It’s the only class that I could sit down, not use my phone and actively engage and listen to his wise words.
Sabrina Furia: Junior English when Miss Anselmini substituted our class for half of the year. My best friend Alexis was in the same class, which made English much more enjoyable. Miss A. would always have themed Fridays where we would cook snacks relating to the books that we were reading, or dress up like The Great Gatsby. She made English class bearable and exciting. Giancarlo Richard Osnato: This year I became a member of my favorite teacher, Mr. Lesler’s History club. My favorite subject is History, hands down. I am what some people would call a History wiz because I really love History and have excelled in all the courses that I have taken. I took Honors during my Sophomore and Junior year, but I truly regret not taking a History course this past year. I feel that all of the teachers that I have had in the past really got me into History because all of them made History so interesting, said Osnato, who was named the March Student of the Month. 42 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Sarah Rosenthal: Art because Ms. Maak was always so upbeat and the other students made it entertaining. I was also doing something that I love to do. Lindsey Pena: My business class this year. Mr. Festa, who not only relentlessly encouraged me in everything that I have done, but filled me with laughter every single day. My college professor, Professor Rea, who taught the second part of college accounting this year was also a tremendous help as she answered all of my questions during class, offered valuable insight and advice from her own experiences and wrote letters of recommendations for me. Felix Rosario: Power Mechanics because the class has me working on cars, which is what I love to do. Yanira Vasquez: Cartooning and Illustrating. The class allowed me to find my creative side. My best experience in school was when I learned about JFK’s assassination in Mr. Lesler's Honors History class my Junior year because that topic was taught so well and I had a great time learning about it. I would tell younger students that a lot of the teachers at CHS are determined to get their students to learn and excell and will do anything to accomplish that. I can truly say and would tell them that I have had some of the greatest teachers and that they will always be remembered as the ones who shaped my mind into what it is today. They made me a college student and I will always be thankful.
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Shea Harris: Anthropology with Mr. Carissimo. It was the best class due to his interesting lectures and the peculiar subject matter. Charbel Boudaher: To be honest, I like all of my classes because I learn something new everyday. Rubi Garcia: English 4 because although Mr. Ashworth can be a handful, he tells you how everything is. Also, he gives really good advice when you need it. Nicholos Gornuto: 1st period Auto Tech because we learned things that can be applied everyday. Alexia Maldonado: Mr. Romanak’s Math class. I had him for 2 years and he is a great Math teacher.
Henry Inoa: Mr. Ashworth’s English class because it wasn’t like any other regular English class. He made us think outside of the box and look at both sides of the picture.
Miral Zakaria: Mr. Ashworth’s class because he not only taught me English, but he also taught me and others about life and what we should expect in the future.
Craig Wheeler: English 4 with Mr. Ashworth because of the critical thinking that we had to constantly do.
Melanie Vega: Parenting because it was a class where we were allowed to provide our input. In that class I also made a good friend, Hele Alarcon.
Andre Garcia: Algebra 2. I enjoyed learning about the subject matter and it was also easy to understand.
Daliyah Pierson: Mrs. Rogers’ junior English class. Mrs. Rogers was very sarcastic and she kept our class on our toes, even while we were learning.
Cassidy DeProspo: Film study because of all of the great movies we get to watch. We also got the opportunity to make our own movie, which was really fun.
Michael Valido: My favorite subject is History because it interests me how the past can affect our future, wrote the February Student of the Month. I have always done well in History and my favorite class was American History II Honors with Mr. Lesler. I am a part of the Seniors at Montclair State program, which allows me to take college courses at Montclair State University and attain college credits, along with high school credits. Going into my Freshmen year of college, I will already have 12 credits. In the Fall of 2015, I will start my college experience at the University of Tampa in Florida. Outside of school, my activities include working out in the gym, working on my car and spending 44 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
time with family and friends. I also work at Modell’s Sporting Goods in Clifton. I am considering going into business, finance, or sports management. I plan on achieving my Master’s degree and I hope to live in Florida in the future. If I could meet with younger students, I would definitely inform them about the Seniors at Montclair State program and how beneficial it is. The program gives you a jump-start into the college experience and can even let you have a shorter schedule at the high school. I was able to leave after 4th period. If interested in the program, it is essential to achieve and maintain good grades and to not have any behavioral issues, so plan ahead like I did, and your hard work will pay off.
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Roman Chyshkevych, Sabrina Pineda, Matt Ferko, Christian Duffy.
Hudeyl Aalasfar: I liked many classes, but Junior Lunch and Freshman Science were amazing because both had all of my friends and we made many memories. Alfred Deaca: Art because the class influenced me to choose Architecture as my major. Aalliyah Brown-Felicians: English because I love to read and I’ve always loved creative writing.
Rachel Gergats: Gym during my freshman year because that’s where I met my best friend. Adriana Hernandez: My violin class with Mrs. Babiak. I’ve made a lot of friends in that class and we always shared a lot of great laughs. Paulina Edel: Mr. Lesler’s junior History Honors class. Mr. Lesler’s passion to teach and the in class debates made first period great.
Joe Duffy: Organic Chemistry. Seeing how everything around us is created by using one element as its base fascinates me. Also, my teacher took a difficult course and made it both fun and easy to learn. Jordan Tlusty: Advanced drawing/painting with Mrs. Suchy. The small group of girls made the class great because we weren’t scared to express who we are as artists.
Stephanie Marie Farfan: English with Mr. Ashworth. Our classes always involve random chats that lead or tie into our books. He is definitely my most inspiring teacher. Angela Rodriguez: Fashion class. Hanny Fulgencio: Math. Even though I hate math, I love the way my teacher explained the concepts. Alex Paulino: I enjoyed all of my teachers and the classes I took. Ximena De Leon: My sophomore year Biology class because the class was easy and funny. Harry Termyna: AP Psychology. The topics were interesting, but also challenging, which helped the curriculum gain the respect that it deserved. Ciary Bonilla: Art (ceramics) because I can express myself through my work and the class helped me release stress. Mari Angel Rodriguez: Biology. Mr. Meck knew how to make lessons enjoyable while teaching the material. He inspired me to study science. 46 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
The 61st Annual Clifton Youth Week was held during the week of May 19. Students from Clifton public and private schools are invited to shawdow a city officials for the day to learn how city government works.
Dr. Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD
Dr. Terry McSweeney
Dr. Kazimierz Szczech
Dr. Jeffrey Miller, DPM
Charles Crowley, MD
Podiatry
Chiropractic
Pain Management
Podiatry
Ophthalmology
Smaller and more service oriented than hospitals, patients and their families benefit from the lower cost, convenience and the surgical expertise of our staff and physicians at Clifton Surgery Center.
Dr. Zina Cappiello
Podiatry
Dr. Kevin Buckley
General Surgery
ENDOSCOPY
CHIROPRACTIC
ENT
Piotr Huskowski, MD 1005 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-778-7882
Terry Mc Sweeney, DC 600 Mt. Prospect Ave. Newark, NJ 07104 973-485-2332
Stephen Abrams, MD 1070 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-773-9880
ORTHOPEDICS
UROLOGY
OPHTHALMOLOGY
Kent Lerner, MD 17 Jauncey Ave. No. Arlington, NJ 07031 201-991-9019
Daniel Rice, MD 1001 Clifton, Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-779-7231
Charles Crowley, MD 1033 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-472-6405
PODIATRY
Dr. Daniel Rice, MD
Urology
Dr. Todd Koppel, MD
Pain Management
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD 1033 Clifton, Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-473-3344
John Mc Evoy, DPM 152 Lakeview Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-340-8970
Ladislav Habina, MD 1117 Route 46 East, 2nd Floor Clifton, NJ 07013 973-357-8228
Binod Sinha, MD 1117 Route 46 East, 2nd Floor Clifton, NJ 07013 973-777-5444
Jeffrey Miller, DPM 1117 Route 46 East, 2nd Floor Clifton, NJ 07013 973-365-2208
Kevin Healey, DPM 152 Lakeview Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-340-8970
Kazimierz Szczech, MD 1033 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-473-4400
Todd Koppel, MD 721 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-473-5752
Zina Cappiello, DPM 886 Pompton Ave, Suite A-1 Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 973-857-1184
Matthew Welch, DPM 6506 Park Ave. West New York, NJ 07093 201-662-1122
Glenn Haber, DPM 140 Grand Ave. Englewood, NJ 07631 201-569-0212
Anas Khoury, DPM 235 Main Ave. Passaic, NJ 07066 973-473-6665
GENERAL SURGERY Kevin Buckley, MD 1100 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-778-0100
Edwin Kane, MD 1100 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-778-0100
Call your physiCian about sCheduling your surgery at Clifton surgery Center. Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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“Strings because I've been in that class throughout all four years. It’s a constant in my life. I’ve made most of my friends there and it’s always a fun class... even though Mrs. Babiak is a crab.” Michael Bondonna: Band class. I took Band for all 4 years of high school. I loved playing my saxophone and having the opportunity to perform in many different concerts over the years in high school. Kaori Suzuki: U.S. History because my teacher Mr. Rosenfeld challenged me and helped me. Aleksander Dimitrovski: Criminal Justice. I have been interested in the field since I was 10 years old. Chelsea Jones: Film study. We watch great movies, especially the ones that never get shown in theatres. Kim D’Agosta: Mrs. Lesler’s Sign Language class. She made learning Sign Language enjoyable. Caroline Solek: Art class. It allowed me to discover something new about myself. I now know that I love to paint and develop new creations. Jennifer Zuniga: Academy of Medical Arts. It allowed me to enhance my knowledge and open my eyes to a career path that I want to do. Laura Yang: Mr. Rosenfeld made US History I Honors memorable. He taught in a way that made me want to learn more about history. Malak Badeer: History. I love to learn about the past and other people’s mistakes to avoid repetition. Samantha Zalewska: AP European History with Mr. Rogers. Mr. Rogers always tries to help his students see the big ideas at play in historical and current events. This class has opened my eyes to many of the forces affecting our world. 48 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
- Camille Gomera-Tavarez I play viola for the CHS Orchestra, as well as for the NJSO Youth Orchestras. I am a member of Tri-M Music Honor Society, Stage Crew, Key Club, National Art Honor Society and the Art Gallery Club. My favorite academic subject is English/ Literature because its always been my best subject. I’ve enjoyed reading since I was a child and writing comes naturally to me. I plan to attend either Boston University or the Maryland Institute College of Art in the Fall to study Graphic Design/Communications. I think that my best experience is Relay for Life every year because Tri-M spends all year raising money for cancer research and on that day we get to have fun, dance, relax, eat and celebrate our accomplishment. The best thing about CHS is the diversity in its students, wrote the April Student of the Month. There’s a place for everyone to fit in and all of the groups mingle and mix with each other. You don’t get that in other schools. Rory Houston: CAST with Mr. McCunney. He is one of my favorite teachers at CHS. I love his laid-back teaching style. Both he and my classmates in CAST made my senior year fun and memorable. Elaha Saberi: Art because the class was a chill period where I got to do what I enjoy and I was also able to receive a good grade. David Nguyen: This year’s English class with Mr. Ashworth. He makes us think about how the books we read relate to life. Salwa Ramadan: Mr. Ashworth’s English class. It was great because you can say whatever is on your mind. He not only taught me about literature, but also about life. Glad Dizon: Mr. Lesler’s Honors class because it challenged me.
Andrea Garcia: I loved Craft. Carolina Jimenez: Spanish my freshman year. Mr. Ros is a great guy. He always pushed us to learn. Ryan Giust: English with Mr. Ashworth. We always had a lot of interesting discussions in his class. Joohi Rana: AP Biology with Mr. Meck and World History with Mr. Rogers. They made the funniest jokes throughout their lectures. Mateusz Lesniowski: Digital photography. Mrs. Slanina is a great teacher and I love photography. Chris Guardia: Creative writing. We wrote poems in the class and Mrs. Rubin was a great teacher. Richard DeMarco: History with Mr. Bell. He made the class fun while learning a lot of American History.
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Can a Damaged Toenail be
Melanoma? Fungus Nail? Think Again... Dr. Thomas Graziano has treated several cases of melanomas on the lower extremity, as this photo illustrates. This patient had used topical anti fungal medicines but nothing seemed to work. When she visited Dr. Graziano, his suspicions of skin cancer (melanoma) were confirmed by the biopsy he performed right in the office. “Melanomas obviously occur in areas that don't receive much sun exposure,” he explained. “The soles of your feet, palms of your hands and toe or finger nail beds.” 50 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
“Screening is so important as melanoma can present in many different ways,” he continued. “The skin of the feet and lower legs is often overlooked during routine medical examinations, and for this reason, it important that the feet are checked regularly for abnormalities that might indicate evolving skin cancer.” That’s why screenings are so vital.
There are about 12,000 podiatrists in the United States, according to the Department of Labor, and Clifton podiatrist Thomas Graziano is one of only six who hold both a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.
As a foot and ankle specialist, my main goal for all my patients is to find caring solutions that last a lifetime. I won't just treat the symptom; I'll strive to correct the problem... Permanently. When you combine effective treatments with my genuine concern for your well-being, that's a powerful combination. -Thomas A. Graziano, MD, DPM, FACFAS
There are more than 76,000 cases of
Melanoma annually. Have a Suspicious Mole or Fungus? Come in for a Screening Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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Amauris Peralta is the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton’s 2015 Youth of the Year and was also the March CHS Student of the Month. He is a driven, intelligent yet understanding young man who is focused on a career in the communication field. Born in the Dominican Republic, he and three siblings came to live with his father in the United States while his mother and younger sister remained in their homeland. His dad enrolled the then 6-year-old in the Club’s after school program and he remained involved since. From teen leaders to the adults, Peralta said B&G Club counselors became his role models and mentors, people he looked up to and hoped to emulate. “They were there to help and provide guidance and continue to do so these days as I am in the process of preparing for college,” he said. “His loyalty, compassion and charismatic aura are a few of the many extraordinary qualities that he possesses,” noted Club Executive Director Bob Foster. Caring counselors, great friends and a safe environment allowed Peralta to feel comfortable to open up and make many life-long friends. “Amauris has been our go-to guy when we need the Club to be represented at any event in town,” added Foster. As the President of the Keystone Club, Peralta led Keystoners setting up and breaking down for A Taste of Clifton, Casino Night, Great Futures Kick-Off event, the Annual Boys & Girls Club Board/Staff/Volunteer Party and National Boys & Girls Club Week. This past year he and other Keystoners helped run activities, rides and games for the children at the HarvestFest and Halloween Parade, the Salute to Veterans Concert and at Youth Week. Among his favorite events are raising funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. He is equally involved at CHS and hold the rank of Gunnery Sergeant with the Jr ROTC. 52 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Getting a taste of what it is like to be in the Communications field, Peralta was cast in an AT&T PSA about “no texting while driving” and was also part of the filming of The Stream, starring Rain Wilson, where he got a chance to work behind the scenes in the making of the movie. As a teen reporter for MyClubMylife.com, he covered the national Great Futures Kick Off where he interviewed Jordin Sparks, C.C. Sabathia, Colin Farrell, Stephen A. Smith, Victor Cruz and Nick Cannon. Academically, Peralta has been on the Distinguished Honor Roll for all four years. While in school, he belongs to Key Club, Forensics Club, DECA and the Wrestling team. He is a four year Lacrosse member as well as an ROTC Drill and Civic team participant. “Amauris is a solid student, a contributing member of our academic community and one who will in all likelihood make most any college campus a better place,” said his CHS counselor Jacqueline Festa-Salerno, MA. Peralta will attend Ramapo College in the Fall. His dedication to supporting and caring for others has made Peralta an outstanding example of the impact that the Boys & Girls Club has on Clifton kids.
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Alexia Maldonado: Over the summer, I worked in School 17 helping with the summer school. I loved working with small kids and one day I hope to become a teacher. Andrea Garcia: As a receptionist in an Acupuncture office. Daniel Peltyszyn: I’m a math tutor in Algebra I and Algebra II. Allison Szeliga: Last summer, I was promoted to Assistant Manager at the Allwood Bakery. I enjoy it because it has granted me a lifetime of stories to tell and has definitely given me a deeper understanding of working both in the food business and in customer service. I will be there this summer and look forward to working during holiday seasons. Sabrina Furia: Ploch’s Garden Center as a cashier, Gardner Chiropractic as a secretary, Beauty Plus Salon as a cashier and sales rep and The Venetian as a hostess. At all of my jobs I have learned how to deal with people in different situations and how to be independent. Kyle Chupick: For my junior and senior years, I worked at Corrado’s Gardencenter and Market. I enjoyed helping people in the garden center make decisions about their homes and landscapes. Also, I’ve worked in the world of cheese and I’ve assisted customers with their shopping needs, such as decisions for dinners and holidays. Tiani Hibbert: I am a sales associate at Bed Bath and Beyond and I babysit. I enjoy meeting new people and creating a bond with the kids that I watch over. 54 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Ethan Nouhan: I have been a landscaper, painter, plumber and electrician on multiple jobs with my grandfather, Charles Nouhan. I have been a photo assistant to my father, Mark. I was also a server at Cold Stone Creamery and a Laptop Technician at Bergen Catholic. Each job that I had presented me with valuable life lessons. First, my grandfather taught me to appreciate work and to appreciate having something to do all of the time. He has been working since he was 7 and continues to work in his 80’s. My father taught me professionalism. At Cold Stone, I learned how to handle people in different situations. Finally, at Bergen, I figured out different ways to solve the same problem. Miriam Kiano: I learned how to earn money and how to become a great accountant from my co-workers at Nasberg CPA. Yanira Vasquez: As a landscaper, I spent time with my boss and I learned a lot about horticulture. Sarah Rosenthal: At ACME, T&M Associates and The Venetian. Felix Rosario: I put engines together and clean up at a garage with my brother. I love that I am able to do what I dream of doing with my life. Charbel Boudaher: I love being a mechanic in my family business because I own half of it with my dad and I love working on cars.
Rubi Garcia: I enjoyed working with the kids at School 17 and I learned that being a teacher isn’t an easy job. I also learned that things will get easier if you have faith and keep doing what you love. Nicholos Gornuto: I deliver car parts and prepare cars for delivery at Bellavia Chevrolet-Buick. Daliyah Pierson: I am a counsellor at the Boys & Girls Club. I help children with their homework and play games with them. I have learned that children teach a greater lesson in life than adults, which is that life goes on and not to sweat the small stuff.
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Melanie Vega: My first job was at the end of junior year at Chuck E Cheese and it was an awful job. I now work at WBL, a private finance company. From working here, I understand business advice, responsibility and consistency. Craig Wheeler: I made money and gained experience at BounceU, McDonald’s, Walgreens and Clifton Rec where I even learned CPR. Andre Garcia: Dunkin Donuts and the GAP at the mall. Hudeyl Aalasfar: I have been a cashier in Marshalls and I like to volunteer most of my time. I always enjoy meeting new people. Alfred Deaca: At Au Bon Pain I learned how to deal with people. Stephanie Marie Farfan: I worked my freshman and sophomore years at McDonald’s and my sophomore and junior years at Noor Optical. Then I worked my senior year at The Venetian and at Metro PCS. Ximena De Leon: I babysit because I love kids. I learned to have patience and that younger generations are extremely different. Shea Harris: I enjoyed making money as a skating carhop at Sonic Drive-In. Working there taught me how to deal with difficult people. Michael Bondonna: I answered phones, did paperwork and entered information on the computer in the DPW office. The people I worked with were so nice. I learned a lot about Clifton’s recycling program and that DPW is a very busy place. 56 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Saba Ralli: I work as a receptionist in St. Anthony of Padua Parish Center with Rev. Brando Ibarra. I started working at the age of 16 and have been there for a year now. I’m very happy in what I do and I can proudly say that my job is not easy. It takes a lot of experience and patience to keep up in the parish center. Although sometimes things get out of hand and I can become stressed, at the end of the day I’m very thankful for my job. My job requires me to speak both English and Spanish. I work with many people from different ethnic backgrounds. It is nice to know that I am the first person that welcomes them into anything that they need from the parish. I also learned that it’s super important to smile. Fabian Rodriguez: I organize events at the Hovnanian School. Angela Rodriguez: After babysitting, I learned how difficult it was for my parents to take care of me. Austin Rio: I worked at the register in Barilari’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. Joe Duffy: I enjoy meeting people from all different backgrounds as a waiter at the Westmount Country Club. I have learned the skills that are required in order to work efficiently in a fast paced environment. Caroline Solek: As a dance instructor, I help other people discover new qualities about themselves. Daniel Herrera: I am a vendor at Metlife Stadium. Watching NHL games has been great and I learned that teamwork is one of the most important qualities of a business. Kaori Suzuki: I love the children that come in to diligently work at Kumon Learning Center. I learned how to connect with children in order to help them with their work.
Lindsey Pena: My first job was doing attendance, managing the sign out sheets and covering for teachers in classrooms at the Boys & Girls Club. I now work at Lincoln Park Savings Bank as a teller. I enjoy my job because I like to work with numbers and banking is related to Accounting. Michael Kobylarz: I currently work as a Best Buy sales associate. I enjoy my job because I am able to interact with customers and help them make intelligent decisions. I enjoy helping customers and watching them leave the store happy. I also keep up to date with the latest technologies so that I know where to lead the customer. Cassidy DeProspo: I enjoy all of the great friends that I have made in the past year and a half as a cashier and sales clerk at Harmon. I have learned how to have a good work ethic and I have also learned how to keep professionalism even when other people aren’t nice.
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Mark Glodava: Matt Natale’s Strength and Conditioning. I helped train Clifton youth soccer teams in fitness, strength and conditioning. I also coached youth soccer at the Boys and Girls Club, which I enjoyed very much. Working with children is very rewarding as they improve with your help and guidance. Laura Yang: I have been a cashier/customer service desk associate at Bob’s Stores, a feeder at Daughters of Miriam and an intern at Passaic County Superior Court Criminal Division. I enjoy seeing the workings of the criminal justice system and being exposed to the field. I now have a better understanding of what to expect.
Roman Chyshkevych: I have learned that new parents at the Boys & Girls Club can at times be more challenging than the little children that I work with. Mariluz Kanjo: I worked as a cashier in a supermarket. Caitlyn Cindy: I enjoyed working at the ShopRite in Little Falls because of all the great people there.
Richard DeMarco: I love all of the different personalities of the children that I have the opportunity to work with while at the Boys & Girls Club.
Nicholas Salgado: I have been a back-up at Boston Market. I enjoyed the people that I worked with.
Malak Badeer: I learned while working at Bob’s that it is important to earn the money that you receive.
Ivan Nogalo: My favorite part of being a waiter at The Venetian was working with my close friends. Working there also taught me how to present myself well.
Aleksander Dimitrovski: I interned for five months in the criminal division of the Passaic County Superior Courthouse through the co-op office at PCTI. Samantha Zalewska: I have not had a paid job, but I have been a volunteer reading tutor at the library. Reading with these kids was an invaluable learning experience. The experience allowed me to become more articulate, coherent, patient and understanding.
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Henry Inoa: McDonald’s. Miral Zakaria: I enjoyed my customers at a bagel shop and as a member of customer service because I could have conversations with people of all ages. Matthew Ferko: I worked in construction with my dad and I enjoyed learning new things. Working with him has also given me the opportunity to build.
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“I scooped ice cream at Coldstone. I enjoyed it because I love ice cream. It’s an important food group.” - Chelsea Jones Amy Philhower: I have been an intern at Allwood Play and Learn and also a babysitter. My favorite parts of my jobs were making kids happy and always putting them first.
Narina Savas: At a summer camp and Abercrombie. At Abercrombie, I fold clothes and help customers. Working at Abercrombie taught me how to deal with people.
Brandon Rosario: Working at PathMark has taught me about working hard and always being on time for work.
Angel Almazo: I worked in retail.
Zachary Sjosward: I have worked as a waiter at The Venetian. I enjoyed working with the other people there and the job taught me to have patience. Marie Mendoza: I am currently at Aeropostale in Garden State Plaza Mall. I enjoy being with all of my co-workers, especially my best friend Evelyn. Joudi Amraia: I am a secretary for a lawyer. I like my co-workers and being a secretary at my job has taught me many skills, such as being able to use a typewriter. Mike Orsita: I work at a florist. Walter Brown: King’s produce. Every week we get some new product from a different country. Bryan Martinez: In an adhesive factory as a quality control worker and I learned how to behave in a workplace and make friends. Lenny Contreias: At School 12 as an intern helping my second grade kids understand the topic that they were learning for that day. I learned that patience is necessary in order to work effectively with kids. Elaha Saberi: Stop & Shop and Walgreens. My co-workers are fun, but customers tend to be annoying. 60 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Valeria Carabali: I used to work in a store and I enjoyed organizing items and I learned how to be more responsible and friendly. Samantha Declet: Delia’s for almost a year until they went bankrupt and had to close. I currently work at American Eagle Outfitters. I enjoy helping people find fun and fashionable clothes and outfits. While working in retail, I’ve learned a lot of effective communication and customer service skills. Brian Romero: I bus tables at Bella Napoli. I enjoy meeting the people that come in and I learned that a smile can make a difference. Joelvis Cornelio: Tides catering hall has allowed me to gain a work ethic and learn how to socialize with many different people.
Jania Rosario: ShopRite as a cashier where I learned to be patient. Leon Simpson: I fold clothes in Hollister and enjoy interacting with the people who shop in the store. Glad Dizon: I enjoy getting paid and have learned the value of hard work at Au Bon Pain at St. Joseph’s and at the Clifton Tennis Club. Benidick Galan: I’m a PT assistant at a Jewish home center in Manhattan. I enjoy interacting with patients and hearing their stories. Steven Borthwick: At the Hot Grill. Wellson Abellard: Toys R Us. Jaskany Abreu: Working as a supermarket price coordinator, I learned how to make the prices and also how to make the specials. Kevin Mora: I enjoyed working with my dad at Lamar Roofing and learning how to do accounting. Angle Marte: Stop & Shop, Modell’s, Best Buy and I am currently working at McDonald’s.
Michael Puglisi: Forever 21 as a sales associate. The other employees are nice, but customers are rude.
Chris Guardia: I have worked at catering companies and as my father’s secretary. I enjoy the responsibility and the money.
Salwa Ramadan: I enjoy helping patients pick out their new glasses in an eye doctors office. The best part is seeing the relief on their faces when they say, “I can see.”
Carolina Jimenez: I loved working at Cupcake Cafe. I am now working at FM PT, a therapy office and I love my job and I learn something new every day.
Mateusz Lesniowski: I am a clerk for a chiropractor. My co-workers always make the job interesting.
Jean-Pierre Candeius: At Panda Express. I learned to study hard so that I don’t have to work there again.
Kim D’Agosta: ShopRite in the Shop from Home Department and enjoy working with my friends.
David Nguyen: I enjoy how all of my co-workers get along with each other at Victoria’s Secret Pink.
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There could be a lot of swagger from these kids but they are all really down to earth. From conversations and some emails, the truth is that the CHS Top 10 played tough and worked equally hard to be at the academic head of over 700 classmates. Four will attend Ivy League schools and all of them are getting hefty academic scholarships which make their parents extremely happy. We are equally proud to have made their acquaintance and to provide this platform to tell more about themselves.
Daniel Peltyszyn
newspaper. I was a section editor in my junior year and I currently serve as the Editor-in-Chief. In the Fall, I will be a member of the inaugural class in the Honors College at Rutgers University, New Brunswick through the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. I will major in the Biological Sciences in preparation for medical school. Although I am unsure of the specialty that I will pursue, I am currently interested in the prospect of a career as a surgeon.
Prior to my high school career, I graduated with a class of 10 other students from St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School in Passaic. After completing ten years of education at St. Nicholas, I attended CHS Annex on Brighton Rd. for my freshman year and then joined the remainder of my classmates on the CHS main campus. I have come to appreciate my time spent at CHS. Its enormity, diversity of students and wide range of opportunities have given me insight into a world that, in my eyes, more closely resembles the actuality of life than does the Nicole Wedel atmosphere of any private high I knew that I wanted to be a doctor school. from the time that I was a young girl. In my senior year, I was a fourIt did not take long for me to realize year recipient of the Distinguished that I could become one by attending Academic Award. As a junior, I Princeton University. was inducted into the National After hours of volunteering at the Honor Society, as well as the Number 1 Daniel Peltyszyn Hoboken University Medical Center, Italian Honor Society, and with number 2, Nicole Wedel doing research in x-ray crystallography at was one of four students from Rutgers University and working diligently in CHS to be selected for the Rotary Youth Leadership school—my dream came true. Award. In September, I will major in Psychology at Princeton As part of the award, I went on a week-long trip to University. Psychology is a subject that I first found Indian Head Camp, where I participated in leadership extremely interesting when I studied it during my junior activities with other recipients of the award from Passaic, year. After college, I will attend medical school. Bergen and Hudson counties. Additionally, I am proud of Although the medical profession runs in my family, (my my success as an editor for The Clifton HUB, CHS’s 62 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
mother, her two sisters, and all of my cousins are nurses and doctors in Poland) volunteering at a hospital and being able to help patients feel better and make them smile helped me realize that good health is one of the greatest human possessions. Without health, happiness is nearly impossible, and I would love to dedicate the rest of my life to bringing health and happiness to all those around me.
Krishna Rana Throughout my four years at CHS, I learned a lot from both my teachers and my peers. They have molded me to become the person that I am today. When I first entered high school, I was shy and afraid to step out of my comfort zone. Number 3 Krishna Rana with number 4, Jessica Nosal.
However, through my everyday interactions and involvement in extracurriculars, I became more and more confident. The faculty at CHS has taught me to value academics, but also to have fun and make an impact. Although studying was a top priority for me, I always tried to make time to watch shows on Netflix and to support my friends who participated in the school plays, concerts and sporting events. Additionally, participating in the Asian Club for four years and becoming the Events Coordinator this year, as well as being Treasurer of the Senior Class, has taught me valuable leadership skills that I will take with me throughout my future endeavors. I discovered the importance of medicine while volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital and taking part in Relay for
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Metropolitan Opera in the Summer of 2014. I looked further into Fordham after that performance at the Lincoln Center. When I visited, I fell in love with the university. Fordham's campus is in the center of Manhattan, where I have always loved going. The school has both a great arts program and a new business program. While I Jessica Nosal want to study the arts, I also Growing up, my family would want to study business in order travel to New York for many differto have the ability to negotiate ent reasons: Broadway shows, conand become financially savvy in certs, or even to just visit for the the competitive world that we holidays. I always loved the city and live in. It also has a study abroad wanted to be able to live there someday. program that I intend on using In high school, I began to get involved in since I love traveling and want to the arts. I became a member of the National study abroad. Art Honor Society and became involved in I plan to pursue a degree in the CHS stage crew. I loved working with the either visual arts or communicacrew for the productions and I enjoyed being tions with a minor in business. assistant stage manager this year in My ultimate goal is to one day their performances of Hogan’s Goat become a creative director for a and the musical Curtains. Number 6, Samantha Zalewska company in New York. As I improved my drawing and with number 5 Nikola Kamcev became more involved in clubs, I realNikola Kamcev ized that I wanted to be able to work somewhere in the Born in Macedonia, I moved to the U.S. with my famartistic realm. I discovered Fordham University at the Lincoln ily at the age of three. At first, I was confused at the enorCenter when my grandmother, mother and I attended the mity of this change - once even asking my parents why Life. These experiences made it easier for me to decide what I wanted to do in the future. In the Fall, I will be attending the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University. I hope to explore the various paths that will be available to me after completion of this program, whether my path becomes working at a hospital or researching medicine to improve human health.
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everyone was “speaking funny.” Samantha Zalewska Yet I was able to quickly transition Some 13 years ago, I began by clinging to the familiar cartoons, my academic journey at School such as Tom & Jerry, that I had #12. I am proud to be able to watched in Macedonia. Also, say that in the Fall, I will conwe had Serbian neighbors tinue as a student at Princeton who had children my age that University. I plan on majorlived down the street, so we ing in economics, possibly were all able to learn from taking a dip into public polieach other and they definitely cy. Princeton has an amazing helped my sister and I assimieconomics faculty from whom I late. will learn a lot. I was always drawn to music. Princeton and the Ivy League I would pull the pots and pans have been lifelong dreams of out of the kitchen cabinets and mine and I am looking forward drum on them with spoons. to the opportunities, as well as Luckily, my father was a musithe challenges, that I will cian and I started to play a drum encounter. I will explore differset at four-years-old. I picked up ent career possibilities, but I can other instruments from there on, see myself potentially working including guitar, bass and saxofor the US Department of the phone. As I progressed through Treasury. school, I realized that I had a passion At CHS, I was a four-year for Math and Science. My Chemistry member of the Mustang courses were some of the most satisMarching Band where I was a fying I had taken, and Calculus was rank sergeant and section my favorite subject. I love the feelleader. I was also part of the Number 7 Maryem Girgis, with ing of being able to synthesize new number 8, Bhargav Desai orchestra and the pit band. This knowledge from old, and applying year, I served as secretary of our logic to problems in order to solve them. school’s chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Thus, next year I hope to double major in I also volunteered my time as a tutor for elementary Mathematics and Music at Yale University, where I will school children at the Library and was a member of the be matriculating in the Fall. Clifton Student Union.
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Number 9 Joohi Rana, with number 10, Francis Shane Ledesma
Maryem Girgis As an Egyptian born American, I look forward to pursing my American Dream. I was born in Alexandria, Egypt and immigrated to the United States with my family in May of 2000. My first home was in Bayonne, New Jersey where I attended kindergarten to third grade. In 2006, we moved to Clifton because my mother had gotten a job at CHS as a French teacher. I attended fourth grade at School 13. It was at WWMS where I discovered my first love: Science. This love flourished at CHS from freshman year to senior year. Throughout the four years that I spent at CHS, I also formed a strong relationship with Math, owing to the teachers that I had. I aspire to become a civil engineer like my maternal grandfather. I will be attending Stevens Institute of Technology in the Fall in order to stay local. I am excited to start a new chapter of my life.
Bhargav Desai Throughout my four years at CHS, I have had many great experiences that I will never forget. Countless memories come from the Track and Cross Country teams, where I made friends that I will always remember. Running has affected me immensely given that the amount of success that I’ve had on the track has always correlated to the amount of work that I put into practicing. I have applied the same principle to my academics and have been successful. Another passion that I have is music. I play the viola for our school orchestra as well as the Greater Newark Youth Orchestra, which is one of the state orchestras. Through music, I am able to relax and clear my mind. This upcoming Fall, I will be attending Rutgers
66 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
University, New Brunswick in their School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program to major in Computer Science. I hope to pursue a career in the computer field because technology has always fascinated me. By excelling in Math and the programming classes at CHS, I believe Computer Science is the right major for me. Rutgers University has a stellar Computer Science program, which will help prepare me for the future.
Joohi Rana During my four inspiring years at Clifton High School, I participated in various activities, which greatly shaped who I am today. For the past four Fall seasons, I was on the Girls’ Tennis team, playing various positions. Eventually, I earned the First Doubles position on the Tennis Varsity team in my senior year. I also discovered my interest in Math while at CHS. My interest was influenced by my participation and eventual presidency in the Math club, Knights of Pythagoras. I maneuvered through tricky puzzles while in the club. Then, during my freshman and sophomore years, I was qualified for Science League competitions for both Biology and Chemistry, making Science another one of my interests. For as much as CHS offered me, I gave back to the school by tutoring Math students. Due to my love of Math, I will be studying Finance under a full scholarship at Montclair State University in the Fall. I plan on pursuing a second major in either Accounting or Economics, but I am not certain of which to pick. I am also minoring in Computer Science because I was inspired by my Visual Basics class in CHS, where I coded a mind boggling tic-tac-toe game. I am glad that I have discovered my career path!
the reception of awards such as being named a Commended National Merit Scholar, being accepted to the New Jersey All State Band and being inducted into the National Honor Society. I volunteered at my Church every weekend and currently maintain a job at Toys R Us. Hard work outside of the classroom influenced my success in the classroom, enabling me to maintain Distinguished Honor Roll status for all four years. As I look back on my time at CHS, I realize that I made the most of my experience by getting involved and encourage others to do the same. I will be attending Cornell University this Fall to study Chemical Engineering. It was a pretty easy choice for me to matriculate at Cornell since the quality of education and endless connections of an Ivy League are too great to pass. I plan to earn a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering, to work as a researcher and to develop new materials while helping to create cheap and efficient manufacturing techniques. Eventually, I hope to start a family and return to Graduate school to earn a PhD. and become a university professor. My ultimate goal is to help as many people as possible with my education and skills and I believe I am on the route to achieve that and much more.
Francis Shane Ledesma In high school, I participated in sports such as Marching Band, Basketball and Volleyball. I joined clubs like the National Science Honor Society, Academic Decathlon, Science League and much more. My passion for music grew as I joined many performance groups including Concert Band, Brass Band, Orchestra and Jazz Band. My passion for success in my endeavors resulted in
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Jordan Tlusty: My mom, who has battled cancer twice and is the strongest woman in my life. She has shown that it is okay to be weak because then it makes you stronger.
Harry Termyna: During my three years in band, Mr. Morgan provided me with valuable life lessons that I will never forget. However, in senior year, Marching Band was not the right thing for me. Plus, four months prior, I was accepted into Madrigals. The director, Mrs. Paulin helped me realize that I still loved music, just in a different form. A wane of interest in instrumental music yielded an increase in
Richard DeMarco: Auto shop teacher Mr. Alberghini took us on college tours and got us to apply. Aleksandar Dimitrovski: My NJROTC instructors, who I have known for four years. Alison Almiron: My youth leader and friend Manami. She has helped me the most in my life. Jennifer Zuniga: My teacher James Cappello. He was always the type of teacher to tell us to work hard, desire to achieve and not set barriers, but to set goals. Malak Badeer: My father taught me that anything is possible. He came to the U.S. with absolutely nothing but is now successful. 68 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Daniel Herrera: My mom Eva and grandma Josephina. Hours in the kitchen, they’ve really carved out my desire to cook.
the levels of my love for theatre and singing. Being in Madrigals inspired me to audition for the musical, which led to me learning more about theater, dance, and acting. My senior year highlight would be my performance in Curtains, The Musical. Mrs. Eisnemenger, Ms. Paulin and Mrs. Manzella supplied me with such a surplus of wonderful experiences and I could not have asked for a better senior year.
Shivani Topiwala: My biology teacher Dr. Osetska. Because of her, I have made my decision to major in Biomedical Engineering. Guy Madsen: My parents always pushed me to be the best I could be. Cassidy DeProspo: Rachel Crespo and I have been in school together since kindergarten and are now graduating together. She has taught me what a true friend she is. Caroline Solek: My parents, who have always supported me and my decisions. They are both positive and hardworking beings, which has encouraged me to always pursue what I am passionate about with a positive outlook on life.
Michael Valentine: My baseball coach, Fernand Fuentes, taught me how to be a better man. My mom pushed me to do things to better my life even when I didn’t want to. Lindsey Pena: Many great influences in my life including my parents and teachers, but one instructor marked my life tremendously. Mr. Thomas Woods, who is not longer with us, was and still is my greatest influence. My first year at PCTI was my sophomore year and he saw my potential in the accounting field and recommended me for the college accounting classes for junior and senior years. Thanks to Mr. Woods, who had confidence in me, I now know my future.
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Chris Guardia, Amy Philhower, Glad Dizon, Elaha Saberi.
Michael Kobylarz: My parents. Their dedication to making their kids’ lives fulfilled led them to a journey from Poland to the land of opportunity. It is through their selfless actions that today I am able to pursue higher education. My parents have worked long hours and sacrificed spending money on their wants in order to give their children a life that they never had. Samantha Zalewska: My parents. I owe all that I have achieved to them. They have supported me in everything that I took on and have worked very hard to provide for me the resources that I needed to be successful in all of my endeavors.
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Mark Glodava: Mr. Meck’s style of teaching Biology and personality made class very interesting. He is a teacher who is genuinely connected to his students. He made me very interested in Biology as a major, which I plan to use to get my doctorate in Physical Therapy. Mariluz Kanjo: My mom. Nicholas Salgado: Mr. Ashworth. Joel Ciccarella: Mr. Brody, the former Marching Band assistant because he supported me. Ivan Nogalo: Mr. Ashworth and Mr. Alberghini because they both taught me a lot about life. Henry Inoa: Ashworth and Coligan.
Ethan Nouhan: Although I have had an incredible amount of loving and influential people in my life, my greatest influence would be my grandfather. He is truly a giving man and puts the needs of others before himself. If I can become half the man that he is, I would consider myself successful. Roman Chyshkevych: Mr. Meck. We share an interest in Biology. Plus by adding humor everyday, he always made his classes funny. Nour Ramadan: My mother. Miral Zakaria: My history teacher Mr. Lotito. He pushed me to be my best and never doubted me.
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Cesar Diaz, Mari Angel Rodriguez, Kevin Mora, Andrea Garcia.
Matthew Ferko: My parents always push me to do better. Amy Philhower: Mr. Baker. I met him freshman year and he knew immediately that I was a Philhower. Mr. Baker has been there for me for the last four years. During my senior year, Mr. Baker really motivated me to do well and to never give up. Those five minute coffee breaks and snack times in his office were worth waking up to go to everyday. Mr. Baker has given me advice about everything. He really helped me out this year and I’m going to miss bothering him everyday and stealing his cookies.
Brandon Rosario: My dad because he has helped me choose my path and is always there for me. Zachary Sjosward: My grandfather because no matter what he says, he is always right. Marie Mendoza: My parents always pushed me in the right direction and are always there supporting me in everything I do.
Hussam Farhan: Ms. Burke. She taught me a lot of great things about Algebra and encouraged me to never stop learning. Mike Orsita: My mother works hard and keeps me in line.
Joudi Amraia: My boss because he encouraged me to go to college.
Walter Brown: Mr. Ashworth because when I was a junior he helped me if I had a problem. When I had him as a teacher, he helped me like no other teacher has. Benidick Galan: If it weren’t for my great grandparents, I wouldn’t know the importance of education.
Angel Almazo: Zak de la Rocha taught me to stick it to the man.
Bryan Martinez: My mother for being strong and working hard.
Cesar Diaz: My favorite history teacher, Mr. Facking.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2015
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Lenny Contreias: My mom because she has always pushed me to strive and do my best in everything that I do. Narina Savas: My sister Aslihan because she’s always been there for me and she’s a great person. Andrew Sanz: My parents because through all of their struggles they still try to get me ahead in life. Valeria Carabali: My mom always supports me in everything that I do. Kandece Rosario: Losing her to cancer was unfortunate, but through the battle my mom taught me never to give up and to keep trying even if life brings you down. Verenice Martinez: Miss Youncofski. She didn’t expect anything other than my best. I felt like she genuinely cared about what was being taught in class. Juan Quirino: No matter how hard things, get my mother taught me to never give up and to keep trying.
Jessica Goldberg: My parents have had a huge influence on the way that I live my life. My father’s dedication to special needs children and my mother’s devotion to pediatric medicine helped me realize exactly what I want to do with my life. They are my role models and they influence me by being good people. Rory Houston: Coach John Pontes is not only a Clifton Track legend, but also one of the greatest coaches that I have been mentored by. He showed me the ins and outs of Track & Field and has given me countless life lessons. I would not be where I am today without him. Jezibeli Garcia: My mom. She never gave up on me and has always wanted more in life for me. For her, I am here achieving everything that life has to offer me. Steven Borthwick: My mother for leading me along the right path. Jaskany Abreu: My mother is everything that I want to be and more.
Samantha Declet: My mom. She always supports me in everything that I do and I’m so grateful for her. Kevin Mora: Mr. Ashworth. He makes me think and realize how the books we read relate to our lives. Carolina Jimenez: My mother. I want to make her proud. I do everything just to make her smile. Jean-Pierre Candeius: My grandmother always told me to look at the positive things in life. Ryan Giust: I was lucky enough to have Mr. Morgan as band director for three years. He would always push us to work hard and do our best. He’s given me the 4D’s—desire, drive, dedication and discipline. Chris Guardia: My father never complains. He just works hard every day to put food on our table. Austin Rio: My mom is awesome. Joelvis Cornelio: My father taught me right from wrong and is a big part of who I am today.
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Taylor Szabo, Mateusz Lesniowski, Michelle Gregorio, Michael Madrigal
David Nguyen: Sergeant Major Bragg and Sergeant Major Davis because they helped me become a better leader in the JROTC. Sabrina Furia: My parents encouraged me to join sports, volunteer, work, but also to focus on school and myself. They have never judged me and they only continue to push me to become a better person. I hope one day to have such a strong relationship and trust with the person that I love, as my parents do. Brian Romero: My dad by his ways has shown me that with faith, anything is possible. Michael Puglisi: My brother, who told me to follow through with school even though it will be hard. Mateusz Lesniowski: My 8th grade teacher, Mrs. Black. She did not teach by the rules. She did things her way and it was the best way.
Kim D’Agosta: My parents always pushed me to do my best. Salwa Ramadan: My mother and father because they motivated me throughout all of my years and supported me though all decisions. Alexia Maldonado: My mother. She is a hardworking woman who takes good care of her family. She puts effort into anything she does. Sarah Rosenthal: My boss because he is such an inspiration to achieve your goals. He is extremely successful, hardworking and takes his job very seriously. Joohi Rana: My older sister, Dhara because she motivates and guides me to the right path. Since she went through the same classes in high school as me, she prevents me from making her mistakes. Joseph Castaldo: My uncle pushed me to work hard and to do my best.
Allison Szeliga: My whole life, my mother has acted as a stable supporter of all my decisions. She has constantly encouraged and empowered me to become the strong, proud woman that I am today. For that, I cannot thank her enough. Tiani Hibbert: My mom taught me to keep going no matter what. Miriam Kiano: Various teachers. Mr. Ashworth made me think of our society in a different way. Mrs. Chin made me love Math and learn how to arrange my work. Mrs. Wonchik made me pass the HSPA since I couldn’t give up. Felix Rosario: My brother because he took me a step further into what I want to do in my future. Yanira Vasquez: Not one, but many of my family and friends. Charbel Boudaher: My uncle retired at the age of 25 and he owns 44 phone stores and is living large. Hanny Fulgencio: My cousin already has two years studying in New Haven and she is always telling me about it and my sister because she never gives up. Rubi Garcia: My uncle Alejandro always used to tell me don’t give up, fight for your dreams and you know I’ll be proud. I lost him January 18, 2015 and ever since, everything I’m doing is for him. I want to make him proud of me. He always told me that one day all of this will be worth it.
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Basel Qandil, Fatima Rahmoun, Alan Castaneda, Hailey Fusaro
Nicholos Gornuto: My parents because they support everything that I do and give great advice. Andrea Garcia: My parents who encourage me and push me. Melanie Vega: The book Running with Scissors and my therapist helped me figure out what I want to be and how to change to get to that point. Adriana Hernandez: My mother encouraged me to join clubs and be involved. She would remind me every day that my struggles in high
school would be worth it after I’ve established my career and I wouldn’t have to struggle financially like my family does now. She supported me in everything I did. She picked me up after long hours of staying after school and she would even stay up with me sometimes when I still wasn’t done with my homework. She came to my concerts even if she had to call off from work and she drove me to all my rehearsals before I had my license. I definitely owe everything to my mother because
without her, I probably wouldn’t have gotten this far. Daliyah Pierson: My dad. He influenced me to go after what I needed and what I deserved. Hudeyl Aalasfar: My father taught me that nothing is impossible. Alfred Deaca: Mr. Ashworth inspired me to read and write more. Aalliyah Brown-Felicians: My English teacher, Mr. Ashworth. He helped me with my writing and further expanded my mind and skills.
We are proud of our son Billy & all the Grads in the Class of 2015 the Gibson Family ‘Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.’ —Ralph Waldo Emerson City Councilman Bill Gibson & his wife Robin with CHS grad Billy Jr. who is going into the Air Force, & Tyler, a CHS Sophomore.
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Ruben H. Giglio: My best experience in school, I can honestly say, is being both a member of the Mechanical Mustangs Robotics Team and CHS Mustang Marching Band. These two activities have been very rewarding and enriching in my high school career and I am very proud to belong to them. It has also kept me busy through my father's deployments. The Mechanical Mustangs has inspired and motivated me to seek a career in Information Technology. The CHS Marching Band has taught me to multi-task at a young age. Marching and playing at the same time can be very challenging, but I have learned to do so with such ease that I will carry the skill throughout life. I also learned the Four D’s—Dedication, Desire, Discipline, and Drive—which I have incorporated into my everyday life.
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Tatjana Petrovic, Joe Duffy, Tetyana Grabovetska, Manuel Ramirez
Kyle Chupick: Mr. Alberghini had the greatest impact on me thus far. He was my Auto Tech teacher and inspired me to continue toward a career in auto technology. Angela Rodriguez: My mother worked hard so I can succeed in life. Alex Paulino: My mom raised me as the person I am today. She helped me pursue my dreams and succeed. Andre Garcia: I pursue my goals so that I don’t let my mom down. Ximena De Leon: My dad because he is the most honest, straight-up person that I know. Shea Harris: Paulina Edel is beautiful and supportive.
Billy Gibson: My father has always been there for me and taught me that attitude determines altitude. Through him, I learned that giving up is never an option. I believe in working for what you want in life. Blood, sweat and tears is what our country was built upon. Michael Bondonna: Mr. Morgan taught me to be dedicated and work hard. In my senior year, Mr. Holody gave me a different musical perspective and taught me life lessons that will stay with me. Joe Duffy: My mother is always there, whether at my track meets or pushing me to do better in school.
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Ciary Bonilla: My mom taught me that no matter the situation to stay strong and keep my head up. Nicole Wedel: Mr. Orlovsky. Although I never had him as a teacher, I experienced his style of teaching when he dedicated countless hours to teaching the Academic Decathlon materials for our competition. He was not only extremely funny and interesting, but also genuinely cared about his students. In a couple of meetings, he taught me more than any other teacher has, including how to give a speech and be interviewed. His teaching played a large role in my acceptance to Princeton University.
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Class of 2015 In the past, I tended to be lazy, but now when I need to get my work done, I do it and submit it when it has to be turned in. Five years ago, in seventh grade, I came to Christopher Columbus Middle School from Passaic. When I look at myself and what I have become and what I have accomplished, I ask myself: What would have happened to me if I had never moved here? In Passaic, I was not a fan of school. I was the one who always wanted to just stay home and sleep, but I think that all started changing when I moved to Clifton, possibly because it’s a better environment for me. Making new friends wasn’t at all easy. I was mostly alone all the time, but it didn’t bother me because I was able to concentrate more on the lessons and catch up with what the teachers were doing. The classes are different here in Clifton. Teachers would help out more with what the students needed and the teachers actually cared. English was, and still is, my favorite subject because I love reading and writing. If I am told to write a one paragraph story, I can’t— because I always want to write more than a paragraph. I usually take three days or one week to read a book or a book series. I have made choices lately that have changed the direction of my life. For example, many of my friends spend their Friday nights clubbing and partying However, my Friday nights consist of assisting those people who decide to go out to party and drink.
I have been a volunteer in Totowa’s First Aid Squad for a year now. At first I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school, but then my cousin came to the rescue. She is also a volunteer at Totowa and she helped me become a volunteer. I have her to thank for setting my mind straight; I gave it a try and actually fell in love with what I do. My goal is to become an EMT/Paramedic or get into Sports Medicine as a Paramedic for sports. Beyond this, I don’t know for sure, but maybe I will become an RN to learn a little more about the medical field. My best experience in school has to be being able to join the ASPIRE program and meeting both wonderful teachers and friends. If it weren’t for this program, I wouldn’t be able to graduate with the Class of 2015. Deanna Chahua was the February Student of the Month
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Class of 2015
By Ariana Puzzo Adriana Hernandez was once the shy kid in the back of the classroom who had no desire to be noticed. But things changed her sophomore year at CHS. That’s when she became more involved in the Key Club. When the club advisor, Jacqueline Turk, saw Hernandez’s potential, she encouraged Hernandez to become a leader. “I felt like I really mattered to her so I think her just recognizing me and remembering who I was really helped me open up and become more involved,” she said. “Instead of being the shy person I was a few years ago, I learned to be social. I think this helped me get the leadership roles I have now. I became the President of the Key Club, the Vice President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the President of the CHS Orchestra.” As Hernandez became more active, her life began to change. She was no longer the shy, introverted girl who was hesitant to speak up. She had transformed into the involved young lady who is comfortable with herself. Hernandez is the fourth of five children and the first member of her family to go to college. She will be attending Arcadia University in Philadelphia where she will study medicine. Reflecting on her growth at CHS, she hopes that her younger brother will benefit from her experiences. “I’d tell my younger brother to be more involved in school because he could gain a lot of good feelings from helping out his community. Also showing community service and leadership skills help when applying for college.” 80 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Hernandez attributes much of her success to the influence and support of her parents, Abel and Florencia. “My mom always dreamed of me being a doctor,” explained Hernandez. “My dad always said he would support me no matter what career I chose, just as long as I was happy. I knew that they both wanted really big things for me.” Although she originally wanted to be a teacher, as she worked her way through high school, Hernandez found herself more interested in pediatrics. “I realized that being a pediatrician, I would still be able to work with children like I always dreamed of. My career choice just gradually changed through the years. Even now, I’m considering being a pediatric physical therapist because of the close relationships I could form with the children I’d be working with.” The scholarships that she received from Arcadia University heavily influenced her decision, but she was also influenced by the individual attention that she will receive from the small school. “This appeals to me, especially,” explained Hernandez, “because I’ll be the first one in my family going through the college experience.”
In front from left: Paul Bury, Paul Dwornicki, John Silva, Rory Houston, Michael Orsita, Thomas Linker. Standing, Kristy Wilson, Justyna Szymanska, Erinn Slanina, Krzysztof Tyszko, Hailey Fusaro, Jessica Nosal, Maryem Girgis, Noor Chalhoub, Adrian Garbowski, Michael Puglisi, Patrycja Zajac, Joshua Stanford. Below are the students as fifth graders.
When they were 5th graders at School 13 on Van Houten Ave., these CHS seniors, pictured above, joined the History Club started by then gym teacher John Silva. “We did all kinds of activities, including field trips, an archeological dig and other hands-on activities. We also uncovered School 13’s 1921 cornerstone,” recalled Silva who arranged a reunion for his former pupils on June 1.
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“Berkeley College is where I can fulfill both of my dreams. I want to play for a good soccer program and major in criminal justice” - Lenny Contreias
Jaskany Abreu: I visited Caldwell College and saw myself learning and achieving everything that I want there.
Kim D’Agosta: Montclair State University because they have a reputable business program.
Jessica Goldberg: I will be starting an eight year BA/MD program where I will be going to college and then to medical school. I will be beginning my undergraduate education at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Once I finish those four years, I will attend Drexel College of Medicine. I reached this decision by knowing that college will be more relaxing if I do not have to worry about applying to medical schools. I also fell in love with Muhlenberg’s campus.
Daniel Peltyszyn: I plan on being a pre-med student studying and furthering my education in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers, New Brunswick.
Kevin Jerzy Biernat: I’ll be at Ithaca College’s School of Music for Sound Recording and Technology. I came to this decision when I first became interested in continuing my career in music. I knew that the best way to keep myself occupied in my work was to do something that I love to do. I chose sound recording and tech because it allows me to help others create their own music, inspiring me everyday to do more with my work.
Tiani Hibbert: I always knew that I wanted to help little kids in some way and knew that I belonged at Felician College for Nursing.
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Sabrina Furia: My decision fell between The University of Hawaii and Adelphi University. Although I was extremely tempted to take on Hawaii, I ended up choosing Adelphi because I was immediately placed into the nursing program, rather than having to apply in the middle of my sophomore year.
Miriam Kiano: I’m working my way up and trying to get into a college by then. I hope I’ll be taking my first semester of Accounting. Sarah Rosenthal: At Rowan University as a Business Major. Andrew Sanz: I’ll be starting college.
Felix Rosario: Working on cars and studying them at Lincoln Tech. Yanira Vasquez: Attending college. Charbel Boudaher: I will be in Florida running my business while I have people work for me. Rubi Garcia: I reached my decision to go to Capri Institute because I love doing makeup, face, hair and everything. I always wanted to do that since I was small. Lindsey Pena: I will be attending the Honors program at Montclair State University. My mom is currently studying for her Master’s degree at MSU so I am familiar with the campus and I didn’t want to leave home. The new School of Business also offers a dual degree program in Forensic Accounting so I can graduate with my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, along with a Forensic Accounting certification in five years. I’m confident that Montclair State will lead me to great professional success.
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Daliyah Pierson, Felix Rosario, Hanny Fulgencio, Richard DeMarco
Nicholos Gornuto: Bergen Community College because they offered classes that I was interested in and it is close to home.
Hudeyl Aalasfar: I don’t know where I will be, but I hope that I will be doing something great.
Alexia Maldonado: I love how Bergen Community College is a community school and that it is not a big school where I won’t fit in.
Stephanie Marie Farfan: I will hopefully still be maintaining my full-time job and I will also be starting my freshman year at Bergen Community College.
Andrea Garcia: I will be attending Bergen Community College.
Angela Rodriguez: Going to college and working to get a better life.
Mari Angel Rodriguez: I chose TCNJ because I wanted a school that has a great Biology program and that also has a friendly community.
Hanny Fulgencio: I am going to be studying nursing at a college in Maryland. I reached this decision because I want to go and live there.
Melanie Vega: I’ll be attending Bergen Community College for 2 years then will go to university.
Alex Paulino: Montclair State University is the closest college to my home and the most reasonably priced college. I did not want to dorm and move out of state.
Daliyah Pierson: Working and attending PCCC for 2 years. Craig Wheeler: I want to further my education and I plan on doing so by attending Rowan University. Katia Bermejo: Texas, for college. Andre Garcia: Studying at WPU. Aalliyah Brown-Felicians: I’ll still be in high school earning credits.
Ximena De Leon: College because it’s what is expected from me. Harry Termyna: Monmouth University Honors School for the Five Year Master’s Program. The campus is gorgeous and the education system is phenomenal. Ciary Bonilla: I will be at PCCC.
Joseph Casperino: My best experience in CHS was Auto Tech Class with Mr. Alberghini. He taught me the fundamentals of being a great mechanic. Thanks to him, I will be attending Lincoln Technical Institute in the fall to become a certified automotive mechanic. Looking back on the four years, my best experience was making the varsity football team. I was also the April Student of the Month and I want to tell younger students to join a club, a sport or some kind of activity. Get involved and be a Mustang! 84 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Shea Harris: I reached my decision to attend Pennsylvania State University because upon visiting, the campus felt the most inviting. It is also a fair distance and it has excellent academic programs. Michael Bondonna: After visiting many colleges, I felt Rowan University was the best fit for me. There, I will major in Chemistry. Rachel Gergats: I want to study Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising at the same time. I chose Albright College in Reading, PA because the school will give me the opportunity to do so. Austin Rio: SUNY Purchase. Adriana Hernandez: I will be at Arcadia University. I had originally planned to attend Rutgers in Newark, but my decision changed as I was more informed. After visiting all 5 colleges that I applied and got accepted to, I realized that I felt most comfortable at Rutgers and Arcadia. I had received scholarships from Arcadia, which greatly influenced my decision. However, another thing about Arcadia that appealed to me was that it has the world’s number 1 study abroad program. I’ve studied Italian for 4 years so it would feel good to finally get to use the skills I’ve acquired. Kyle Chupick: My dad and the education that I’ve received in Mr. Alberghini’s class influenced me to attend Lincoln Technical Institute for automotive technology.
New Name, Same Mission The Passaic County Elks CP Center has changed its name to the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency (NJEDDA). The new name represents the expanded reach of our service. Founded in Clifton in 1947, NJEDDA has three facilities, each offering unique educational, therapeutic, medical and social programs. Some 260 children and adults come daily from over 50 towns and six New Jersey counties—Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Essex, Hudson and Sussex. While NJEDDA still serves children and adults with cerebral palsy, the staff also addresses
Since 1947
issues such as intellectual disabilities, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and other physical and mental conditions. Now in our 68th year as a pioneer in the rehabilitation field for children and adults with special needs, our mission to meet the needs of each individual with developmental disabilities—and the dedicated support of the Elks, such as members of the Clifton Lodge shown below—remains steadfast and consistant.
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Zachary Sjosward, Shivani Topiwala, Nikola Kamcev, Nicole Rodriguez-Rowe
Joe Duffy: I felt at home as soon as I walked onto The Catholic University of America campus. Nicole Wedel: Princeton has always been one of my dream schools, so when I received an acceptance to study there, my decision was made. Paulina Edel: I decided to major in Music Education at MSU after attending camp in upstate New York for a month. The musicians there inspired me to go after my dreams. Shivani Topiwala: My dream has been to work at the forefront of future technology and innovation in tissue engineering, neuroscience, genetic engineering, robotics and 3D printing. Therefore, I will be studying Biomedical Engineering at Rutgers, New Brunswick. Rutgers will be able to provide me with all of the tools that I need in order to engineer my future with my own hands. Samantha Zalewska: I will be studying at Princeton University. Faith Senecca de Vergara: I decided to commit to Montclair State University because it has the majors that I am looking to study, which are Biology and Computer Science. Also, the campus has a nice ambiance, which is a good fit for my type of learning environment. Guy Madsen: Monmouth University was my choice because it has a good business school and the dorms are located on the beach. Saba Ralli: I’ll be at PCCC. 86 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Cassidy DeProspo: I really liked Sacred Heart University’s campus and could see myself being there after my visit. It also has a good program for my intended major. Caroline Solek: I will be studying Psychology at MSU. Michael Valentine: I felt like Fairleigh Dickinson University was the school for me after I visited. Chelsea Jones: I wanted to be closer to my brother, so I will be in Alabama attending the university. Richard DeMarco: At Lincoln Tech for Automotive. I have always wanted to work on cars and my auto shop teacher Mr. Alberghini helped me find my career path and school. Camille Gomera-Tavarez: I chose Maryland Institute College of Art because it has the top graphic design program in the country. Kaori Suzuki: I will be headed to college to find my ambition. Aleksander Dimitrovski: John Jay College to study criminal justice. Allison Szeliga: I will be a Business Major at Rutgers New Brunswick. I was accepted into many outstanding universities; however, I chose Rutgers ultimately because of its intriguing atmosphere, compelling opportunities and diverse group of people. I knew that I needed a university that would allow me to completely fulfill my potential in the next four years. I am beyond excited to call myself a Scarlet Knight.
Jennifer Zuniga: I will be studying Biology at Montclair State. Michael Kobylarz: I decided to attend Rutgers after doing research into their computer science curriculum and ultimately, their active student base. Rutgers will be the perfect academic and social fit for me. Brianna Labanich: I will study ultrasound at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science. Rory Houston: I’ll be a Freshman at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia studying Sports Marketing and running Cross Country and Track and Field for the “the Hawk.” I look forward to studying at St. Joseph’s and discovering new places in Philadelphia. David Nguyen: I am hoping that I will still be in the Marines. Michael Puglisi: I will be going to Bergen Community College. Brian Romero: Working at Bella Napoli and taking classes at Lincoln Tech in South Plainfield. Mateusz Lesniowski: I’ll be on PCCC’s Wanaque campus. Leon Simpson: Navy boot camp because I have the desire to serve. Glad Dizon: Air Force basic training because I want to be challenged. Joseph Castaldo: I’ll be at Bergen Community College because I always wanted to go to college. Mariluz Kanjo: I will be studying at Montclair State University.
which means Tomahawk Jr. is trained and nationally certified in restorative water drying methods by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, also known as IICRC. Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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Chris Guardia: I will be attending PCCC and working with my father. Joohi Rana: Montclair State University because I received a grand merit scholarship. Henry Inoa: I’ll be in college. Elaha Saberi: College was always mandatory for me, so I will be studying business at Rutgers, Newark. Joelvis Cornelio: I will be attending PCCC so that I can save money. Cesar Diaz: I’ll be volunteering. Ryan Giust: I plan on attending Rutgers, Newark. Angel Marte: Essex or Bergen Community so that I am able to get an Associates in Applied Science and Civil Engineering.
Mark Glodava: I will be attending Rutgers University as a Biology major. Rutgers was the best college for me since they offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy program and have a great soccer program, which is also one of my passions in life. Ethan Nouhan: I reached the decision to go to Pepperdine University because of their excellent Communications program. Nicholas Salgado: I should be in the Army reserve or in college.
Alfred Deaca: In community college because it is affordable for a good education. Daniel Herrera: I’ll be attending Johnson & Wales in Providence. The school has a great reputation for making the greatest chefs and bakers and really caught my attention. I’m proud to be a future Wildcat! Roman Chyshkevych: I need college to survive, so I’ll be at MSU. Caitlyn Cindy: I do not plan on attending school this Fall, but I do plan on working a job full time. Joel Ciccarella: At Passaic Community College hopefully. Ivan Nogalo: I’ll be taking Auto Tech in Lincoln Tech, Mahwah. Matthew Ferko: At MSU.
Congratulations to the Class of 2015! St. Andrew the Apostle School 418 Mt. Prospect Ave. Clifton • 973.473.3711
www.sasclifton.com
S. Acevedo
K. Atie
E. Bradley
J. Buron
M. Carloni
T. Casselli
R. Castillo
J. Chie
K. Cioffi
T. D'Arco
J. Eke
J. Garay
A. Holzli
R. Lewis
M. Lopez
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88 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
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22 Varettoni Pl., Clifton • 973-772-2330 1293 Broad St., Bloomfield • 973-338-8300
rainbowmontessori.com
Paulina Edel is set to attend Montclair State University. Hard work and a strong passion helped her get there. Edel, who was the March Student of the Month, has devoted herself to music. She was a member of the CHS Orchestra and played viola in Academy Orchestras. Paulina is also a singer. “I am a singer in the Madrigals,” said Edel, “and I enjoy performing songs on the ukulele in places like the CHS Talent Show.” As she prepares to graduate high school, Edel hopes to pursue music in the future. One place she would love to do so is Venezuela. “My future aspirations are to go to school for Music Education and to become a teacher,” she said.. “I would like to travel the world and work with a Music Education program called El Sistema in Venezuela.” The singer and musician has accomplished a great deal while in high school. There is no doubt that her dedication to music will allow her to achieve the same success in the future. From our December cover, Isaiah Polanco, Christopher Reyes Kylie Marie Gonzalez and Paulina Edel at right.
Miral Zakaria: I’ll be at Eastwick College because it has a great program for what I’m going to study. Amy Philhower: I’ll be attending Bergen Community College. Brandon Rosario: Working and waiting to start TSA in November. Zachary Sjosward: Centenary College in Hackettstown because that is where my mom went. Marie Mendoza: I will be pursuing my dream of becoming a SpeechLanguage Pathologist at WPU. Joudi Amraia: I will be commuting to New York for school. Hussam Farhan: I will be at PCCC. 90 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Mike Orsita: I’ll be at WPU for my major and because it’s close to home. Walter Brown: Hopefully, I will be in either the Marines or the Army. Bryan Martinez: RPI because it’s the best school that I was accepted to. Narina Savas: I did not want to go anywhere far and WPU is the only 4 year college that accepted me. Angel Almazo: Bloomfield College. Valeria Carabali: I will be attending PCCC to study nursing. Kandece Rosario: I will be at base camp for the Air Force. Verenice Martinez: Majoring in Communications at PCCC.
Samantha Declet: MSU to major in Family and Child Studies. It’s close to home and I’ll be able to become an elementary school teacher. Juan Quirino: I plan on studying Accounting for two years at Passaic County Community College and after getting my degree, transferring to Montclair. Jezibeli Garcia: I admit that high school was not my best years academically so I will attend PCCC for two years to brush up my skills and then transfer to a four year school. Tina Quisn: I will be studying in a trade school so that I can pursue animation in the future.
Not a safe alternative to cigarettes Cigarette smoking among high school students is dropping—that’s the good news. But a new study published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, cautions hookah use among teens is rising dramatically, raising concern among health experts. In a study of high school seniors, 18% of the 5,540 surveyed had used hookah at least once in the past 12 months. Hookahs are water pipes with a smoke chamber, bowl, pipe and hose used to smoke specially made tobacco that comes in different flavors. They’re often shared by users in smoking sessions. Youth and young adults often think they are safer than smoking cigarettes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But hookah smoking has many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking. A 40 to 45-minute session using a water pipe is the equivalent of smoking 40 cigarettes at one sitting, said Janelle Middents, Area Director for the American Lung Association in Florida. Researchers, who found the students most likely to use a hookah had parents with higher levels of education and higher incomes, concluded it was important for educators and public health officials to help the public understand the dangers of hookah use. The Essex-Passaic Wellness Coalition (web.njms.rutgers.edu/EPWC) and the Clifton Health Department are working to educate our communities about the hazards of hookah use. Read more information on Hookah and Health in future issues of this magazine. Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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Blame it on the State Testing...
February
...but for the past few months, information on the CHS Students of the Month, nominated by the VP’s of each wing at CHS, was not available. That’s because teachers and administrators were busy testing kids for the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). But that’s all done and we have since received four months of info. To fit all those stories and photos, we have incorporated profiles and responses of those who are seniors into the previous 90 pages. Profiles of the other students are below.
Seniors, Michael Valido, Deanna Chahua, Ruben Giglio.
March Seniors, Amauris Peralta, Hansmeyri Torres-Terrero, Paulina Edel, Giancarlo Osnato.
April Seniors, Joseph Casperino, Camille Gomera-Tavarez, Brittany Calderon.
Junior - Joseph Gebbia February Student of the Month Rising senior Joe Gebbia offers some practical advice for those who will attend the 3,000+ student high school: Get involved. “Don’t be intimidated by the size of the school,” said the 17-year-old lacrosse player. “Join as many clubs or sports teams as possible because you’ll have a lot of fun and you will create memories.” Being motivated and getting involved at the high school also translates to Gebbia’s attitude in the classroom. “When it comes to Joseph Gebbia Jordan Rivera academics, be ready, show you are interested and know that the teachers are really because I’m still so young, but I understand growing up good and want to help. They will help you as much as is a part of life. Right now, I’m not sure. But whatever they can so they can watch you succeed,” he added. I decide to do, I want to leave a mark on this world.” His favorite subject throughout his 11 years of study Gebbia said that playing lacrosse as a Mustang is an is history. Gebbia cited his history teacher Mr. Lesler as honor. “I made a lot of friends and learned how to work among those instructors who make going to school hard. The kids I play with are like my brothers.” worth the effort. “I’m a history addict,” he said. “I love anything that happened in the past and I feel like it’s Freshman - Jordan Rivera important on what is happening in the world today. It’s February Student of the Month a subject that you can learn a lot from.” Jordan Rivera is in her first year at CHS but she While not certain on his plans after college, Gebbia made the Lady Mustangs Varsity Basketball team. She said he has many interests. Among the possible careers hopes by combining her round ball skills with hard are combining architecture and interior design. “But work in the classroom, that combination may help her recently I’ve been thinking about nutrition and fitness,” punch the ticket to her dream college. he laughed. “The future is a tough thing to talk about 92 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
With Great Pride, We Recognize the Clifton Office’s Highest Achievers. March 2015 Award Winners
Alma Bilings
Kaitlyn Barbagallo
Top Lister
Top Sales
Alma Bilings
Alma Billings
Top Producer
Agent of the Month
Angela Dallesandro
Agent of the Month
Reenakumari “Reena” Gohil
Weichert Pride
April 2015 Award Winners
Alma Billings
Top Lister
Sandra Vasquez
Top Sales
Top Producer
Sandra Vasquez
Pearl Wang
Weichert Pride
Here are some of our current homes on the market....
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If you’re interested in a career in real estate, call me at 973-779-1900(office) 973-801-9497(cell) tsanchez@weichertrealtors.net Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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Students of the Month “My goal is to play basketball for Duke University,” said Rivera, who attended Woodrow Wilson Middle School and also plays AAU ball with the Essence Carson Elite travel basketball team. So how is she going to get to Duke? Working as hard in the classroom as she does under the net. She does that thanks to a little bit of help from a mentor. Rivera points to an inspiring English teacher who knows how to motivate students in the class. “Mrs. Holland is the best teacher that Samantha Giordano Faith Popowich any student could ever have. She knows how to connect with students on so many A freshman at the CHS Annex, she enjoys playing different levels. Mrs. Holland knows how to keep the tennis, throwing the softball around with her sister, class involved in the lessons and you will enjoy every playing basketball with her brother, shooting pool, moment that you spend in E210 with her.” bowling, reading Nicholas Sparks books, going to the Making varsity as a freshman has been her biggest movies, drawing and spending time with her family. thrill. “I was lucky enough to start varsity, which will Giordano cited Friday, April 24, 2015 as her favorite always be a memorable experience for me,” she said. high school memory: “Mrs. Schnepf called me to the “All the girls on the team are talented and treat you like office during lunch. I was worried thinking I was in family. Great memories are made when I make my trouble. When Mrs. Schnepf handed me a piece of paper coaches proud or when I see my parents and Mrs. and explained to me that I was chosen as Student of the Holland’s faces in the crowd cheering me on.” Month, I had a smile on my face the whole day.” So what is the best thing about CHS? “The teachers who love what they do. Every day is new and it is never Freshman - Faith Popowich boring at Clifton High. There are so many supportive April Student of the Month people who just want you to succeed.” Faith Popowich has always gone to school on Van Houten Ave. She began her academic career in Freshman - Samantha Faith Giordano Kindergarten at School 2, then to Woodrow Wilson March Student of the Month Middle School and now CHS where the freshman proudThere are special people along life’s path and for ly proclaims: It really is a great day to be a Mustang! Samantha Faith Giordano, one of the more outstanding Popowich was born without an auditory nerve in her ones has been her tutor Mrs. Ritacco. left ear, but that has not gotten in the ways of stating her “We have cried and laughed together during many of goals of majoring in vocal music and of being a singer. our tutoring sessions, but most of all, Mrs. Ritacco “I do not Sign, but have learned to live with limited taught me how to study and to comprehend to the best hearing,” she explained. “Because I have limited hearof my ability.” She added: “My favorite subject in ing, I can’t tell the direction a sound is coming from, or school is Mathematics. Even though I have little diffihear people speak in large rooms or noisy settings. This culties with it, I always get good grades.” makes school hard, but I have learned to adapt. I’m basiAt birth, Giordano was diagnosed with transposition cally a very happy person. I try to always be smiling and of the greater arteries and had a large hole in her heart. brighten other people’s days.” As a result, she had her first open heart surgery when At CHS she is a member of the Drama Club, the Key she was five days old. Over the next three years she Club and the Italian Club. She sings in Chorus and was would have three additional heart surgeries. Surgeries Mona in the CHS spring musical Curtains. did not inhibit this freshman’s motivation. 94 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Appropriately named Faith, she “The academic teams are great,” shares the joy of music at St. Andrew’s explained De Haza, who hopes to RC Church where she sings in the teen become a Neonatologist, either as a choir and is a Vacation Bible School nurse or doctor. “Academic teams leader and choir member. mean that teachers at the Annex can Looking back at the Spring also have one-on-one time with you. Musical, she said it was great to work They care a lot about your performwith so many talented students—and ance in class. It’s also a smaller educaoutstanding teachers: “Mrs. Paulin, tional environment, so it’s easy to get Mrs. Eisenmenger and Ms. Manziella to know your teachers and vise versa.” saw the best in the cast and always History and Spanish are among her encouraged us to go beyond. We all favorite studies as she explained that learned so much. I can’t wait for next the subject matter allows her to learn Soralys De Haza year’s musical.” Popowich’s favorite and compare various Spanish cultures pastime is riding roller coasters, like and historical events that shaped the Kingda Ka at Great Adventure. “The scarier the roller world today. Thanks to her academic teams, next year on coaster the better.” the main campus, De Haza will have opportunity to take some honors classes. Freshman - Soralys De Haza She played Freshman Softball this year despite being April Student of the Month a newcomer to the sport. “I honestly thought that I When 15 year old Soralys De Haza moved to Clifton, wouldn’t make the team since this is my first year playshe said that she was fortunate to attend the Annex on ing. But with exactly four months of hard work, training Brighton Rd. where she felt there was a positive and weland dedication, it really paid off,” said De Haza, who coming learning environment. hopes to make varsity by her junior year.
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The 2015 Lambert Castle Concert Series moves outdoors on June 14 at 4 pm when the Passaic County Historical Society will host the Clifton Community Band as it presents Music at the Castle: A Welcome to Summer. Founded in 2002 and directed by Robert D. Morgan, the traditional concert band has about 90 members who perform on brass, woodwinds and percussion. Admission to the concert is free, but donations are requested. Bring your own seating and the concert will be cancelled in the event of rain. The castle is at 3 Valley Rd. on the Paterson/Clifton border. Info at lambertcastle.org or call 973-247-0085. The Clifton Arts Center will present An Outreach Lecture from The Montclair Art Museum on June 6 at 1:30 pm. From functional, to ceremonial and art objects, the program will trace the cultural and societal developments of Native American peoples from the seven major cultures: The Northwest Coast, California, the Southwest, the Plains, the Woodlands, the Southeast and the Arctic. While there, see A Humanist Vision: The Paintings and Drawings of Michael Lenson, an exhibition of artworks by artist Michael Lenson (1903-1971). Free to members of the Clifton Arts Center; $5 fee for non-members. The Clifton Arts Center is at 900 Clifton Ave. Call 973-472-5499. 96 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Botany Music Scene... Two-time NY Music Award winner and a NY Blues Hall of Fame inductee Robert Ross (left) brings his blues and rock band to Botany Village on July 17. It is part of an ongoing series of free, under-the-stars Friday evening concerts in the historic district. The music begins tonight, June 5, with Clifton’s own Victoria Warne. Shows begin at 6:30 pm, but be sure to make time to visit one of Botany’s taverns or dining establishments before or after the concerts and support Clifton’s merchants.
The Clifton Association of Artists is hosting its annual Summer Show and Sale at Lambert Castle, 3 Valley Rd., on the Clifton and Paterson border. The judged show will be held from July 1 to Aug. 2 and is open to all artists. Only two original works are permitted per entry. Reception of work will take place on June 27 at Lambert Castle. A presentation of awards and reception is July 11 at 2 p.m. For information and registration requirements, as well as details on price and membership, call 973-773-9721.
The PCCHC is offering 2016 arts and history re-grants. The deadline for arts applications is July 9, 2015 and for history applications, July 16, 2015. The applicant must be based in Passaic County; be a taxexempt non-profit organization or a municipal government entity; have been in existence at least two years; demonstrate that the project has clear artistic or historic merit; match every dollar of the arts re-grant with one dollar of its own and match every dollar of the history re-grant with fifty cents of its own; create programming that culminates in a public presentation; and use the re-grant for an arts or cultural project to take place in Passaic County in 2016 or a history project, between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016. Contact Susan Balik at sbalik@pccc.edu or 973-684-5444 to schedule a meeting to help with the grant writing process. For more details and information, go to pccc.edu/cultural-affairs/pcchc.
The Sequoia Senior Center, a program of Jewish Family Services of Passaic/Clifton, welcomes back the Garden State Opera in a series of vocal instruction to culminate in a patriotic performance. Under Maestro Francesco Santelli, seniors will receive training from Garden State Opera singers on June 10, 17 and 24. From God Bless America to You’re a Grand Old Flag, the sessions will help the elders brush up on American patriotic tunes. The chorus will perform at a July 1 barbecue at the Sequoia Senior Center, 565 Broadway, Passaic. For more info, call 973-246-7717. The Passaic County Senior Citizen Art Exhibition is open to those age 60 and over. There is no fee to enter, but entries must be show-ready and participants are limited to one exhibit. To enter, bring one show-ready piece of art to Senior Services from 9 am to 4 pm from June 1 to 4. Entries will be displayed from June 8 to 26 at the Passaic County Senior Services office, 930 Riverview Dr., Suite 200, Totowa. A reception and an awards ceremony is on June 27 at 2 pm. For details, call 973-569-4060. Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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Events & Briefs Woodrow Wilson 7th grade science students came in third place in the state in a contest sponsored by USA Today and Panasonic. Groups of students in Lorin Pontelandolfo’s science classes brainstormed ideas and implemented their plans while creating an ‘Ecodiary’ to document their journey. The goal is to raise awareness among children about the environment. They competed against other middle schoolers throughout the Garden State. The WWMS team of Paras Nahar, Daniel Marriello, Gerald McCarrick and Joseph Serafin focused on water pollution. The budding environmentalists even created an app to help people use less water in the shower. Their project came in third in New Jersey and the kids and their teacher enjoyed a tour of Panasonic’s Innovation Center in Newark along with other state winners, in addition to receiving a prize. Kids aged 6 to 15 years old from all over the world participated, so the Clifton team was among 150,000 students from a total of 35 countries to attend the program.
WWMS Science Teacher Lorin Pontelandolfo with Daniel Marriello, Paras Nahar, Gerald McCarrick and Joseph Serafin at Panasonic in Newark.
At the 10th Locks of Love event at CCMS on May 18, Camila Pujadas, a fourth grader at School 13, donated her hair along with her dad Hector Seda, pictured with his wife Cecilia. In total 4,414 inches of hair were collected and provided to the organization which creates wigs for children with illnesses.
The Knights of Columbus are hosting the 6th Annual 80,000 Pound Army Tank Pull Challenge on June 14, from 9 am to 4 pm, rain or shine. The event is staged on Clifton Ave. between St. James Pl. and Olga B Ter. Beyond the teams trying to pull the tank, there will be entertainment, food, games and free parking. Some 20 members are needed to participate as a team in the event. Members must also raise $1,500 by June 6 to get a Tank Pull time. If unable to attend, and you still want to donate, send any checks to Knights of Columbus, Tank Pull, 797 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ 07013. Proceeds benefit Wounded Warriors and local veterans. Register online at tankpullkofc.org or by calling 973-220-4601. 98 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
From the solemn moments to the more carefree and enjoyable times, Clifton’s Relay for Life was held on May 30 on the grounds of CHS. The goal of the 11th annual event was to celebrate the lives of survivors of cancer and remember those who lost the battle. Some $62,000 was also raised for research to find a cure by the American Cancer Society. The photo above is from Memorial Day when various RFL teams marched in the Memorial Day Parade in Allwood while the other two photos were taken at CHS. Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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Memorial Day, 2015 Pvt. Michael J. Columbus was the 308th name to be inscribed on the War Monument in Main Memorial Park. The family of Columbus, who served in WWII with the US Army’s 80th Infantry Division, 317th Infantry Regiment, contacted the Clifton Veterans Alliance after they found details of the late serviceman’s death. He was officially declared dead on Sept. 27, 1944, and is buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery, St. Avold, France. His memory and those of other Americans who died in service during war are remembered in our city and across America in services at monuments, in cemeteries and in solemn services to remember the Fallen. The photos here were taken on Monday, May 27 at services on Main Ave. and at other locations in town.
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On May 28 at the UFCW Local 1262 building on Broad St.: New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech, John Bello, a former Paterson manufacturer who was forced out of business by unfair foreign competition, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. and UFCW Local 1262 President Harvey Whilie. Pascrell is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee charged with overseeing international trade policy. He was in Clifton with labor leaders and workers to discuss the potential impact of pending legislation in Congress granting fast track authority for trade deals, specifically the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), on middle and working class families. St. Paul RC Church parishioners Josephine Carabello and Dorothy and Joseph DeLiberto (from left) will receive the Vivere Christus Awards on June 14 at 4 pm at St. Philip Church. Presented by Bishop Serratelli to them and others from Paterson diocese churches, Vivere Christus (from the Latin—‘to live is Christ,’), is awarded to the recipients for ‘their ongoing contributions in furthering the mission of Christ and his Church through their generous actions.’ Carabello has been a parishioner since 1940 and is still involved in numerous activities. The DeLiberto’s have been active in the parish for decades and will celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary on June 27.
You Don’t Have to Wait Until Friday to Eat Pirogies !!! Come to The Famous & Original (from Lexington Ave)...
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Varieties • Potatoes & Cheese • Potato • Sauerkraut • Pot Cheese • Mushroom • Pot Cheese & Potato • Broccoli • Spinach • Pizza • Apple • Prune • Cabbage • Apricot & Cheese • Broccoli & Spinach
NEW! Great for Parties... Hot, Homemade Empanadas! 102 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
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Birthdays & Celebrations - June 2015
Bob brate on Ju to bles years
Lakeview Bakery’s Daniel Sotamba turns 2 on June 30. Jack De Vries will be 58 on June 25. Happy 17th birthday to Yassin Aburomi on June 14. Ashley Parsons will be 25 on June 13. Bob & Alice DeLiberto will be married 28 years on June 27. Mom and dad send 17 kisses to Ava Nicole Genardi who has a birthday (but no photo!) on June 9. Happy 33rd Anniversary to Eileen & Ed Gasior on June 5.
Birthdays & Celebrations
Send dates & names...tomhawrylko@optonline.net Vinny Dalbo ....................... Holly Kocsis........................ Timmy Spears ..................... Jonathan Borrajo................. John Dominick .................... Denise Magaster................. John Traier ......................... Karl Aponte........................ Thomas Lesch ..................... Michael Musto.................... Emma Nysk........................ Rob Cone........................... Samantha Malenchak .........
6/1 6/1 6/1 6/2 6/2 6/2 6/2 6/3 6/4 6/4 6/5 6/6 6/6
Koreana Sabo .................... 6/8 Robert Ciallella ................... 6/9 Ava Nicole Genardi............ 6/9 Larry Grasso .................... 6/10 Joey Randazzo ................. 6/10 Nicole Carreno ................ 6/11 Margaret Nysk ................. 6/11 Adam Soder..................... 6/11 Cindy Brevic Goldestein .... 6/13 Steven Hatala, Sr. ............. 6/13 Anna Jurgowski ................ 6/13 Christopher Stetz .............. 6/13 Christopher Zaccone ......... 6/13
Find out all the details on Page 79
104 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
Vivian Margaret turned 1 on May 8, reports proud parents Margaret and Andre Olave. Andrew Bandurski ............ Danielle Dvorak ................ Derek Dvorak ................... Stephanie Dvorak ............. Jane Justin ........................ Kristina Marchesani .......... Joseph Peterson ................ Raymond Kuruc ................ Rafelina Reyes .................. Tabitha Sosa.....................
6/14 6/16 6/16 6/16 6/16 6/16 6/16 6/18 6/18 6/18
& Chris Landrith celetheir 40th Anniversary une 21. God continue ss them both with many s of health, happiness and love.
Emma, Olivia and Viktoria Green turn 9 on June 24. Jim Schubert Sr. .............. Aileen Haight ................. Alexander Conklin .......... John Hrina...................... Mike Skurski ................... Lori Homsany.................. Brittany Martorella........... Connie Musleh................ Susan McDonald............. Walter Vladyka............... Marco Greco.................. Kristen Murcko................ Monica Szewczyk........... Robert Conklin ................ Christopher Lucas............
6/18 6/20 6/22 6/23 6/24 6/25 6/25 6/26 6/27 6/27 6/28 6/28 6/29 6/30 6/30
Alan & Carolyn Spoto celebrate 31 years of marriage on June 9th. Congratulations to Frank & Brenda (Ludvik) Calandrillo on their 31st wedding anniversary on June 2. Clifton Merchant • June 2015
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Outdoor Living by Cambridge When planning an outdoor living space, leave nothing to chance. That’s why homeowners come to the experts at Athenia Mason Supply who recommend Cambridge Pavingstones with ArmorTec® and Wallstones. Before your visit, put together a wish list of sorts. For example, outdoor chefs may be interested in replacing that ancient barbecue grill with a grill island or a fullyfunctional, open-air kitchen. Models from Cambridge come complete with a stainless steel appliance package designed specifically for outdoor use. Popular season after season are outdoor pizza ovens 106 June 2015 • Clifton Merchant
to make authentic pizza pies, bake homemade breads and roast vegetables. Sitting around an outdoor fire may be an ideal setting and Cambridge offers gas and wood-burning fireplaces, fire pits and fire tables in addition to bistro-style tables, bars and remote-controlled waterfalls and fountain-based water features. An outdoor room can be further defined with a pergola or pavilion from a Cambridge prepackaged kit to provide an airy yet sheltered outdoor area. Visit Athenia Mason Supply to talk to a pro and get a free 108page Outdoor Living Room Guide from Cambridge.
Tomahawk Promotions 1288 main avenue Clifton, NJ 07011
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