Aleksey Strekalov is an ambitious young man from Wayne who seeks to endlessly expand his knowledge in his program of study. This member of the Academy of Medical Arts has gone above and beyond his station in order to discover what he enjoys about the field of healthcare.

“I like that Medical Arts is flexible and that I do something different every day.” He goes on to explain that his true interest is Emergency Medicine, of which he has much experience. Aleksey volunteers an average of eighteen hours a week as an EMT for both Wayne and Oakland. As part of PCTI’s STC program, he works out of Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.

This driven Bulldog has earned certifications as an EMT and a CNA, as well as in First Aid and Basic Life Support. He will graduate with twenty-five college credits as part of the Academy of Medical Arts. Additionally, Aleksey has taken it upon himself to study the information of five AP courses outside of school. What’s more, he passed each and every test he took and was awarded with the AP Scholar with Honor Award!

It comes as no surprise that Aleksey ranks in the top two percent of his class with a GPA of 4.34. Amidst his studies, he has been involved in NJROTC and HOSA and has held notable leadership positions. Aleksey was also selected for Boys State, National Honor Society, the 11th Congressional District’s Youth Advisory Council, and was a member of last year’s Spirit Council (which spearheaded the institution of Spirit Week).

When asked about his future plans, Aleksey explains that he will either pursue a career as an Emergency Room Physician or would work for the FBI. “In either case, I would be helping people by giving back - either by preserving life or maintaining order in society.” He already has fourteen college applications in progress, but is leaning towards Boston University or the University of California.

Aleksey plans on receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Afterwards, he will either pursue Medical School or enter the FBI Academy.

When asked if he has any advice for members of the Bulldog family, Aleksey said, “Don’t disregard the program area you choose - it’s what sets our school apart. Work in careers where you get to see things. Get exposure and pick up new skills.”

Those are wise words from an intelligent young man who has definitely embraced every possible opportunity. Congratulations, Aleksey! Your perseverance is to be admired. Best of luck in the future!

Julianna Tolerico is a North Haledon local who is enrolled in PCTI’s School of Construction Technology. She chose Plumbing Technology as her path of choice, mainly due to the intrigue of someday being able to design her own kitchen. This Bulldog is into baking and cooking, and setting up her own space to work would be icing on the metaphorical cake. “Being able to complete a project like that - from start to finish - is enticing to me,” she added.

Much of the PCTI community probably knows Julianna by her extensive involvement on the Varsity Softball team. She’s been an active sports athlete since the 2nd grade and even received honorable mention last year for All County.

A certain amount of hard work and diligence is required when participating in any sport. Time management is key, and it seems that Julianna has struck the perfect balance. This young woman ranks in the top four percent of the Class of 2017 with a GPA of 4.18. Her stellar grades have earned her Honor Roll status throughout her entire high school career. Julianna’s enrollment in honors courses has qualified her to earn a potential sixteen college credits by the time she graduates. She was also selected for the World Language Honor Society.

Julianna isn’t just an athlete, she’s a sports fan too. She’s a supporter of the NY Jets and the NY Mets and says that football and baseball are two sports she can’t get enough of.

Upon graduation, Julianna looks forward to using her love of sports to pursue an education in Sports Management. Getting to know athletes as more than a team commodity, and on a personal level, is her style. “I want to represent the players, not a product,” she said. She’s even thinking about becoming a Sports Agent.

Until then, Julianna is looking into getting her Coaching Certificate so that she can inspire today’s youth with the passion she has for one of America’s favorite pastimes.

When asked if she’d potentially come back and show tomorrow’s Bulldogs how to throw a ball, she replied, “Sure, I’d never thought of that!”

This caring Bulldog further explained that it’s important to exhibit good sportsmanship in all areas of life. Her philosophy is a sound one. No matter the path her future takes, Julianna’s friendly nature is sure to inspire everyone she meets. Congratulations to this kind young woman!