Gabriela Juniewicz is a young woman from North Haledon who is determined to push her educational limits. As a member of the Academy of Medical Arts, she is CPR and CNA certified and is currently working towards her EMT certification.

Gabriela is an involved Bulldog who is known for participating in numerous service initiatives, clubs & activities, as well as honors and AP courses. This includes being a youth group member, a religious education instructor, working at a catholic camp, as well as participating in PCTI’s HOSA, Gifted & Talented, the Astronomy Club, Book Club, Varsity Tennis and Varsity Golf. Gabriela was also selected for Foundation for Success, Girls State, the Youth Advisory Council, National Honor Society, and World Language Honor Society. She has achieved Principal’s Honor Roll throughout her time in high school. It comes as no surprise that Gabriela ranks 4th in her class with a GPA of 4.53. She even has the potential to graduate with thirty-five college credits!

When asked where her career interest lies, Gabriela beams. “I’ve always loved Biology. Learning about the human body - what it’s capable of and how to treat it - is what I’m passionate about.”

She goes on to explain her desire to enter the medical field stems from her experiences in middle school. Today, she enjoys every facet of her education, from labs, to hands on projects, and lectures.

Gabriela will pursue double majors in Biology and Anthropology. She has already been accepted into Rutgers, Seton Hall, Fordham, Villa Nova, and Manhattan University, and has applied to Yale, Columbia, and NYU. After receiving an undergraduate degree, Gabriela intends to receive her Masters in Physician Assisting.

This hardworking young woman is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. She’s also had a lot practice in perfecting her work-life balance.

“I aim to have a life, not just a job, while remaining open to all the world has to offer.”

There may even be some traveling in Gabriela’s future. Her interest in biology extends to Medical Anthropology. “It would be great if I get the opportunity to study abroad,” she adds.

When asked what lessons she’ll take with her after graduation, Gabriela explains, “All the opportunities I’ve had at PCTI allowed me to find myself. I know who I am. My participation in the clubs and activities in high school allowed me to develop and grow.”

Congratulations, Gabriela! Your thirst for knowledge and desire to heal the world will ensure a successful future!

Jakub Zarski is a Clifton local whose long fascination with Legos evolved into a prospective career. “I’ve always been interested in building model planes,” Jakub offers. In fact, the reason he chose to attend PCTI is due to the School of Engineering Technology - of which he is a member. It’s the thrill of design and product completion that drives Jakub to pursue a future career in Aeronautical Engineering.

He’s already taking advantage of all the educational experiences PCTI has to offer. Jakub is a member of Gifted & Talented and the Engineering Club. He was also selected for Boys State, Circle of Success, and will be participating in the SkillsUSA competition this year.

Jakub’s academic savvy has secured him a spot on the Principal’s Honor Roll during his entire high school career. Enrollment in high level courses, with fantastic grades to match, has ensured Jakub is ranked in the top two percent of the Class of 2017 with a GPA of 4.38! He also has the potential to graduate with twenty-four college credits.

Outside of PCTI, Jakub enjoys playing soccer and even works as a referee with EDP for youth competitive games.

Future prospects for this bright young man include attending a university to receive a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He has already been accepted into fifteen colleges, a few of which include: FDU, NJIT, Bradley University, Liberty University, Michigan Technological University, the University of Dayton (with scholarship) and many more.

Aside from pursuing educational endeavors in a traditional institution, Jakub has thoughts of creating his own startup. “The aerospace industry needs capital, so my goal would be to focus on contracting and design. Ultimately I want to create environmental solutions.”

Jakub has also expressed an interest to work with the CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk. “He’s a visionary on the right track in the industry,” he adds.

When asked about his experience at Passaic County Technical Institute, Jakub explains that attending the career and technical high school was a no brainer.

“I always knew that I wanted to study engineering. Coming here allowed me to be receptive to learning and to gain more knowledge about my future career.”

Jakub’s strong work ethic and logical approach to life will surely pave the path to success, especially in the field of engineering. Congratulations to this studious young man!