Po-Lun Kung from North Haledon is a young man interested improving the well-being of others. “I have an appreciation for helping people and saving lives,” he says. It’s no wonder that Po elected to pursue an education in PCTI’s Academy of Medical Arts.

Throughout his high school career, Po has accumulated much experience in his chosen field of study. His certifications include EMT, CNA, Basic Life Support, CPR, and Lifeguarding. Po has taken numerous honors and AP courses and has the potential to graduate with thirty-six college credits! He’s achieved Principal’s Honor Roll throughout his entire high school career and has been honored as a Freshmen Foundation for Success student. With a 4.52 GPA, it’s no wonder Po has been named the Salutatorian for the Class of 2018!

Despite a heavy academic workload, Po is involved in numerous activities. He is on PCTI’s Boys Swim, Tennis, and Volleyball teams. He was selected for the National Honor Society, the World Language Honor Society, and Rho Kappa Honor Society, where he serves as the Vice President. Po is involved in Gifted & Talented, LEAP, and HOSA - where he holds the distinguished position as the NJ Northern Regional Vice President! Outside of school, Po participates in the Keystone Club, FASCA, the North Jersey Archery program, and much more.

When asked about his array of interests, Po says, “I never know what I’ll be interested in, so I like to try a lot of different things. I’m really trying to discover my passion.”

Culture is a large part of Po’s life. This bilingual Bulldog is fluent in Mandarin and pledges to partake in a summer program that will take him to Taiwan to teach English at rural schools.

After graduation, he will attend the Honors Biology program at Rutgers University New Brunswick. Po aims to receive a Bachelor of Science degree and will eventually enroll in medical school. He hopes to one day become a doctor in the Pediatric field.

When asked what drives him to achieve greatness, Po cites his curious nature. “I enjoy learning about everything. I’m voracious when it comes to knowledge and I make a real effort to understand others.”

Congratulations to a young man who is finding his way in the world. You’re sure to discover your passion and will achieve great things!

Keri Fuhrmann is far from your typical teenager. This diligent young woman believes that education is a lifelong process, one that isn’t limited to the classroom. “My youth revolved around camping, fishing, hiking, and took me to all 48 contiguous states, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria,” Keri says. “I quickly learned that life was much bigger than my hometown of North Haledon.”

The lessons she learned in youth have translated well to her academic career. As a member of the Academy of Information Technology, Keri studies Computer Science and has achieved many outstanding feats. She was selected as a member of the Freshmen Foundation for Success, as well as Circle of Success, and has achieved Principal’s Honor Roll throughout her entire high school career. Her pursuit of educational excellence saw that she was enrolled in numerous honors and AP classes. Impeccable grades - all A’s - secured her spot as the Class of 2018’s Valedictorian with a GPA of 4.56! She has the potential to graduate with fifteen college credits!

Keri is involved in PCTI’s Gifted & Talented program. Outside of school, she works as an Algebra I Tutor with Pam Frey. She’s received the national President’s Education Award, an honor that recognizes students for meeting challenging standards of excellence. Keri was nominated for the National Academy of Future Scientists and the Technologists Award of Excellence. She’s also First Aid, CPR, AED, and Lifeguard certified.

Keri credits much of her success to her theocratic education as a Jehovah’s Witness. “I’ve had so many incredible insights and experiences. It’s been said the best learning comes from instructing others. My thousand hours of volunteer service teaching the bible has been incredibly rewarding.”

After graduating from high school, Keri will continue to focus on her never ending journey of learning, preaching, and volunteering.

“My greatest goal in life is to be happy. I want to combine my love of travel and religion to teach the bible abroad.”

When asked about the advice she has for members of her PCTI family, Keri says, “Don’t procrastinate and take advantage of the high level classes our school offers. Be sure to get the best education that you can.”

Keri plans on utilizing her education in Computer Science to supplement her future endeavors. Congratulations to a brilliant young woman who is destined to make an impact. You’re sure to succeed!