Nassim Amro is a young man from Clifton who genuinely seeks to make a great difference in the world. Selecting the Academy of Criminal Justice was the natural choice.“I always knew that I wanted to work with people on an every day basis and improve their lives.”

He currently faces a schedule packed with AP and honors courses. This bilingual Bulldog - fluent in Arabic - has the potential to graduate with twenty-seven college credits and ranks in the top three percent of his graduating class with a GPA of 4.23. He has achieved Principal’s Honor Roll throughout his entire high school career and was selected for Circle of Success, the National Honor Society, and NJ Boys State.

Nassim is a member of ERASE, Student Council/Interact, and PCTI’s Mock Trial team - where he serves as the captain/attorney. He is also a student ambassador. Outside of school, Nassim has held a job with Me Too LLC. as a Shipping/Packing assistant in New York City. He’s also accumulated more than two hundred hours of community service with the Clifton Animal Shelter.

When it comes to furthering his education, Nassim will pursue an undergraduate degree in International Relations.“Being a member of the Academy of Criminal Justice gave me the opportunity to use my program area to really pursue my passions.” Nassim goes on to explain that he aims to become a Humanitarian Aide and work for the United Nations. These altruistic ambitions manifested during a visit to Jordan and Palestine when Nassim met a young girl who lost her parents. “I feel privileged and lucky to live the life that I do. Now I’m motivated, more than ever, to help others.”

He has already been accepted to The College of New Jersey and Seton Hall. In addition, he has applied to Brown University, NYU, Montclair State University, the University of Chicago, and the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University - which is his first choice.

When asked about a valuable lesson he’s learned while attending PCTI, Nassim said, “I finally reached this point where I’m not afraid to have my voice heard. I’m more comfortable with myself - and that’s because of my experience with Boys State and the friends I’ve made in high school.”

Nassim has some advice for his fellow Bulldogs. “Never waste time on things that don’t make you happy.” One thing’s for certain, this young man is sure to leave his mark on the world. His altruism and drive will ensure success in the future!

Juan Escudero’s profound interest in math and science made his choice to become a member of the School of Engineering Technology an easy one. This young man from Paterson prides himself on being at the helm of technological advancement. “I really enjoy learning, Computers, in particular, change the way we live our lives.” Juan goes on to explain that the unique experience of developing computers, and making them better for the future, appeals to him the most. “Taking something that exists and using it to create something newer, better, is the definition of innovation.”

Juan has much experience in improving on existing designs. As proof, he acted as the lead presenter, spokesperson, and team coordinator for the NASA Hunch Engineering initiative, which saw that he and his team designed a “can squisher” device. He also served as the Team Leader for the SkillsUSA Mobile Robotics competition. In addition to these activities, Juan was selected for the World Language Honor Society, NJ Boys State, National Honor Society, as well as PCTI’s Circle of Success. He even received the AP & Project Lead the Way Achievement Award in Engineering - a distinction he earned for passing his AP Physics C test.

Juan has also been involved in ERASE, Engineering Club, and Gifted & Talented. His extremely busy schedule has ensured impeccable time management skills. In fact, this academically resilient Bulldog ranks in the top one percent of his class with a GPA of 4.39! He has achieved Principal’s Honor Roll throughout his academic career and has the potential to graduate with thirty-three college credits. In his free time, Juan can be found helping his dad out with the family business. His father owns a health store and works as a Notary Public.

When it comes to his education, Juan aims to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Computer Science at Rutgers New Brunswick. “Their engineering program is third in the state,” he adds. Looking further towards his academic ambitions, Juan plans on earning a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering as well as an MBA.

Juan’s ambition in the coming years is a simple one. “I want to focus on happiness,” he says. “Throughout my PCTI career I set the bar really high for performance, but I began to realize that performance isn’t what defines you as a person. Having good character and being a good person is the most important.”

Congratulations to a talented young man whose drive and determination have paved the way for success!