Emily Burak is a young woman from Clifton who has always had a passion for expressing herself through art. “I grew up around it. My older brother and grandmother are both artists,” she explains. Being that creativity has always played a large role in her life, it’s no wonder that Emily elected to study as a member of PCTI’s Advertising Art & Design program.

Boundless drive has ensured that Emily has been involved in countless community initiatives. She has organized fundraisers for the Oasis Women Shelter, Clifton Cares, St. Peter’s Haven, Shriners Hospital for Children, and Caldwell Food Pantry. She is also a member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and has worked as an Arts and Crafts Specialist at Camp Caldwell.

Emily is active in the NJROTC where she serves as Head of Deck. Her responsibilities include overseeing classrooms and making sure they are clean and organized. She’s even working on a classroom mural! In addition, Emily is involved in Book Club and SkillsUSA. She was also selected for the World Language Honor Society.

Her academic aptitude is second to none. Emily ranks in the top four percent of her class with a GPA of 4.17 and has achieved Principal’s Honor Roll. She has the potential to graduate with nineteen college credits!

While attending PCTI, Emily has gained much experience as an artist. Her artwork has been featured in the PCTI calendar, and on school banners. It has also been displayed at “Colour and Whim” in Glenrock, NJ, the Montclair Art Gallery (MSU), and the the Power Art Center (WPUNJ). As a junior, she was commissioned to create a veteran portrait of Pat Burke in honor of Memorial Day. She will also graduate with Adobe certification.

After graduation, Emily seeks to attend a university and pursue her dream of becoming an Illustrator and Creative Writer. She has applied to Pratt, Carnegie Melon, William & Mary, Rowan, Drew, and Marist.She’s already been accepted to the University of Hartford and the University of the Arts.

When asked what she likes about PCTI, Emily said, “I really enjoy getting to study what I love. I’ve learned so much through the Advertising Art & Design program and was exposed to so many different mediums.”

She also has valuable advice for potential future Bulldogs. “If you’re dedicated to what you want to learn and you know what you want to study in the future, then PCTI is the place for you! You’ll definitely be prepared for life after highschool.”

Congratulations to a passionate young woman and best of luck in the future!

Jenna Gleason has always thought of teachers as role models. “I grew up with my cousins who are in the field and I really admire what they do,” she said. This North Haledon local was also involved in “Safety Town,” a program which helps Pre-K children transition to attending kindergarten. Her experience, combined with emulating the people she looks up to the most, urged her to enroll in PCTI’s School of Education and Human Services.

As part of her program, Jenna works as a Teacher’s Assistant at Head Start and La Vida Too. Her interests, however, extend beyond the world of education.

She is a musician, dancer, and artist. Jenna has been dancing since the age of two and is partial to ballet. She plays guitar, piano, bass, and on occasion, the ukulele. Jenna shares a passion for music with her twin sister and the two often perform together.

She is heavily involved in the school community. Jenna is a member of Gifted & Talented, Student Council, TI@ti, is a Class Representative, and acts as a PCTI Student Ambassador. She’s also been selected for Rho Kappa Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, and the National Honor Society where she serves as the Recording Secretary.

Despite her busy schedule, Jenna ranks in the top six percent of her class with a GPA of 4.09. She has the potential to graduate with seventeen college credits and has achieved Principal’s Honor Roll throughout her entire high school career.

In her free time, Jenna volunteers to benefit charitable events. Most recently, she was involved in Tim Tebow’s international “Night to Shine,” which treats special needs high school students to their very own prom.

After graduating from high school, Jenna plans to embark on a new educational adventure by studying to become a Physician’s Assistant . She will also pursue a degree in business. Jenna has already been accepted to Montclair State University, William Paterson University, Monmouth University, Seton Hall, and Ramapo College. She also applied to Princeton.

When asked what she enjoys most about attending PCTI, Jenna said, “I love my teachers! They really care about you and want to see you succeed.”

She also commented on what she’s learned while attending our high school. “I used to be really shy and wait for people to come to me, but that changed specifically with TI@- ti. I’m more comfortable taking the lead and communicating with others. It’s something I’m grateful for.”

Congratulations, Jenna! May your dreams be as varied as your interests. We wish you all the best!