Sahil Shah of Clifton is a high-achieving student in PCTI’s Academy of Finance who holds an outstanding 4.3 GPA and ranks in the top 4% of his class! Sahil will graduate from high school with an impressive 33 potential college credits and plans on continuing his studies and passion for finance after graduation.

After a fascination with stocks inspired an interest in finance at a young age, Sahil opened his first stock account at the age of 16 and began to teach himself all about investments and commodities. As a student in PCTI’s Academy of Finance, Sahil has expanded his knowledge of these topics and further solidified his decision to pursue this profession after high school. Sahil has applied what he has learned in the classroom to the real world as he recently interned at a private equity firm in New York City, where he learned about deep value equity investments and how to manage portfolios.

At PCTI, Sahil has been a member of the Varsity Tennis team for four years and is now Captain of the team. Additionally, in summer of 2019, Sahil participated in NJ Boys State where he collaboratively worked on legislation that improved climate and business, a proposal which he and his peers submitted to Governor Phil Murphy. Sahil notes that this was an incredible opportunity in which he was able to work with people who held various viewpoints in order to attain a common goal.

Outside of the classroom, Sahil enjoys spending time with family, travelling and skiing. In addition to volunteering at Toni’s Soup Kitchen in Montclair, Sahil has worked as a tennis coach and assistant manager at Preakness Hills Country Club, furthering his love of the sport. Sahil also serves as a tutor for middle school students in the subjects of social studies and mathematics.

Upon graduation from PCTI, Sahil’s goal is to attend the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business to further his studies. Afterwards, Sahil wants to move to New York City to work on Wall Street and eventually open his own hedge fund!

Sahil reflects fondly on his four years at PCTI, noting that our teachers’ passions are extremely evident and trickle down to students. He also adds that the abundant resources and opportunities at PCTI have shaped his time on campus. Sahil comments that “Everything is a learning experience. I’ve learned to talk to more people and really enjoy the whole experience. It's not only about what you learn, it’s also about how you use it.” When giving advice to other students, Sahil says, “You can sleep on your dreams, or you can wake up and chase them.”

Congratulations on all your accomplishments, Sahil! Best of luck in college and beyond!

Cayla Brodeur of Ringwood is an exceptional young woman with an outstanding work ethic and a positive outlook on life. A senior in PCTI’s School of Education & Human Services, Cayla holds a phenomenal 4.4 GPA and ranks in the top 2% of her class! Additionally, Cayla will graduate with 13 potential college credits as a result of her academic achievement.

Outside of the classroom, Cayla keeps busy with babysitting and various extracurricular activities. She is currently the President of the Future Educators’ Association and has previously held the role of secretary. Through this organization, Cayla has participated in numerous service projects including a school supply drive to assist underprivileged children and “Stomp the Monster Fundraiser” to raise money for young cancer patients. Notably, in Cayla’s junior year of high school, she was a SkillsUSA National Silver Medalist and State Gold Medalist!

Cayla works as an Office Assistant at Main Street Glass & Mirror, where she uses her impeccable organization skills to handle paperwork, bills and company files. For the past three summers, Cayla has served as a Junior Counselor and lifeguard at Solid Rock Day Camp, where she learns about service and interaction with young campers.

Cayla has extensive volunteer experience as well. Through PCTI’s School of Education and Human Services, Cayla has served as a Teaching Assistant at the Center for Family Resources. In this role, she created lesson plans and activities for children and engaged with the students during playtime. An active member of Bethany Church in Wyckoff, Cayla serves as a student leader for preschool and middle school students. These activities allow Cayla to work with children and further prepare for her future career as an educator.

Upon graduation from PCTI, Cayla plans to attend Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma where she will study to become a high school English teacher. Despite the distance from home, Cayla found the campus comfortable and a perfect place to study and uphold her Christian faith.

When reflecting on her time at PCTI, Cayla notes that she has grown personally and academically. She has enhanced her ability to work independently while expanding her horizons and making new friends from across the county. “There are so many great opportunities at PCTI,” Cayla notes. “Everyone is so kind, and the teachers really want us to grow as people and students.”

Cayla offers wise advice to other students, advising others to “Take advantage of activities and get involved! Make the most of every opportunity.”

Congratulations, Cayla! Best of luck in your future studies, and keep up the awesome work!