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May Students of the Month

Victoria Mistretta

Victoria Mistretta

Vic Mistretta is the STEM Academy’s first ever Salutatorian. Vic resides in Wayne and is an outstanding academic student in the Biomedical and Life Sciences pathway. She has earned an astounding GPA of 4.58. “It feels incredibly rewarding to have earned the honor of salutatorian. I have worked so hard these past few years, and I am so glad that my academic achievements have been recognized.”

While at PCTVS, Vic has been involved in many school activities, clubs, and extracurriculars such as Ti@ti, HOSA, NJ Girls State, Wreaths Across America, Gifted and Talented, National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, PCTVS Student Mentor, and a representative for the Class of 2022.

Vic was a member of the New Jersey STEAM Tank Competition team which finished in 2nd place out of 250 other NJ schools. Vic was also two-time MVP, as well as two-time First Team All-County selection and varsity team captain for the PCTVS Girls Volleyball team.

Outside of school, Vic spent much time as an Assistant Researcher at The Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory at Montclair State University, played club volleyball for multiple teams, was a Weston Program Teaching Assistant, volunteered at the Montclair book drive, was a self-employed algebra 1 tutor, and was also published in the journals Jove and Symmetry for cognitive neuroscience research.

When taking advantage of down time, Vic enjoys spending time with friends by going to music shows. Vic will be attending the University of Pittsburgh and hopes to eventually obtain a PhD/MD and conduct research to help reduce disparities in the medical field, as well as become a surgeon.

Vic has some good advice for current and incoming students, “Find an area you enjoy contributing to, whether it’s related to your shop or a different area of passion. When you find your people who all share your same passion, you will thrive.”

Congratulations to Victoria Mistretta on this amazing accomplishment – your hard work will definitely pave the way to your dreams!

Highlights

  • STEM Academy Class of 2022 Salutatorian
  • GPA is 4.58
  • National Honor Society
  • World Language Honor Society
  • Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society
  • Gifted and Talented
  • HOSA
  • DSTEAM Tank Challenge
  • Ti@ti
  • NJ Girls State
  • Wreaths Across America
  • PCTVS Student Mentor
  • Assistant Researcher at The Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory at MSU
  • Class of 2022 representative
  • Girls Volleyball Captain, MVP, All-County Selection
  • Goals: Attend the University of Pittsburgh and to eventually obtain a PhD/MD and conduct research to help reduce disparities in the medical field, as well as become a surgeon.


Cameron Farid

Cameron Farid

Cameron Farid of Clifton is one of the most highly intelligent and academically successful students to ever grace the campus of PCTVS. He is a diligent, compassionate and curious young man in the Engineering program at the STEM Academy.

With an overall GPA of 4.604, Cameron has officially been named the very first STEM Class of 2022 Valedictorian. “It feels like a final culmination of all the hard work I’ve put in throughout the past four years along with the aid and support others have offered me during my time at PCTVS.”

During his tenure at PCTVS, Cameron has been involved in numerous competitions. He was a member of the SeaPerch Underwater Robotics Competition and won 1st place in 2021 and was part of the 2021 STEM Expo which garnered 2nd Place for his supercapacitor design. In addition to his success at PCTVS, he was also recognized as a NJ Governor’s STEM Scholar and as an AP Scholar with Distinction.

Cameron is also involved in various clubs and activities at PCTVS. He is a member of the Robotics Club, National Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, Gifted and Talented, PCTVS Golf Team, and NJ Boys State. He is also a PCTVS Veterans Activities planner and presenter, as well as the Community Outreach Chairperson for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

Cameron also spearheaded a keychain laser cutting project where he and colleagues created a variety of patriotic keychain designs that were created and produced in the STEM Fabrication Lab and presented to over 60 Veterans at the 2021 PCTVS Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony.

In addition, Cameron was a volunteer researcher in a college-level math research project at the STEM Academy, held dual enrollment as a college Algebra student at PCCC, was a 3rd-4th grade math tutor for a local elementary school, and a cashier at ShopRite Little Falls.

Away from PCTVS, Cameron loves being with friends and family, walking around town and having a good time making jokes with his siblings. He enjoys fixing and building things like the bicycle he recently put together.

Cameron will be attending Princeton University this fall where he plans on studying mechanical engineering and sustainable energy, with potential career interests in the field of energy extraction/power generation.

When asked what advice he would give to current or incoming students, Cameron replied, “You get what you put in. By this, I mean that you can work to ‘get by’ or ‘get an A’ on an assignment and move on, but to really prosper and find both passion and pride in your work, you must be willing to go the extra mile and put in hard work. It pays off.”

No matter where Cameron goes or what he does, we know his path will lead to greatness! Congratulations Cameron and best of luck in all your future endeavors!

Highlights

  • STEM Academy Class of 2022 Valedictorian
  • GPA is 4.604
  • 1st Place in SeaPerch Underwater Robotics Competition
  • 2nd Place in STEM Expo 2021
  • National Honor Society
  • Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society  
  • Gifted and Talented  
  • PAP Scholar with Distinction
  • NJ Boys State
  • PCTVS Veterans Activities Planner and Live Presenter  
  • NJ Governor’s STEM Scholar
  • Robotics Club
  • Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Community Outreach Chairperson
  • Volunteer researcher in college-level math research project
  • PCTVS Golf Team
  • Cashier at ShopRite Little Falls
  • Goals: Attend Princeton University and plans on studying mechanical engineering and sustainable energy, with potential career interests in the field of energy extraction/power generation


Tracey Gil

Tracey Gil  

Tracey Gil is a passionate, motivated, and highly intelligent student from PCTI’s Academy of Health Sciences. Her current GPA of 4.56 has earned her the distinct honor of being named the Salutatorian of class of 2022 at Passaic County Technical Institute. “I am truly honored to have earned the title of the Salutatorian and to be an example of the diligence and dedication that many of my fellow classmates show every day.”

Her hard work and dedication in and out of the classroom only add to Tracey’s amazing list of accomplishments. Tracey has been an active member of the PCTI community participating in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Gifted and Talented, Book Club, Student Council, and the World Language Honor Society.

During her senior year, she participated in the EMT course offered by the Academy of Health Sciences in partnership with Passaic County Community College and has received a CPR certification and has become a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician.

Tracey also values community service, making it a priority to give back and lend a helping hand to others. She has participated in the Wreaths Across America initiative at Berkeley College and volunteered with the Color A Smile organization, Valley Health System, and her fellow youth group at St. John the Baptist Cathedral.

Also in her free time, she loves reading and spending time with her friends and family. “Whenever I have spare time, I also challenge myself with learning new things, recently learning how to play the piano and ukulele.”

Tracey plans on attending Felician University’s prestigious nursing program. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Tracey would love to obtain a Master’s degree and become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Her ambition is to be an active member of the community, providing individualized care and compassion to her patients.

“Attending a vocational school like PCTVS provided me with an outstanding education that has stimulated my compassionate nature and furthered my passion for patient care. Because of my time here at PCTI in the Academy of Health Sciences, I wholeheartedly look forward to a rewarding career in healthcare, where I can help those in need while on the frontlines of medicine.”

Congratulations Tracey! We know you will continue to accomplish great things!

Highlights

  • PCTI Class of 2022 Salutatorian
  • GPA is 4.56
  • CPR/BLS certified
  • Nationally Registered Emergency Technician (NREMT)
  • Member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
  • Gifted and Talented
  • Book Club Member
  • Student Council
  • World Language Honor Society
  • Wreaths Across America Volunteer through Berkeley College
  • Color A Smile Volunteer
  • Valley Health System Volunteer
  • Goals: Attend Felician University’s prestigious nursing program and receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Obtain a Master’s degree and become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner


Diya Patel

Diya Patel  

Diya Patel is one of the most likeable and outgoing students here at PCTVS – she’s witty, charismatic, charming, and extremely gifted! Her diligence and unparalleled work ethic have been the backbone of all her amazing academic and social achievements, which she partially credits to the support of her family and friends. The Woodland Park native and Academy of Criminal Justice student has a current GPA of 4.568 and is PCTI’s Class of 2022 Valedictorian.

“I am very excited to be Valedictorian and it is a true honor to be able to represent the PCTI community. I am so grateful for all the support my family and friends have given me throughout the years, and it’s great to see all the hard work pay off.”

While here on campus Diya is involved in some noteworthy school activities. She is Captain and Lead Attorney for the Mock Trial team and has been a staunch contributor to the “5-Peat” County Championship legacy. Diya is also the Epee Captain of the Varsity Girl’s Fencing team and was the PCTI Varsity Girls Fencing MVP in 2021. She was also the 1st place winner of the Passaic County Bar Association Law Day Video Contest 2021.

When asked if she considers herself a role model Diya humbly replied, “I always try my best to set an example for others. During my time as Captain of the PCTI Mock Trial team I’ve learned that leading by example is the best way to lead and always try to be diligent in my work and keep a positive attitude to motivate others to do the same.”

When not in school Diya likes to listen to her favorite podcasts, binge-watch Bollywood movies, and spending time with family and friends. She has also helped organize the fundraiser Dress for Success, is a writer for the business and law blog Medium, is an editorial contributor to a stock advisory service called Benzinga, and volunteered as a contactless grocery delivery driver during the pandemic for New Life Adult Day Care.

In the fall, Diya will be attending the prestigious Stern School of Business at New York University and plans to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business. She also hopes to continue participating in Mock Trial on a collegiate level and would eventually like to attend law school to pursue a career in corporate law where she can advise businesses in making important legal decisions.

Diya has some valuable advice and words of wisdom for current and incoming students, “take charge of your own success. Always take any opportunity given to you and if you don’t see any opportunities in front of you it’s your job to go out and make them!” Congratulations to Diya on all her outstanding accomplishments and good luck in the future.

Highlights

  • PCTI Class of 2022 Valedictorian
  • GPA is 4.568
  • Mock Trial Captain and Lead Attorney (5x County Champion)
  • Varsity Girls Fencing Epee Captain
  • PCTVS Varsity Girls Fencing MVP 2021
  • Winner of Passaic County Association Law Day Video Contest 2021
  • Dress For Success Fundraising Organizer
  • Blogger for business and law blog “Medium”
  • Editorial Contributor for stock advisory service “Benzinga”
  • New Life Adult Day Care COVID-19 Contactless Grocery Deliverer
  • Goals: Attend the Stern School of Business at New York University, continue participating in Mock Trial and attend law school to pursue a career in corporate law