Daisy Gutierrez’ passion to help others find confidence led her to pursue PCTI’s School of Cosmetology, “I am very passionate about helping people love themselves and helping them achieve their dream look. I want them to feel better about themselves and feel confident about who they are and how they perceive themselves to others.”

In school, Daisy is a student council representative and member of End Racism And Sexism Everywhere (E.R.A.S.E), History Club, and World Language Honor Society. In her free time, Daisy is involved in volunteering and enjoys helping her community. Daisy is an active member of her church and performs in her church’s choir. She also volunteers with the WeLove You Foundation, which sends volunteers and donates to those who have suffered from natural disasters.

Next fall, Daisy will be attending Seton Hall University for nursing. While in college Daisy plans on opening a lash business specifically catering to college students, “I want to continue using the knowledge I learned at PCTI so students will have the opportunity to do their studies and focus on their work while remaining confident about themselves in the way they look.” In her future, Daisy aspires to combine her nursing degree with her love for cosmetology and become an aesthetician nurse so she may open her own aesthetics clinic.

Regarding her student of the month designation, “It feels amazing. When I heard I was named student of the month I was surprised and very excited. It’s a great way to start my new year in such an achieving way.” Daisy’s impressive GPA of 4.05, makes her very deserving of this honor!

Daisy shared advice for freshmen, “Dedicate yourself to your studies but make memories and have fun.” She also reminded everyone of a motto she goes by, “rejection is redirection, don’t give up.”

Daisy, your passion for helping others and hard work will get you far in your future!

Giovanni Olaya is a highly ambitious young man whose interest in coding and how computers work led him to attend the STEM Academy of Computer Science.

Amazingly, Gio holds many leadership roles in his school activities, he is Vice president of the Rho Kappa Honor Society, President of the STEM National Honor Society, and President of the Gifted and Talented Club. He is also a PCTVS Ambassador, Boys State Delegate, and member of Leaders Emerging Among Peers (LEAP). In his free time, Gio takes private lessons for piano and violin, he participates as a violinist in the Glen Rock Community Orchestra. He also helps in his church handling their live streaming and camera systems.

Earlier this year Gio was recognized by College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program for his academic achievements and outstanding performance. He has also been honored with the distinguished award of NJ Governor STEM scholar. He is 1 of 130 people in the state of New Jersey chosen from academic levels of grade 10 to the doctorate level. Gio’s passions for research made him a top contender to receive the STEM Scholar nomination, “It’s been a fun experience to attend summits and work on the current research project.”

Upon graduation, Gio plans on attending a university to study civil engineering then continuing to a master’s in that subject area. In his future, he aspires to become a civil engineer and at some point, get involved in politics, citing his experience with Boys State in sparking his interest with politics and public policy.

Speaking of his student of the month designation, “It’s surreal. I didn’t think I was going to get it. Learning through the pandemic made everything tougher academically and I didn’t think I would be able to turn it around to be made student of the month.” With an exceptional GPA of 4.55 and notable awards, Gio is more than qualified to receive this designation!

Gio was sure to remind freshmen, “Especially in STEM, don’t be intimidated. It’s such a small community with so many people that want you to succeed. There’s so many available resources and opportunities and you just have to go for them.”

Congratulations Gio! Your determination, passion, and hard work will ensure a successful future!

Jaylen Rizzo’s interests in Graphic Arts stems from her love of design, photography, and arts, “I knew graphic design would allow me to be creative with my work while combining drawing and art.”

At PCTI, Jaylen keeps busy with extracurricular activities as a member of the National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, a student ambassador, and SkillsUSA. Recently, Jaylen placed first in SkillsUSA for the submission of her NJ State Banner design. Jaylen is also an athlete as a varsity starter on the PCTI Fencing team. In the summer, she is a camp counselor at Camp Lake Rickabear.

In her free time Jaylen runs the Instagram account of her father’s New York City music venue, The Bitter End. She enjoys photography, especially shooting concerts, sports, and nature. Her love for music is evident as she loves attending concerts and listening to live music.

Upon graduation, Jaylen will be attending Marist College majoring in digital media with a concentration in graphic design and minor in photography. In her future, Jaylen aspires to work in the design aspects of branding and advertising.

Speaking of her student of the month designation, “It feels amazing. It’s been a goal for me since freshman year. I’ve been trying my hardest for this recognition and to be named student of the month shows that all my hard work has paid off.” Her remarkable GPA of 4.04 shows her extraordinary work ethic!

When asked if she has any advice for her classmates, Jaylen said, “Don’t slack off now, keep trying all four years, create good habits, and always put in the effort.”

Congratulations to a young woman whose passions will ensure a successful future!