Raelyn Tay - Valedictorian
Raelyn Tay is an enthusiastic and talented student from PCTI's School of Culinary Arts. With a strong passion for food and creativity, Raelyn has been drawn to the aesthetic and artistry of bake shops and bakeries since she was young. It was this fascination that led her to choose the culinary program at PCTI. Her impressive academic performance is reflected in her GPA of 4.59, naming her PCTI’S Valedictorian for Class of 2023.
Being named the PCTI valedictorian is both thrilling and nerve-wracking for Raelyn, “I worked hard and did a lot of what I did for myself, not for the recognition but being named valedictorian is really exciting!”
Raelyn is actively involved in several clubs and activities at school. She is a member of the Gifted and Talented program and ERASE. Additionally, she has competed in various culinary competitions, including ProStart, where she was part of the management team. In her junior year, Raelyn participated in a wedding cake competition, and in her senior year, she competed in a commercial baking competition.
In her free time, Raelyn enjoys painting and engaging in home baking as her after-school activities. After high school, she plans to attend a local college, possibly to study business or accounting. Her ultimate goal is to open a bake shop with her friends.
Raelyn leaves word of advice for next year’s incoming freshmen, “Do what you love, even when the road gets hard just keep moving forward because at the end of the day about you, not anyone else.”
Her dedication, passion, and ambition make her a standout student at PCTI, and her future endeavors are bound to be successful.
Congratulations Raelyn!
Highlights
- GPA: 4.59
- Clubs: Gifted and Talented program and ERASE. competed in various culinary competitions, including ProStart management team, a wedding cake competition, and a commercial baking competition
- Goals: Study business or accounting with the goal of opening a bake shop with her friends.
Jazmin Mendoza Ortega - Salutatorian
Jazmin Mendoza Ortega, a dedicated and ambitious student of PCTI's Academy of Health and Medical Sciences for the Class of 2023. Her dedication and ambition shine through in her pursuit of excellence in the medical field. Jazmin's unwavering passion for healthcare and her desire to become a doctor have fueled her academic journey in her CTE program.
Being named Salutatorian is an incredible achievement for Jazmin, and it brings her a great sense of fulfillment. Her hard work and determination throughout high school have paid off, and both she and her parents are overjoyed by this accomplishment.
Jazmin is actively involved in various clubs and organizations at school. She holds the prestigious position of president in the National Honor Society and is also a member of Rho Kappa Honor Society, HOSA as a Pharmacology competitor, World Language Honor Society, Student Council Interact, and History Club. Jazmin dedicates her time to after-school activities that involve giving back to the community. She volunteers at a local ambulance corps in Hawthorne on Mondays and Saturdays, demonstrating her compassion and desire to help others.
Looking ahead, Jazmin plans to attend Kean University to pursue a degree in biomedicine with a pre-med track. Her ultimate goal is to enter medical school and become an ear, nose, and throat surgeon. Her aspiration to specialize in this field highlights her dedication to a specific area of medicine and her desire to make a significant difference in patients' lives and a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.
For incoming freshmen, Jazmin offers valuable advice, “I really recommend starting off on the right foot. Pace yourself and do well in your classes. Remember to take it one day at a time.”
Jazmin has achieved an impressive GPA of 4.51, a testament to her academic prowess and commitment to her studies. Her outstanding academic achievements have played a crucial role in her success as Salutatorian and will undoubtedly continue to shape her future endeavors.
Congratulations to Jazmin Mendoza Ortega on her remarkable accomplishments, and best of luck to her as she pursues her dreams in the medical field.
Highlights
- GPA: 4.51
- Clubs: of president in the National Honor Society and is also a member of Rho Kappa Honor Society, HOSA as a Pharmacology competitor, World Language Honor Society, Student Council Interact, and History Club.
- Goals: Her ultimate goal is to enter medical school and become an ear, nose, and throat surgeon.
Shuvon Islam - Valedictorian
Shuvon Islam is a highly dedicated and accomplished student, known for his exceptional academic achievements and involvement in various extracurricular activities. Shuvon has shown a remarkable aptitude for his chosen pathway, Bio-Medical and Life Sciences, and has been named Valedictorian for the second graduating class of the STEM Academy.
Within the school community, Shuvon has actively participated in various clubs and organizations. He is a member of the World Language Honor Society, History Club, Environmental Club, and HOSA. Shuvon's dedication extends beyond the school hours, as he actively engages in after-school activities. He was part of the New Jersey Steam Tank competition team, as a finalist, their team developed an innovative cybersecurity app with an educational curriculum to promote internet safety. Additionally, Shuvon volunteered as a math tutor for Learn to Be, an organization dedicated to helping middle school students.
Looking ahead, Shuvon has set his sights on attending the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University and will be a student of the Honors College of Rutgers. Shuvon's interest in the human body and its intricate workings led him to pursue a career in pharmacy. He finds great fascination in exploring the realms of science, chemistry, and mathematics, and believes that combining these fields will provide him with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in his chosen path.
Shuvon's ultimate goal is to become a pharmacist and make a positive impact on patients' lives. He aspires to address their health issues and contribute to their overall well-being. His dedication to his chosen path and his desire to help others exemplify his unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Being named valedictorian holds great significance for Shuvon, saying, “It truly is an honor and it's very exciting! Having the opportunity to represent my class is honoring and it also shows all the hard work that I have put in for the past four years.”
As a valedictorian and accomplished student, Shuvon has valuable advice to share with incoming freshmen and his fellow classmates, “Always be optimistic. Never expect the worst, always expect the best to happen but don't expect perfection and remember you will always experience hardship along the way. It will always get better.”
With an impressive GPA of 4.61, Shuvon's academic prowess reflects his commitment to excellence and his drive for continuous growth and learning. His achievements, involvement in various clubs and organizations, and his plans for the future make him an exemplary student, ready to embark on a promising journey beyond high school
Highlights
- GPA: 4.61
- Clubs: World Language Honor Society, History Club, Environmental Club, and HOSA.
- Goals: Attend the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University and become a pharmacist.
John Russo - Salutatorian
John Russo is an enthusiastic student from the STEM Engineering pathway. His dedication and hard work have earned him an impressive GPA of 4.59 and the title of salutatorian for the second graduating class of the STEM Academy.
As student at STEM, John demonstrated his well-rounded nature through his involvement in various organizations. He was a member of Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the Seaperch Challenge team, and the Christian Student Association. He also co-founded a student SAT Prep project. Apart from his active participation in extracurricular activities, John showcased his athletic abilities by engaging in Ice Hockey, Tennis, and Track & Field at the JV level. In addition to his academic and athletic achievements, John actively participates in his favorite pastime, playing Magic the Gathering, a strategic card game that challenges players to build decks and utilize tactical decision-making to outmaneuver their opponents. This hobby allows John to exercise his strategic thinking skills and engage in a community of like-minded individuals.
In being name salutatorian John expressed his gratitude, stating, "It's an honor, a great honor, to be named Salutatorian and represent the commitment of my fellow classmates.” John's passion for his chosen pathway is evident. He chose the STEM Engineering pathway because having the ability to build and make things sounded interesting and exciting to him. His enthusiasm for learning and exploring new ideas drives him to excel in his studies.
Looking toward the future, John has ambitious plans after high school. He will attend the Honors College at Rutgers University, where he will pursue a degree in physics. His ultimate goal is to become a particle physicist specializing in nuclear fission and nuclear fusion technology. John's drive and determination to make significant contributions in the field of physics are evident in his aspirations
With his experience and insights, John offers valuable advice to incoming freshmen: "Study hard and don't slack on your assignments as they build up." He understands the importance of maintaining focus and discipline throughout high school to achieve academic success.
As John embarks on his journey beyond high school, his dedication and passion for physics will undoubtedly propel him toward his goals. We wish him continued success in all his future endeavors!
Highlights
- GPA: 4.59
- Clubs: Seaperch, the Christian Student Association, SHPE, co-founder of a student SAT Prep project Sports: JV- Ice Hockey, Tennis, and Track & Field.
- Goals: Attend Rutgers Honor College, where he will pursue a degree in physics. His goal is to become a particle physicist specializing in nuclear fission and nuclear fusion technology.