Ayame Ciocoiu’s initiative, leadership, and curiosity are characteristics that led her to choose the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety. Her leadership skills and natural curiosity push her to strive for the best in her academics and extracurriculars.

In school, she is a member of National Honor Society, President of World Honor Language Society, as well as Captain and Attorney of the PCTVS Mock Trial Team. While maintaining her impressive 4.12 GPA, Aya always keeps busy. Aya spends her free time helping others as a Girl Scout and troop leader to younger Girl Scouts, a translator from English to Japanese and vice versa at Khan Academy - global non-profit organization that provides educational materials. She also interns for her local courthouse.

In her pursuit to help others Aya founded a non-profit, Forged Doors. The non-profit provides childcare services such as babysitting and tutoring, all profits are donated back to the local schools. She also founded the Bloomingdale Podcast where she interviews town officials.

Upon graduation Aya plans on attending a four-year university to obtain her bachelor’s degree in history, a subject she enjoys and is passionate about and wants to continue to law school. Aya aspires to become a constitutional lawyer and hopes to work in congress or the supreme court.

Speaking of her student of the month designation, “it’s a big honor and I’m grateful to be deserving of it.” Aya also has some advice for this year’s freshmen, “just do the work and don’t procrastinate.” Expanding further Aya quoted a motto she lives by, “the cost procrastination is the life you could’ve lived.”

Congratulations Aya! Your initiative and leadership will get you far in your future!

Linna Liaukus’ interest in seeing problems, finding solutions, and solving them all while having the ability to be creative is the reason she chose her Engineering pathway at the STEM Academy.

In school, Linna is a member of the National Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, and World Language Honor Society. She is a class representative for STEM Class of 2023, a member of the Engineering club, Sign Language club, Performing Arts club, Future Business Leaders of America, and Society of Hispanic Engineers club. Linna is also a student ambassador and has volunteered with PCTVS patriotic assemblies. Beyond her academic activities Linna is an athlete. She is a JV Captain for the tennis team and member of the golf team. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Linna’s plans for her future are to attend a university and major in aerospace engineering. She hopes to get her masters and a PhD. Her goal is to design aircrafts and eventually become a private pilot.

Speaking of her student of the month designation, “It feels amazing. It feels like a great accomplishment. It’s exciting to see how far my hard work has brought me.” With a notable GPA of 4.51, Linna is very deserving of this designation!

Linna shared a bit of advice for this year’s freshmen, “never be afraid to reach out to your teachers because they are your greatest source of help. Whenever you have questions about an assignment, topic, or anything going on in school, just talking to them can help you out so much.”

Congratulations Linna! Your hard work and dedication will ensure a very successful future!

From a young age Esteban Ocana knew he wanted a career in medicine. His passion to help and interest in medicine is why he chose the PCTI Health and Medical Sciences program.

At PCTI Esteban keeps busy with extracurricular activities, he is President of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and Vice President of the National Honor Society. He is also a member of the World Language Honor Society and Student Council. After school Esteban is a tutor and works as a medical assistant for a local surgeon’s office. In his spare time, he volunteers as an EMT with the Wayne First Aid Squad.

Upon graduation Esteban plans to attend Montclair State University and major in biology. He hopes to go to medical school and aspires to become an emergency room physician. “Since I was younger, I’ve always known I wanted to go into the healthcare field, especially working in the emergency room.”

Earlier this year Esteban was recognized by College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program for his academic achievements and outstanding performance. Speaking of his student of the month designation, “I feel happy and excited. It shows me that I’ve accomplished something in my four years.” With an impressive GPA of 4.22, Esteban is more than qualified to receive this designation!

He reminds this year’s freshmen, “Enjoy your years here at PCTI because the time goes by very quickly.”

Congratulations Esteban! Your passion and hard work will ensure much success in the future!