clifton merchant magazine - june 2006

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Clifton Merchant Magazine is published monthly at 1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton • 973-253-4400

JUNE2006 inside… …on our cover

As we do every June, this edition

primarily focuses on the Class of

2006. We celebrate the achieve-

ments of these Clifton kids, and

share their dreams, hopes and

plans with our readers so that

when the graduates take the field

at Clifton Schools Stadium on June

26 at 6 pm, each student may be

more than just a face in the crowd.

To Succeed, Get Involved . . . . . . .6

He’s Made In Clifton . . . . . . . . . .18

Their Greatest Influences . . . . . 20

New CD, Ready To Roll . . . . . . . .25

Sharing CHS Memories . . . . . . .39

Meet the Top 10 Students . . . . 47

The Self-Employed Teen . . . . . . .60

She’ll Make a Difference . . . . . .68

Advice to the Class of ‘07 . . . . .76

June 2006• Clifton Merchant 4

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EDITOR & PUBLISHERTom Hawrylko

BUSINESS MANNAGERCheryl Hawrylko

GRAPHIC ARTISTSMary Lalama, Fabian Calvo

WRITERS: Jack DeVries,Cheryl Hawrylko,

Joe Torelli, John Bendel, Robert Wahlers, Gary Anolik,Joe Hawrylko, Alicia Feghhi

When we think of role models in societytoday, a variety of people may come tomind, depending on where you are from

and what your influences are. However, regardless ofwhom you view as a personal inspiration, each individ-ual that can be deemed iconic to their peers has charac-teristics that are constant with other role models: warmheartedness, good morals and most of all, determina-tion. Kristin Nugent is one extraordinary person thatfits this mold.

Nugent is a soon-to-be graduating senior at CliftonHigh School. Recently, she has gained a modestamount of attention after she was featured in a frontpage article in the Herald News, which detailed thepainful process of what life is like with EpidermolysisBullosa (EB).

EB is an illness that generally sets in shortly afterbirth that causes the skin to become extremely fragile.Because of this, the skin can easily be injured, causingpainful blisters to form. These blisters can cause seri-ous problems if they become infected.

Nugent has had to go through the same flesh tearingprocess every morning, dealing with bandages, rashesand the other painful symptoms of this disease. Whilemany will read with sympathy, Nugent insists that yoursorrow is unnecessary.

“EB isn’t my life,” Nugent affirmed. “It’s only apart of it.”

When most people look at her, the first thing theynotice is her blistered skin and a wheelchair—but howmany people actually know just who Kristin Nugentreally is? Beyond the skin rashes, the bandage changes,

the wheelchair and countless other afflictions that bur-den her life, there is a charming, intelligent and inter-esting teenage girl—just like any other student youwould find in the halls of CHS.

“I like to shop and stuff like any other teenage girldoes,” said Nugent, who can often be spotted atWillowbrook Mall wearing her Prada monkey slip-pers. “I hate getting up in the morning, I don’t alwaysenjoy going to a school all the time. I’m just basicallya regular kid.”

The fact that she gets up and actually goes to schoolregularly even with her added burdens makes Nugent’sstory much more astonishing. She could have easilybeen home schooled, which would require less strainon her body, yet, she is determined to show her cheer-ful face and bright personality every day.

“It’s obviously a lot better to go out and think ofother things,” Nugent said, once again downplayinghow amazing her determination and heart really is. “Ittakes my mind off of a lot of things, going to see friendsand all that kind of stuff.”

Beyond Skin Deep––––––––––– Story by Joseph Shackil –––––––––––

“Between juggling work, cookingevery night and dealing with mycare, she has always taught methat there is no way anything canstop me from doing what I want todo. There is always a way.”

—Kristin Nugent referring to her mom.

Although seeing her friendseveryday is very important to her,the place where Nugent feels mostcomfortable is at home with hersupportive family. The oldest offour, Nugent holds her place asthe big sister, taking care of heryounger siblings, Katie, 15,Emily, 4 and Mikey, 1. She spokehighly of her stepfather, Mike,who she fully considers her fatherbecause of his willingness to takeon the responsibility of helpingcare for her.

Nugent also spoke about hergrandparents in high regards, whowere taken from their homes inPoland when they were just chil-dren during WWII. After beingdisplaced as far as Africa, the twomet and lived in England for sometime before moving to the UnitedStates with no money and startinga family. Any time that Nugentencounters adversity, she said thatshe just thinks of what her grand-parents went through. Above all,however, is her mother, Theresa,whom Nugent considers herbiggest influence.

“My mom is my biggest influ-ence. She has four kids and shewent back to Grad School to get herMasters in Teaching,” she said ofher mother, a teacher at CCMS,who was the driving force behindher going to school. “Between jug-gling work, cooking every nightand dealing with my care, she has

always taught me that there is noway anything can stop me fromdoing what I want to do. There isalways a way.”

That is the way that Nugent haslived her life. She has never let any-thing stand in her way and now, onthe verge of finally completinghigh school, Nugent has no plans toslow down at all, heading toMontclair State University in thefall. She plans to Major inPsychology and Minor in SpecialEducation and hopes to use whatshe has gone through to help otheryoung individuals who are dealingwith a traumatic experience.

“I want to combine the twofields and hopefully work withkids who have cancer or are goingthrough something similar,” shesaid. “I think I can relate on anoth-er level, rather than someone whojust sits there and nods their headand says ‘uh huh.’”

June 2006 • Clifton Merchant 5

“I want to combine the two fields and hope-fully work with kids who have cancer or aregoing through something similar,” Kristinsaid. “I think I can relate on another level,rather than someone who just sits there andnods their head and says ‘uh huh.’”

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Kristin Nugent, CHS Class of 2006.

As a freshmann, CHS was a scary place forConnie Musleh when she first wanderedthrough the crowded halls of unfamiliar faces.

“I hardly knew anybody,” she said.Now, when she leaves the jam-packed halls, manny of

those formerly unfamiliar faces are now her friends.It’s no magic trick. All she did was get involved by

joining clubs, like TIGS (Teen Institute of Garden State),the Mustang band, choir and the track team. “The peoplethat I’ve met are like a family to me,” she said.

In addition to all her extra-curriculars, Musleh alsoexcels academically. She was honored at the AcademicAwards Dinner last year. “I try to give my best effort inwhatever I do,” she said. “It’s not easy balancing schooland athletics, but I’m proof that it can be done.”

Musleh has been an active member in TIGS since hersophomore year, now known as the Mustang Institute.Its mission is planning safe, drug and alcohol free

events for students. “There are so manny ways to havefun without drinking, and I want to help kids realizethat,” she said.

Musleh, who was last year’s MVP on the girls trackteam, has earned 10 medals in 2006 in the shot put, dis-cus and javelin events. This year she has been awarded2nd Team All-League in the shot put and javelin.

She will receive a varsity Mustang Band jacket at thisyear’s awards dinner for marching all four years. Shewas a color guard while being a sergeant for the past twoyears. Being in the band and choir has taken her aroundthe world—from Washington, D.C., to Quebec and toIceland. “Iceland was so relaxing,” she said. “If I couldgo back there right now, I would!”

Musleh will miss track and band the most. “Track andband are a big part of me. It got me through highschool,” she said. “If something was bothering me, Icould go to band and march it out and I could go to trackand throw it out. It’s a release.”

However, her school of choice, Le Moyne Universityin Syracuse, NY, lacks a track team. But that doesn’tstop Musleh from getting involved. “I’ll get a group ofpeople together and we can try to form an intramuralteam.,” she said.

She believes that high school is the best four year’s ofher life—so far. She knows that there are more excitingthings to come her way, and it all starts on June 26—grad-uation day and her 19th birthday. “I’m celebrating a newbeginning,” she said. “I’ve had the best time of my life,but this is not the end. There’s more out there for me.”

This fall, there certainly will be more “out there” forMusleh, who will study history and then go to lawschool after graduating. At Le Moyne, she will yet againroam the halls of unfamiliar faces.

This time she’s not afraid. Those unfamiliar faces willsoon become familiar. It’s no magic trick.

“Just get involved,” she said.

She Got Involved––––––––––– Story by Alicia Feghhi –––––––––––

Connie Musleh and Jessica Cornett.

It’s no magic trick. All ConnieMusleh did was get involved byjoining clubs, like TIGS, theMustang Band, choir and track.



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David Michelotti: I’ll be at PassaicCounty Community College,because I got a full scholarship andif it’s free, its for me.

Cynthia Husrie: Taking courses atnearby Montclair State University.

Jamie Leather: Attending TempleUniversity.

Helen Espeillat: Berkeley College.

Krystal Pratt: At the CittoneInstitute, where I will studyMassage Therapy.

Jacklyn DeMuro: In New YorkCity at the Laboratory Institute ofMerchandising, where I will studyFashion Merchandising.

Ashley Terhune: I will be atBloomfield College, playing soft-ball as a Lady Deacon while earn-ing my way to a teaching degree.

Teila Krahn: At Stevens Instituteof Technology where I will bestudying Chemical Engineering. Ichose Stevens because of the train-ing and education it would provideme in my future career as an engi-neer. Chemistry was always one ofmy favorite subjects and as an engi-neer, I will have manny opportuni-ties to explore this exciting field.

Kevin Guinto: I will be attendingMontclair State University, where Iwill major in Chemistry.

Christine Karabetsos: I will beattending Caldwell College.

Stephany Antonio: At BergenCounty Community College. I willhave a good job and will be keep-ing my life together, just as I amright now.

Angie Diaz: At my dream college,John Jay College of CriminalJustice in New York City.

Anthony Marrone: I will be study-ing Justice Systems at MontclairState University. I have alwayswanted to do something in my lifewhere I could help people anddefend their rights as American cit-izens, as I could see nothing betterthan becoming an officer of the law.

Vanessa Marie Vasquez: Startinga new beginning at either MontclairState or William Paterson.

Marivic Cubero: In Rhode Island,where I will be attending Johnsonand Wales University.

Diane Szaflarski: I’ll be majoringin Chemical Engineering at SetonHall University.

Sage Walsh: Studying MusicPerformannce on Trumpet atMontclair State.

Vanessa Overhoff: I’ll be attendingthe Carsten Beauty School inMannhattan, as well as studyingBusiness Mannagement at MontclairState. I will also be living with myhigh school sweetheart Jorge Apontesomewhere in North Jersey.

Christina Santiago: CaldwellCollege, where I will major in Pre-Med.

Richard Ossa: Studying ChemicalEngineering at NJIT.

Q&A Where will you be in September?

All surveys prepared by Joe Hawrylko

Jennalynn Pizzimenti: I will bemajoring in Physical Educationand Health at MSU. Since I wantto get my Masters in this area,Montclair State’s senior yearoptions program helped medecide early that the universitywas for me. I loved the campusand felt comfortable on it. Theprofessors were very helpful andI learned a lot through the chal-lenging college credit coursesoffered by CHS.

Lauren Spagnuolo: PursuingMathematical Sciences atStevens Institute of Technologywhile hopefully working part-time as a dance teacher. I choseStevens because not only is itgeared towards my field of inter-est, but also because it is a small-er school where I feel I will havemore opportunities available.


☛


Paid for by Elect Joe Cupoli, Fusco for Council, Eagler for Council, Latona for Council1823

From left, Councilmen-elect

Frank Fusco, Joe Cupoli,Tony Latona & Peter Eagler.

Thank You Clifton VotersWe look forward to serving You • Together we will make a Difference.

Ushma Patel: Majoring inPharmacy at the University ofConnecticut.

Neena Gupta: At the School ofVisual Arts in New York City.

Christopher Donini: At CornellUniversity in the School ofIndustrial and Labor Relations.

Nina Naydenova: Double major-ing Mathematics and Finance atBoston University.

Vinod Rajan: At St. John’sUniversity in Queens, NY.

Nancy Aguilar: Attending classesat Montclair State University.

Karly Maliniak: I will be attend-ing Penn State University. I chosePSU because the campus and thestudent life there fits me very well.

LeeAnn Iapicca: I’ll be atMontclair State University becauseI want to commute but still go to afairly large school.

Allison Austin: I’ll be at AlverniaCollege in Reading, Pennsylvania.,where I will major in AthleticTraining. I reached this decisionafter visiting several other collegesand recognizing that Alvernia pro-vides the best career opportunities.

Matthew Shumko: In September,I will be at the University ofPittsburgh. I chose the schoolbecause of their great medical pro-gram and because I enjoyed all myvisits there in high school.

Colleen Kalan: I will be attendingMSU, where I will major inHistory, with the intent of becom-ing a teacher. I’ve always wantedto teach and MSU has a strong edu-cation program.

Kyle Livesey: Attending college inNew York City. I want to be a trad-er on Wall Street some day.

Dana Czerwinski Matthew Shumko Emily Zawicki Kyle Livesey Jessica Cornett


Dana Czerwinski: I choseMontclair State, because I just feelit is the right school for me.

Jacqueline Nigro: I will be study-ing dance somewhere.

Stephanie Colangelo: I will bemajoring Dance at Montclair StateUniversity in the fall. I chose MSUbecause it is a very good school.Since I want to dance, it helps thatit is close to the city and has a goodsurrounding environment.

Kristina Gorgovski: I’ll be atMontclair State University, my firstchoice. I knew MSU was for mebecause of its big and beautifulcampus that offers tons of opportu-nity. Plus, its close to home so traf-fic won’t be a problem.

Vanessa Sacoto: Although Ihaven’t selected a school yet, I willdefinitely be transferring to EastStroudsburg in Spring 2007.

Kristin Reisinger: In Scranton, PAat Marywood University with mybest friend Amannda Jaskot.

Tiffany Eusebio: I’ll be dorming onthe New Brunswick campus ofRutgers University. At first, likemanny other students, I was inclinedto continue my education out-of-state. However, Rutgers offers agreat college experience close tohome, the best of two worlds.

Elizabeth Sinski: I will be attend-ing Montclair State, because theyhave a great theatre program,which is what I want to major in. Iwill have a concentration in SetDesign and Production.

Colleen Hughes: At MontclairState University.

Amannda Jaskot: Dorming withmy best friend Kristin Reisinger atMarywood University in Scranton,Pennsylvania.

Emily Zawicki: Albright Collegein PA, where I will be studyingSign Language. I applied there andthen three weeks later I got a phonecall saying that I was accepted.

Diane Szaflarski: Seton HallUniversity, where I will major inChemical Engineering. I choseSHU because it is close to homeand I liked the campus.

Jessica Cornett: I’ll be at MorrisCounty Community College,where I will major in FashionDesign.

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Megan White: Attending DrexelUniversity, because I decidedthat it had the best learning envi-ronment for me.


Shannon McCracken: At JohnJay College of Criminal Justice inMannhattan, where I will major inCriminal Justice. Someday, I willbe a police officer.

Jessica Changsao: Majoring inFashion Studies at Montclair StateUniversity. Fashion has alwaysbeen a passion of mine and I’mready to learn more about it otherthan through fashion magazines.

Patricia Vorela: Starting my firstsemester at Rutgers University.

Vincent Cordi: Attending RutgersNewark. I went to an open houseand fell in love with the school.Rutgers is a great place to pursuemy major, English and Pre-law.

Jane Martinez: At LycomingCollege in PA. Out of all theschools that I looked at, Lycomingwas the only one that caught myattention and it ended up being theonly college I applied to.

Caitlin Lotorto: I will be attendingThe Fashion Institute ofTechnology. I chose to pursue anAssociate’s Degree in PatternMarketing Technology and aBachelor’s in Fashion Design.

Christine Karabetsos: At CaldwellCollege where I will study Education.I reached this decision because Ienjoy working with children.

Roxanne Jensen: AttendingDouglass College at Rutgers NewBrunswick, where I will be study-ing Pre-Med and working towardsbecoming a Pediatrician.

Melisa Sternberger: The Collegeof New Jersey, because they offer afive year Masters program inDeaf/Elementary Education.

Patrick Errico: I plan on going tocollege in September, but I am stillundecided on where.

Suzanne Czyzewski: Majoring inIllustration at the School of VisualArts in NYC, where I will be live.

Rob Young: At RutgersUniversity in New Brunswick,where I will major inBiochemistry. I chose this majorbecause it fits my interests andRutgers is an excellent schoolwhere I can achieve this degree.With Rutgers being only 45 min-utes away, it allows me to comehome and visit family and friendson the weekends.

God Bless Our Class of 2006Best Wishes to our 8th Grade Graduates...

Saint Clare School 39 Allwood Road Clifton, NJ. 07014

[email protected] 1770

Saint Clare Parishbelieves that our schoolis its lifeblood.

Open Registration forPreK 4 through Grade 8.

Call for an appointmentor just stop by!

Daniah Aburomi has alwaysbeen interested in historyand politics and has

thought about a career in law. Butrecently, she also has been thinkingabout a college major in psycholo-gy and pursuing a career workingwith the deaf and hearing impaired.

Aburomi’s newfound intereststems from her participation duringthe past two years in a sign lan-guage class at Clifton High School.

She first took the introductoryelective course as a junior becauseher older brother had taken the classand recommended it to her. “I knewthe teacher and I my brother enjoyedit,” she said. “I thought it would befun to learn sign language.”

In addition to mastering thebasics of communicating inAmerican Sign Language, studentsin teacher Lori Mistretta’s sign lan-guage classes at CHS also learnabout what causes deafness, as wellas about the psychological and cul-tural aspects of being deaf.

Aburomi took Sign Language IIand said learning about the difficul-ties that deaf people face in everyday life has sensitized her to theirneeds. “We saw videos in which deafpeople spoke about their childhoods.It was very sad,” she said. “Mannyof them felt very isolated growing upbecause they couldn’t communicatewith people around them.”

Aburomi wishes that more peo-ple would learn sign language, andshe feels that it should be recog-nized as a language as important tolearn as all of the spoken languagesof the world. “I really think thatmore professional people, especial-ly doctors and psychologists, should

learn sign language,” she said. “It’smuch easier to get your thoughtsand feeling across to someone whenthey understand your language,rather than having to communicatethrough an interpreter.”

Aburomi plans to continue herstudy of sign language next fall,when she enrolls at Montclair StateUniversity. Although most col-leges, including MSU, do not yetaccept sign language courses forthe two years of world languagestudy in high school that theyrequire of applicants, MSU nowoffers its students American SignLanguage as an option to fulfilltheir six credit world language gen-eral education requirement.

Having taken two years of signlanguage classes in high school,Aburomi will be eligible to take aplacement exam, which may allowher to enroll in the intermediate,rather than beginning sign languagecourse at MSU.

Signs to a Career

Daniah Aburomi signing with her sign language teacher, Lori Mistretta.

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Derek Dobol: Senior health withMr. Pontes because it was so funnyand we not only discussed sex edu-cation, but we talked about gradua-tion. It was really the first time thatit hit me that I am finally leavingschool for good.

Caroline Vallila: Junior year histo-ry with Mr. Arts. It was my favoriteclass because Mr. Arts put a smileon the whole class’s face everydayand he is a great teacher.

Cara Conocer: My junior yearEnglish class with Ms. Knox wasmy favorite. She taught English insuch a way that it was much morethan writing essays and readingclassic works from old books. Ilearned that English literature wasrelevant in my life. With Ms.Knox’s guidance, I improved andbecame confident in my writing. Itbecame my passion.

Puja Patel: I did not have just afavorite class because in each, Igained a new memory, a new expe-rience and most of all, a new friend.

Nancy Aguilar: Phys. ed in myjunior and senior years. Class wasalways fun with Mr. BelBruno.

Kativska Rivas: English with Mrs.Kensicki. She is patient and shetries to help everybody understandand learn English.

Dana Czerwinski: I would have tosay that zero period CAST has beenmy favorite class over the last fouryears. Mr. McCunney has taughtus so much and we had funthroughout the year while learning.

David Gabel: CAST because itinvolves the audio and video fieldthat I am interested in.

Andrea Ormeno: History class. Ireally enjoy learning about the pastof the United States.

Q&A What was your favorite class?

Mahmoud Suliemann: Mostdefinitely history with Mr.Fackina. He made everythingeasy to understand in class. Thebest part of his class was when wewould play the history game. Ifyou answered his question right,you got a chance to shoot a paperball into the basket for points..

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Jusuf Hoxha: Mr. Ashworth’sEnglish class in freshmann year,because he was a really cool teacherand the class was great.

Krystal Pratt: It was not so much theclasses that I had that I liked but theteachers who taught them, whichmade their class special. Mr. Lesler,Mrs. Craig, Mr. Pontes, Mrs. Deroseand Miss Anderson were all excellent.

Talia Alston: Junior year historyclass with Mr. Lesler was the best!

Christina Atiya: AP U.S. historywith Mr. Harding. I learned aboutThe Roaring Twenties by listening tothe music of the time period. We alsolearned about imperialism by writingarticles and editorials and just aboutlife in general. Mr. Harding was oneof the most unique teachers at CHS.

Sara Can: Probably Ms. Sauchelli’sclass sophomore year. That classreally got me into art, which made medecide to become an art teacher.

Vinod Rajan: Psychology. I learnedmore in that class than any others.

Alicia Alejandro: I loved Englishclass. I always enjoyed when wewould do creative writing or when wehad to write persuasive essays.

Kristina Gorgovski: Cast with Mr.Dixon and Mr. McCunney.

Jane Martinez: Art class my sopho-more and junior year was the bestclass ever. I love and enjoy art andthe people in the class were so funny.We always joked around a lot.

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Sacred Heart School’s Class of 2006 has been togethersince First Grade, with manny of the graduates beginningtheir educational career at SHS in PreSchool.

The Class of 2006 can be proud to state that they haveall been accepted into the High School of their choice,based on the competitive entrance exams called the CO-OPS.

In September, 12 graduates will be attending ParamusCatholic HS, two will be attending Bergen Catholic HS,one will be attending DePaul HS and 2 will be attendingpublic high schools. The Class of 2006 is a pro-active, serv-ice oriented group. The students have spearheaded cam-

paigns in school to help feed the poor via food drives and“Project Starfish”, helped sick children with the St. JudeMath-a-thon, and brightened up Christmas for hospitalizedchildren with Bear Hugs for Kids. They all have volun-teered their time to help at events in the school and parishcommunity, including the annual Polenta Dinner, TrickyTray and Beefsteak Dinners.

SHS’s Class of 2006 will be held in high esteem by fac-ulty, staff and students for their kindness, generosity andenthusiasm.

As they begin another chapter in their lives, we all wishthem great success and happiness.

Goodbye & best wishes to the Sacred Heart School’s Class of ‘06!

Educating For Life... Faith, Family, Values, Traditions

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Natalie Cruz: Piano class. This ismy fourth year playing the piano. Itis my favorite hobby and I lovemaking up my own pieces of music.

Cindy Hasrie: Biology with Ms.Tobey was my favorite class. I’venever experienced more chaos inone classroom.

Megan Maletich: CAST. It wasfun to produce the morning news.

Michael Cannizzo: The Jr. ROTC.Everyone in the course became fam-ily and we had so much fun. Sgt.Major James Davis taught me disci-pline, teamwork and leadership.

Lauren Jane Geier: Creative writ-ing in my junior year, without adoubt. I was able to do somethingI love and get school credits for it atthe same time! I loved Mr. Notariand being able to express myselfand writing for class and for myown enjoyment.

Lauren McKay: Definitely bandclass. I enjoyed playing my flutethere and being able to see myfriends from the Mustang Band. Iwas in that class since freshmannyear and it was a great experience.

Diane Szaflarski: Mr. Dionisio’schemistry class in my sophomoreyear. His funny, off-topic storiesmade 8th period fly by and the bun-sen burner never failed to make labinteresting.

Richard Ossa: Math was alwaysmy favorite class. I was lucky tohave cool teachers that made every-thing seem so easy. Mrs. Rooneyfor Algebra I, Mr. Ewais forGeometry, Miss Mihalik forAlgebra II and Mrs. Dolinsky forPre-Calc and finally Mrs. Brach forcalc AP. They are all amazingteachers that made me enjoy goingto their classes.

Dominique Floyd: Ms. Bobby’senergetic senior gym class. Shemade every day fun.

Vincent Cordi: The business lawclass that I took this year. I wouldlike to eventually become a lawyerand this class interests me the most.

Melissa Gonzalez: Creative writingclass allowed you to express your-self in ways you normally can not.

Amie Desai: English honors withMs. Saddick. I learned a lot, notonly about English literature, butalso about life. Ms. Saddick hasbeen a wonderful person.

Mark Bitar: CAST with Mr.McCunney. We had a lot of funbeing able to express ourselves onTV. Having Ms. Mistretta nextdoor was always a perk.

Sunny Kasabwala: Psychologybecause I did so well and it wasinteresting talking about experi-ments and learning the fundamen-tals of the humann brain.

Julissa Burbano: All my historyclasses, because I like learningabout past history and I enjoy see-ing how life was in the past withoutall the technology we have now.

Iris Gomez: My favorite classeswere psychology AP and biologyAP. These classes gave me a betterunderstanding of how the humannbody and mind work

Joseph DeSomma: Music classwith Mr. Morgan. He was a greatteacher and I learned so muchabout music from him. Being inmusic class allowed me to prac-tice every day for band. It was-n’t easy, but he made it fun.

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Wherever Nelson Carrerogoes after graduation,he will bring Clifton

with him—literally.“All of my memories were made

in Clifton,” said Carrero, whomoved from Passaic to Cliftonwhen he was four years old. “I’malways going to carry a little bit ofClifton with me ten years fromnow... and beyond.”

Clifton will be with him whenhe is in the United Kingdom for aforeign exchange program thatNJIT offers. Carrero will study bio-medical engineering with the goalto find a cure for terminal illnesses,such as cancer, Parkinson’s andAlzheimer’s disease.

“It’s a big dream, but it’s possi-ble,” said Carrero, who may pursuea Doctorate.

He credits this dream to his par-ents, who supported his desireseven though they didn’t know whatbiomedical engineering was. “Mymom always told me, ‘If you wantto do something, then you can doit,’” he said. “But when I told herthat I want to study biomedicalengineering, she said, ‘OK, I don’tknow what that is but go for it.’”

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You bet he’s going for it.His AP biology course was the

stepping stone for his quest toimprove humann life. “AP bio wasinteresting, but intense,” saidCarrero, who dissected a cat. “Idon’t have a cat, but chances are Iprobably won’t get one after thatexperience.”

Not only will Carrero spend mostof his time in the lab wearing awhite cloak, but he may be wearingan NJIT baseball uniform on thefield. “I always wanted to play base-ball in high school, so maybe I’llcheck it out,” he said.

Carrero has another hobby: gui-tar. He was a member of the guitarclub and enjoys playing his guitar in

his spare time. “After a hard day ofschool and homework, I’ll relax byplaying guitar,” he said.

He’s had manny demanndingschooldays. “From filling out col-lege applications, to the SAT, tostudying for tests and to prom plan-ning, I was exhausted,” said Carrero,who also had to fit in some down-time after work at Stop & Shop.

Carrero was also recognized forhis potential to become a leader inthe community and in the future.The Rotary Youth Leadership, aworldwide organization of profes-sional leaders that provides servicesto make a difference in the world,selected Carrero to represent CHSbecause of his leadership skills.

“I’m just happy to help people,”said the recipient of the RotaryYouth Leadership Award. Carrerosaid that he was known as the quietkid in class. “I think teachers willremember me as the quiet one,” hesaid. Though Carrero is hush-hush inclass, his accomplishments anddreams reverberate. His love for hishometown and his determination toimpact the world will continue toecho throughout the crowded hallsof CHS—and wherever he goes.

“All of my memories were made in Clifton,”said Carrero, who moved from Passaic toClifton when he was four years old. “I’malways going to carry a little bit of Clifton withme ten years from now... and beyond.”

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Stephanie Janjetovic: Mr.Chilowicz was a great influence.He wanted me to work hard andnever give up. Mr. Bell was anoth-er person who influenced me a lot.He was always there for me when Ineeded him the most. Both weregreat teachers.

Joseph DeSomma: That’s easy—Bob Morgan. Mr. Morgan was bothmy music teacher and BandDirector. As tough as he was, hewas fair and became my mentor andfriend. I’m grateful to Mr. Morganbecause he always pushed me tostrive harder both in school and inband. He taught me drive, dedica-tion, desire and discipline will playan important part in my life.

Jennifer Lozy: Mr. Bell, becausehe was more than my teacher, hewas my friend.

Natalie Cruz: Those who haveinfluenced me over the past 12years the most have been my par-ents and myself. School hasalways been important to me, butmy parents’ guidance has led metowards my choice of becoming apediatrician. I will continue, just asI always have, to try to do my bestin all that I can.

Talia Alston: My mother is the per-son who influenced me the most.She supports all of my dreams,even if she thinks they are bad.

Neena Gupta: All of my friendswho have helped me survive CHS.

Vincent Cordi: My parents haveinfluenced me the most. They havealways pushed me to succeed anddo better. They taught me to neversettle for less.

Normalys Santana: My parentsand my cousin Dinelia influencedme the most during high school andI want to thank them for everything.

Kristina Gorgovski: I would haveto say that everyone that I havecome across during my four yearsat CHS has influenced me in someway and will always been impor-tant in my life.

Sunny Kasabwala: My parents,Dinesh and Prity Kasabwala,because they were the ones whopushed me to do my best in every-thing that I try.

Vanessa Overhoff: Mrs. Sauchelli,the graphic design teacher. She’s agreat listener and is wonderful withadvice. Her personality is uniqueand she never forgets what it is liketo be a high school student.

Andrea Ormeno: My mother,because she was the one who keptme in school.

Lauren McKay: My parents, Mr.Morgan, Ms. Craig and Mr.Venturelli were my greatest influ-ences in high school.

Puja Patel: My teachers, friendsand family have each influencedme in different ways. Each gaveme a new look, opened a new doorof opportunity, which I could nothave done without them.

Q&A Who was your greatest influence?

Joanah Zeitoun: My mother,because she made me the person Iam today. She taught me the twomost imprtant thigns in life andthat would be to never give upand to follow my dreams. Whentimes got rough and things lookedbad, my mother was always thereby my side to give me the motiva-tion that I needed. Not only hasshe been my mother, but she hasalso been my best friend. I don’tknow where I would be withouther guidence. It makes me happyto know that I have made herproud for all I have accomplished.I love you mom!

Azzeh Abdelatif: The people whoinfluenced me the most were myteachers and my family. The mostimportant of all to me was my par-ents. But I just want to say thankyou to everyone for everything.



Mark Bitar: My teachers, who are the ones that moti-vated me to strive and always do my best work, as wellas my family, which taught me to never stop trying andto not give up.

Alicia Alejandro: All of my teachers were an influenceon me during high school. They all were a mentor tome and each taught me very well and gave good advice.

Yesenia Mendoza: My parents truly influenced methroughout high school. They were always there for meand constantly encouraged me to strive for my best.

Nathalie Toxtli: Mr. Morgan was the most influentialteacher I had during high school. He inspired me tonever settle for less and always give it my all.

Akaifia Johnson: The person who influenced me themost is my junior year chemistry teacher, Ms. Aach.

Christina Atiya: I have always loved science, primari-ly because my parents exposed me to it at an early agethrough numerous visits to science museums. Whilemy biology course made me very interested in thehumann body, AP Chemistry convinced me to select amajor involving both chemistry and biology. However,the greatest impact of my chemistry class was its eleva-tion of my scientific curiosity. This in turn has con-vinced me to pursue a career in scientific or medicallyoriented research.

George Pipala: The only people that really influencedme were the cops in town that I know. They havehelped me make my decision of pursuing a career as apolice officer a lot easier.

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Ushma Patel Kevin Guinto Puja Patel George Pipala Natalie Toxtli

Ushma Patel: Mrs. Dolinsky, whoI had for pre-calculus, was thegreatest teacher I ever had. Shealways helped me out whenever Ineeded guidance.

Diane Szaflarski: Various eventsand people. My biggest careerinfluence was when I received theSociety of Women Engineersaward in my junior year. My mathand science classes also had aninfluence in my decision. Also,CHS Track & Field Coach Pontes,who taught me to believe in myselfand to never give up.

Dominique Floyd: My parentswere my greatest influence.Throughout all of my years ofschool, they were there pushing meforward. Now that I’m close tograduating high school, I canappreciate all that they have done.

Richard Ossa: Being aroundchemistry teachers in my childhoodinfluenced me to start liking thissubject. Once I grew older, chem-istry became one of the classes thatI enjoyed the most. Also, seeinghow chemistry is a big part of thismodern world motivates me to

study this subject more in depth.However, out of anyone, my par-ents influenced me the most. Theywere always there showing metheir support and always encour-aged me to take challenges thatwould benefit me in the long run.

Jusuf Hoxha: I’ve had great teach-ers in CHS and each made eachclass great. They did their best andthat made myself and my friendsenjoy our classes. My parentswere the ones that helped me theabsolute most in life and in schooland I thank them for everything.

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Angie Diaz: My mother. Shetaught me the value of educationand the privilege of being born herebecause back in Peru she did nothave the same opportunities that Ihave in the United States.

Carolyn Rivera: My parents, whohelped me make the right decisionin manny areas in my life. Mymother has taught me to be a veryindependent person. They havetaught me to put all my decisionsin God’s hands and everythingwill turn out right. My careerchoice is nursing and I know myparents are going to back me upevery step of the way.

Nancy Aguilar: My criminologyprofessor at MSU influenced me tomajor in psychology because heexplained to me all the positivethings about the field.

Caroline Vallila: Mr. McCunneyand Mr. Dixon influenced my deci-sion in wanting to major inBroadcasting in college. Theymade the CAST class at CHS sointeresting and fun.

Marivic Cubero: My teachers Mr.Bell, Mrs. Derose-Travia and Ms.Sobel, as well as my mother andtwo brothers were my influencesthroughout high school.

Christine Karabetsos: My 11thgrade English teacher, Mrs.Holland, because of the way shetaught her class and the advice thatshe gave me.

Julissa Burbano: My family,teachers and friends have influ-enced me to make decisions in lifethat have helped me succeed. I feelthat they have more experiencethan I do and they help guide me tomake the right choices in life.

Ashley Terhune: Miss Youncofskiinfluenced me as a teacher and as afriend. It’s not ever day that youfind a teacher that you develop afriendship with. Mr. Carissimowas also a great influence duringhigh school. The both of themalways pushed me to do my best, inand outside of school.

Vanessa Marie Vasquez: No onereally influenced me directly, but Idid have my parents and friendshelp guide me in the right direction.

Helen Espaillat: My parents andmy teachers, especially Mrs.Landesberg and Mrs. Kensicki.

Christina Santiago: My parents...they have always been there...pushing me through high schooland all through my life.

Angela Zarate: My parents...always there when I needed them.

Jacklyn DeMuro: My juniorgeometry teacher, Mrs. Rofi. Sheactually got me to understand math.Before I had her as a teacher, mathwas like a different language to me.

Christopher Donini: My greatestinfluences were my parents, Albertand Barbara, because they havegood values and standards and set agood model for me to follow.

Lauren Spagnuolo: I’d have tosay that my math teachers, particu-larly Mrs. Agresti and Mrs. Brach,have influenced me the mostthroughout the years. Yes, Mrs.Agresti, fractions are fun!

Kevin Guinto: The people whoinfluenced me the most would bemy parents. They were alwaysthere, pushing me to strive toachieve more

Nina Naydenova: The older Mr.St. Clair, my sophomore physicsteacher.

Q&A Who was your greatest influence? Stephany Antonio: Withoutdoubt, my mother and my step-father were my biggest influ-ences. They have always beenthere for me and always keepme motivated in my personallife, in school and spiritually.

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It is not unusual for a group offriends to be doing somethingthat they love and for CHS sen-

iors Kris Kida and Jovan Mann, thatsomething is making music.“Jamming together” since seventhgrade eventually led Kida (bass) andMann (lead guitar) to form a rock n’roll band called Tumbling Dice withtwo other friends, drummer JoeHuster, also from

Clifton, and Union native JoshSigley, who takes care of the vocals.

Tumbling Dice (the name of atrack by the Rolling Stones fromtheir Exile on Main Street album)was formed two years ago. Theband draws its musical inspirationfrom a variety of places, mostlyrock groups that traverse thegenre’s expansive spectrum. “I lis-ten to anything from Mega Death

to Rush to Bob Dylan,” said Kida,who plays bass. His band and classmate, Mann, echoed the same sen-timents. He mentioned how thevarious artists and types of musicenjoyed by each band membergives them the chance to showdiversity when it comes to writingtheir original music and lyrics.

Although the band has beentogether for a while, TumblingDice have not played very manyshows—not because of a lack ofeffort by the band but ratherbecause, “we wanted to learn all ofour songs before we started play-ing. We didn’t want to be on stageteaching ourselves the songs. Butwhen we finally felt comfortableand starting booking shows, a lot ofplaces wouldn’t let us play becausewe weren’t 18 yet,” said Kida.

The wait worked for the Cliftonband. They recently published a CDwith six original songs and are nowin the third round of the 2006 NewJersey Battle of the Bands, a com-petition that started with over 1,000musical acts. The field has beenreduced dramatically but TumblingDice is still in the competition.

The winner will get the opportu-nity to play at Starland Ballroom inSayreville, a popular musical show-case venue in New Jersey that hasserved as a launching pad for otherhometown garage bands.

Tumbling Dice––––––––––– Story by Daniel Burgan –––––––––––

Jovan Mann, Kris Kida, Josh Sigley and Joe Huster

are Tumbling Dice.


☛


“Making it to regionals hasbeen, by far, the best experiencewith the band,” said Mann, addingthat Tumbling Dice has upcomingperformances on June 4 at theBloomfield Ave. Cafe and then onJune 24 they perform at the Saint inAsbury Park.

For more on the band go towwwmyspace.com/tumbling.

Mann, who is interested in jour-nalism and writing in general, saidthat after graduation he plans ontaking a year off from school andcontinue to work at the PassaicValley Water Commission.

As far as additional schooling,Mann is hoping to fine tune acareer in music by being acceptedinto the Berklee College of Musicin Boston. But as far as the imme-diate future... “I just want to playwith the band this summer as muchas possible and get our name out inthe tri-state area.” His goal, though,is to “be a musician, a respectedone, for the rest of my life.”

Influential in Mann’s musicalcareer was his cousin who “got meinto playing guitar. He played thedrums and I wanted to play along; Igot my first guitar and the rest ishistory.”

Since the band formed beforeany of its members had their licens-es, they relied on their families’support and help to get to and frompractices and shows. “My familyhas been great,” Mann said, addinghow important friends and familyhave been to the band’s success.

Kris Kida’s feelings about theband’s success in getting past pre-liminary auditions in the Battle ofthe Bands competition was alsomuch the same, noting how, “justgetting to the third round has beenworth it, especially since weweren’t sure how we were going todo when it all started. But justknowing that so many bands wereeliminated and we’re still in it isgreat, especially since our musicisn’t really mainstream.”

Despite his love for performingoriginal rock and roll and his hopesfor the future of Tumbling Dice,music is not the only thing onKida’s mind.

Come September, Kida will bemaking his way to John Jay Collegein New York City where he expectsto get a degree in Criminal Justice.He has already been getting his feetwet in the world of law enforce-ment. He currently works for theClifton Police Department. He alsoplans on taking the New Jersey LawEnforcement test with the goal ofbecoming one of Clifton’s finest. Ifhe does that, he’ll be following inthe footsteps of his older brotherKasey. “It’s becoming a familything,” Kida said.

As far as Tumbling Dice, thebandmates are hoping for that “bigbreak”. “We want to make it big. Icouldn’t work in an office all day,and nothing would be better thenmaking music and hanging out withJovan, Joe, and Josh,” Kida said.

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Ewelina Krzywinska: The sup-port of my teachers helping me toadjust to a new country and school.I would especially like to thankMiss. Mahon, Mrs. Smith, Mr.Kopko, Mr. Santulli and Mr.Fruhman for their patience in help-ing me catch up and for preparingme for college. I will also miss allmy friends in the class of 2006.

Richard Ossa: I’ll miss all thecool teachers, Mr. Pontes’ ‘funny’jokes and just seeing my friends.Sasha Cordero: Walking throughthe halls passing by all my friends.

Sara Can: Everything about highschool. The people, the teachersand all of the traditions.

Joseph Alvarez: I will miss all theamazing friends that I have made.These last four years have been thebest of my life and I will miss CHSand running track a lot.

Roxanne Jensen: All the relation-ships with my friends and beingable to see them every day and justtalking about the silliest things.

Colleen Hughes: Taking for grant-ed that I see all of my closestfriends everyday.

Brianna Coyle: My friends. Ihave made the best friends I couldever ask for at school. They havehelped me through some of myhardest times. No one will replacethose people and I will take themwith me always.

Ferdous Thabatah: My friendsare the one thing that is keeping meattached to CHS.

Beata Bodyziak: I will miss walk-ing through the halls, not knowingwho I will see next, seeing randompeople you have never met beforeCHS is so big. It truly was anamazing experience. I will neverforget Clifton High School.

Brian Smith: All of the caringteachers and staff. They reallymade my four years enjoyable.

Lauren McKay: Being a part ofthe Mustang Marching Band, thefootball games and seeing the reac-tion of the crowd when we cameout for the pre-game and half timeshows. I will also miss seeing allmy friends everyday and beingwith the people I’ve known sinceelementary school. I’ll also misshalf days and SC days.

Sarah Bekeet: The comfort ofknowing that academic mistakesmade in high school can always bemade up for, where as college, onepoor grade can lead to future prob-lems, such as not being acceptedinto a particular graduate school.

Pat Ferry: Friends and teachers.

Christine Karabetsos: Myfriends, teachers and the highschool experience.

Jaclyn Saltamachia: Ice hockeywith the boys, the girls on my soft-ball team and doing close to noth-ing productive seven days a weekduring senior year.

Priscilla Balan: I will definitelymiss being a student at CHS. Iknow that over the years, it seemsall I did was complain, but nowthat I’m departing from the schoolin June, I am sad that I will not seemy awesome friends as much as Ido now.

Marissa Amelio: Seeing myfriends every day.

Q&A What will you miss most about CHS?

Shannon Van Beveren: Believeit or not, I will miss going toschool every morning the most.With all the different kinds ofpeople at CHS, I met so manynew friends during the years...Ilove it here. As much as every-one is so worried about howcrowded the halls are, youwouldn’t be able to have as goodas a high school experience with-out all the kids in school.

☛

Karen Bejarano: I’ll miss see-ing my friends in class, hangingout in the hallways and seeingmy favorite teachers everyday.



Congratulations to the Class of 2006,and much success for the future!

Felicidades


Jessica Giganti: The people.Everyone is different from oneanother, everyone is a character here.

Chandrel Lee: Seeing all of myfriends and the faculty at CHS.

Diane Szaflarski: I will miss run-ning for our track and cross countryteams, as well as seeing all of myfriends every day.

LeeAnn Iapicca: All of the week-ends and time spent with myfriends. All of the teachers.

Alexander Evangelakos: Seeingso many of my friends every singleday at the same place.

Maryann Choy-Ames: I’ll missmost are my supportive teachers.

Chris Toedler: Producing themorning news with Mr. McCunney.Everyday was a different laugh andexperience. It was the one thingthat motivated me to wake up everymorning.

Jane Martinez: Seeing all of myfriends everyday.

Jody McIntosh: All the friendsI’ve meet over the years, my cello,Maria Conchita Rosales-Smith,and my amazing teachers.

Carmela Zoccali: All of myfriends, being in Biology AP lab.

Karly Maliniak: I’ll miss myteachers, cheerleading and spend-ing the weekends with all myfriends.

Matthew Meade: The CAST pro-gram, Friday night football gamesat the stadium and being around thepeople who made me laugh for thelast four years.

Belinda Rosario: All those daysjust before vacation when teachersdidn’t give a lot of work and theclassroom got a chance to talk andbond with each other.

Tylencia Selph: The teachers,especially Ms. Peters, Mr. Walkerand Mr. Contarino. They were allgreat and always made time for me.

Connie Musleh: Football gamesand doing pregame, halftime andpost game at every home gamewith all my friends and getting theband apples after halftime. I’ll alsomiss going to IHOP after the game.These are good times and memo-ries that I will miss.

Kristina Gorgovski: What I’llmiss the most about high school isseeing all the people I’ve grown upwith everyday.

Megan Maletich: I will miss see-ing my friends in the hallways andseeing all of the teachers.

Anthony Shackil: I would have tosay bumping into all of my friendsin the hallway. In a school withover 3,000 students, you can makea lot of friends. I’ll miss them allso very much.

Alicia Alejandro: I’ll actuallymiss the crowded hallways—youget used to it. I’ll also miss mysenior co-op class with Mrs. Rossi.I love her!

Tylenciz Selph Brian Smith Roxanne Jensen Chris Toedler Jaclyn Saltamachia

Michael Garbrandt: Hockeyand playing on Friday night infront of my fellow students.

Cindy Hasrie: I’ll miss not hav-ing to take responsibility formost of what I did wrong.

What will you miss most? Lisa Hojnacki: Knowing thatJune 26, 2006 will be the lasttime that I can open my locker,walk through the halls of CliftonHigh School and wear my ID as aCHS student.


For some 33 years now, AnthonyA. Accavallo, shown here, hasbeen helping make the

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As President of Federal Mortgage& Investment Corp. at 1111 CliftonAve., Clifton, he and his firm havewritten millions of dollars worth ofmortgages which have allowed peo-ple to purchase homes. And whilethat work has been fulfilling,Accavallo said he is getting hisgreatest satisfaction these days byhelping senior citizens with reversemortgages.

A reverse mortgage is a special kindof mortgage loan for seniors. “It is asafe, easy way to turn your home equi-ty into tax-free cash,” he continued.“Unlike a home equity loan, you do not

have to make monthly payments.Instead, a reverse mortgage pays you.More importantly, you do not have torepay the loan for as long as you live inthe house. It’s a great way to keep yourhome and get money from it at thesame time.”

The name “reverse mortgage”describes exactly what the mortgage is— it is the exact opposite of a conven-tional mortgage. That is, with a con-ventional mortgage the borrower paysthe lender but with a reverse mortgage,the lender pays the borrower.

In the past, a senior citizen in needof money would have to take out aloan against their house and immedi-ately start making monthly paymentsagain or sell their home.

But a reverse mortgage allows sen-iors to borrow against the equity they

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Each reverse mortgage candidateis required to attend a free counselingsession with a local independenthousing agency approved by FHA(Federal Housing Administration).Candidates are encouraged to bringother family members with them tohelp in the decision-making process.

“This process ensures that the bor-rower understands the program fullyand aides them in determiningwhether or not a reverse mortgage isfor them,” said Accavallo.

How do I qualify for a Reverse Mortgage?It’s simple. You and your co-borrower must be at least 62 years old. You must own your home free and clear or have just a small balance on your existing mortgage. Best of all, there are no income or credit require-ments to satisfy.

How can I receive my money?You can receive it in several ways:•Equal monthly payments as long as you live in your home•Equal monthly payments for a certain period of time•As a line of credit you can draw upon as needed, for whatever reasons•As a lump sum draw at closing•A combination of the above, to meet your requirements.

When must I repay the loan?You must repay the loan if you no longer live in your home. In the event of your death, your heirs can choose to repay the loan and keep the house or sell the house and repay the loan,

What are interest rate charges & fees?•An adjustable rate of interest is charged on reverse mortgages•Closing costs are typical for any mortgage closing and all may be financed•No out-of-pocket expenses at closing

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We’re much more than Reverse Mortgages…SEE PAGE 33


Beata Bodyziak: Sitting throughDASH with Mr. Spota. Don’t getme wrong, Mr. Spota is a wonder-ful teacher. He taught me well andtruly prepared me for calculus.However, DASH is just a majorbombshell to deal with.

Belinda Rosario: I won’t missstaying up late last minute to finisha project then in the morning for-getting it and getting those tenpoints off my grade.

Brianna Coyle: The drama.Although no matter where I go therewill be drama, at least I won’t haveto listen to it in the halls of CHS.

Connie Musleh: Zero period anddoing all my school work.

Karly Maliniak: Not having to beat school by 7 am everyday.

Alexander Evangelakos: Wakingup so early to make it to zero peri-od on time and the overcrowding.

Jessica Giganti: Getting pushedthrough an oncoming crowd ofpeople by another crowd of people.

Karen Bejarano: I probably won’tmiss the crowded halls in betweenperiods and I will definitely notmiss waking up at 5 am to go tozero period on time.

LeeAnn Iapicca: Waking up at5:30 am and trying to find parkingthat’s not a mile away.

Maryann Choy-Ames: Walkingthrough ridiculously crowded halls.

Jody McIntosh: The crowded hall-ways and having to wear four yearold ID pictures.

Jane Martinez: I won’t miss all ofthe people shoving in the hallways.

Lisa Hojnacki: Waking up so earlyfor zero period is the one thing I’llmiss least. Hearing Mrs. Rossi talkabout work at 7 am won’t be any-thing to cry about missing!

Q&A What will you miss least about CHS?

Sarah Bekheet: I think the restof the class of 2006 will supportme when I say that I will not missthe highlighter-yellow lanyardswe’ve worn since ninth grade,waking up early for zero period,trying to survive the South wingintersections and the smell whenapproaching the locker rooms!☛

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Jessica Giganti Pat Ferry Anothony Shackil Matthew MeadeChandrel Lee

Chris Toedler: Waking up earlyand doing the same thing over andover everyday. I won’t miss all thehigh school drama either.

Chandrel Lee: Crowded hallways.

Diane Szaflarski: Writing for APEnglish...crowded intersections.

Marissa Amelio: The only thing Iwill not miss about CHS is the con-gested hallways.

Anthony Shackil: Being late toclass because I got “mugged” in theSouth intersection. It is so difficultto get through the hallways as it is,let alone in only three minutes.

Carmela Zoccali: All of thecrowded hallways.

Lauren McKay: It was alwayssuch a hassle just to change classes,so it would be nice not to travelthrough such a mosh pit anymore.

Brian Smith: The crowded hall-ways the least. Even though Irarely used them, they still were thetopic of many conversations.

Priscilla Balan: Crowded halls!

Jaclyn Saltamachia: Getting tothe senior parking lot before 6:30am in order to get a spot.

Richard Ossa: The South wingintersection, fitness days and all thelong research papers.

Christine Karabetsos: Waking upat 5:30 am for zero period and thecrowded intersections.

Ewelina Krzywinska: The soundof the passing bell and the regimentof following the school rules.

Megan Maletich: I will miss thecrowded hallways the least.

Christopher Maxwell: The testsand quizzes.

Sasha Cordero: Crowded hallways.

Michael Garbrandt: Getting upearly for zero period class!

Colleen Hughes: That awful smellin the East wing stairwell.

Cindy Hasrie: I won’t miss beingtreated like I’m in jail. I’ll finallyhave more freedom.

Matthew Meade: The jam-packedhallways.

Shannon Van Beveren: Pettydrama. Too many people are tooworried about everyone else’s busi-ness. I am ready to get away fromall this “Who kissed who’sboyfriend and “How come I wasn’tinvited to that party” stuff.

Roxanne Jensen: Zero period.I’m glad that I’ll be able to sleepsome more in college.

Joseph Alvarez: Crowded halls.

Sara Can: I won’t miss howcrowded the entire school is!

Ferdous Thabatah: Doing home-work, writing essays and stayingup all night preparing for a test.

Pat Ferry: The crowded hallways.

Alicia Alejandro: The lunch-rooms...I really didn’t like the food.

Kristina Gorgovski: The home-work, essays and tests.

Tylencia Selph: Ohhh.. thosecrowded hallways.

John Salierno adhered to hismantra throughout his years atClifton High School: “Don’t

try to be like everybody else. Dowhat you want.”

Salierno, 18, has been doing justthat. His CHS career consisted ofplaying on the basketball and ten-nis teams and joining the Italianclub. He expanded his go-gettingattitude even outside of CHS.

For the past three years Saliernohas been playing the trumpet forthe Bloomfield Youth Band. Healso is as an active member of theHemophilia Association of NewJersey (HANJ), which has awardedhim a $1,000 scholarship.

Salierno was diagnosed withhemophilia, a bleeding disorder,when he was 13. People diagnosedwith hemophilia have problems withblood-clotting factors, which helpstop bleeding after a cut or injuryand are needed to prevent bleeding.

He knew something was wrongwhen he felt a sharp pain in his hip.His family thought his heavy bookbag was causing the problem. Butthe doctors did not know. “It scaredmy entire family because no oneknew what was wrong,” he said.

An orthopedic surgeon saidSalierno just had a “bruised hip.”The doctor wrote a note to theteachers, suggesting that Saliernohave a set of school books at home.Doctors thought that by not carry-ing his heavy book bag, it wouldrelieve the bruised hip.

After undergoing more tests,Salierno was told that he hadhemophilia. He then joined theHANJ because “I wanted to help

kids who have hemophilia becomemotivated to keep doing what theylike, and to never doubt them-selves.” He always volunteers inevents, especially sport outings. “Ienjoy what I do and it feels good tohelp others,” he said.

Hemophilia didn’t stop Saliernofrom pursuing his interests. “If Iwant to do something that I like,I’ll do it. I don’t want to let any-thing get in my way,” he said. In

the summer before going intosophomore year, he went to a bas-ketball camp with the intention tomake the team. However, hesprained his ankle and was hospi-talized for quite some time. “It wasdisappointing because I reallywanted to play basketball,” he said.

In October, Salierno injured hispsoas major, a muscle that flexesthe hip and is essential for sittingand walking.

Do What You Want––––––––––– Story by Alicia Feghhi –––––––––––

☛

John Salierno overcame some obstacles, did things his way and advises the nextgeneration of Mustangs to do what they think is best for them.



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He re-injured it in December while shoveling snow,which caused him to stay home until February. “I had tostay in the hospital and at home,” Salierno said. “I missedseeing my friends and playing sports.”

Just when Salierno thought the medication wouldwork, it backfired. His hands and shins were swollenbecause of the medication. “My body would fight themedicine by producing antibodies,” he said.

Though Salierno was out of school from March untilthe end of the school year, he was still learning. Hetaught himself to play piano and learned Italian with thehelp of his father, John Sr., a retired Spanish and Italianteacher at Passaic Valley High School. Now a realtor atWeichert, John Sr. said the Passaic County Board ofRealtors awarded his son a $3,000 scholarship.

“He sets a good example in sportsmanship for the kidson his team,” John Sr. said of the reason for the award.“He persevered and is active and has the same skills andabilities as the rest of his teammates.”

Salierno credits his solid determination to helping himmake the basketball team in his junior year. He remem-bers how he felt on the first game of that new season. “Iwas so nervous. I haven’t played in so long,” he said.“But I scored 24 points.”

Salierno has also competed in tennis at the varsity leveland served as the team’s captain this past season. Now heis acing in tennis as an instructor at USA Tennis inParsippany. He plans to compete at the Division I level atSt. Peter’s College in Jersey City. “It’s better to take achance than not try at all,” he said.

Though Salierno is undecided in regards to a major atSt. Peter’s, he would like to teach either Italian orSpanish in high school, just like his dad. John Sr. saidhis son’s biggest accomplishment is that he never feltsorry for himself. “He could have not tried out forsports,” he said. “He acted as though there was nothingwrong with him. He didn’t want any pity. He made thebest out of every situation.”

Salierno overcame many obstacles as a teenager. He isdetermined not to let any doubts get in his way in thefuture. “I just keep going, keep trying and keep believ-ing,” he said. “There’s no other way.”

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Joseph Alvarez: Getting picked bymy peers to be a part of the 2005homecoming court.

Alicia Alejandro: Being nominat-ed for Homecoming. It was funand I had a great time.

Karen Bejarano: Being votedonto the Student Council. It wasvery exciting and a lot of fun.

Michael Garbrandt: Winning theDr. Earl Horner Cup with thehockey team.

LeeAnn Iapicca: Being a Varsitycheerleader captain, along with mybest friend Karly Maliniak, as wellas a part of the CAST program.

Brianna Coyle: I have been play-ing since I was five years old and itdefinitely paid off. During my sen-ior, I was selected as captain andwill truly miss playing soccer atClifton High School.

Anthony Shackil: In my last gameas a Clifton lacrosse player weplayed Millburn. We lost in tripleOT but the memory will last forev-er. I love you guys.

Matthew Meade: Having my ownCHS-TV show on Monday nights.I also can’t forget about the timewhen we beat Kennedy in football36-35 after we were losing prettybad in the first quarter.

Cindy Hasrie: CAST class with allmy friends and my favorite teach-ers, Mr. McCunney and Mr. Dixon.

Roxanne Jensen: Freshman year inK-5, when my friend Julie was eat-ing a blue PixieStick and startedlaughing. There was blue powdereverywhere, it was hilarious.

Q&A Share your favorite CHS memory...

Alexander Evangelakos: Goingto the prom last year and playingvolleyball freshman and sopho-more years.

Belinda Rosario: Junior yearwhen I donated blood for thefirst time. I was very over-whelmed and surprised to see allthe students donating blood. Iwas very nervous at first butwhen I got there, I forgot about itand donated. it felt good know-ing that there are people in CHSwho really care.

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Richard Ossa: Definitely the“powder incident.” That day, I wasstuck in lab the whole morningbecause of the school lock down.

Shannon Van Beveren: My soph-omore year, when I met all of myfriends. It’s funny how high schoolchanges everybody and how allyour friends change fast. I met mytwo best friends at CHS.

Sara Can: My junior year lunch. Iloved my table. I’ll miss you all!

Megan Maletich: Cheering at theFriday night varsity football games.

Maryann Choy-Ames: Beinginterviewed by The Herald Newsreporter regarding my classes atMontclair State University.

Christopher Maxwell: Juniorprom.

Jody McIntosh: Mrs. Tobey’s biol-ogy class during my sophomore yearwith Nancy, Susan, Margaret andLima. It was like being with Ms.Frizzle on the Magic School Bus.

Q&A Share your favorite CHS memory...

Priscilla Balan: My involvementin the EMT course. Three days aweek, we would go to the PassaicCounty Community CollegePublic Safety Academy in Wayne.I met some wonderful people andwe would became close friends.

Beata Bodyziak: The thing I lovedabout high school was getting to seeall of my friends under one roof.Walking the halls in between classeswas a quick catch up for everyone.Oh, and of course, I’ll never forgettrying to always hide my cell phone inclass. That was the best! Everyonealways used text messages to talk dur-ing class. Also, when I think abouttrack, I’m going to miss throwing.Another favorite memory was win-ning the League title for javelin.


Chris Toedler: My friends, theywere a big part of all my memories,none of which would have beenpossible without them.

Colleen Hughes: Finding a way todo the minimal amount of work ingym without getting yelled.

Lisa Hojnacki: Playing for the vol-leyball team all four years and beingnamed captain. This year, weweren’t just a team, but a family,which developed through the season.

Karly Maliniak: Cheerleading atthe Thanksgiving Day game andbreaking the victory bell with therest of the Varsity squad.

Jessica Giganti: Senior year, whenI made distinguished honors for thefirst time ever. I got into theAcademic Awards Society too.

Jane Martinez: Sophomore yearart class. We painted my friend’sface and made her walk through thehalls to her next class.

Vanessa Sacoto: The 04-05 volley-ball season. I went to every homegame to root for the boys. Also,being soccer manager for the boysVarsity soccer team four years in arow with my best friend Tina Rossi.

Diane Szaflarski: The band trip toWashington D.C. sophomore year.

Brian Smith: Performing at GiantsStadium as a Marching Mustang.

Chandrel Lee: Hanging out withmy friends in the morning.

Marissa Amelio: Managing theClifton baseball team. The playerswere good athletes and great guys.

Lauren McKay: The band trips toWashington, Quebec, when weplayed on MTV for TRL during myfreshman year, as well the halftimeshow at Giants Stadium. Many ofmy favorite memories were at theClifton Stadium when we playedthe pre-game and half time shows.

Christine Karabetsos: Takingdriving lessons with Mr. Randazzo.

Sasha Cordero: Making the cheer-leading squad for the 05-06 year.

Jaclyn Saltamachia: The softballteam’s Senior year trip to Disneyland.

Sarah Bekheet: The lockdownduring my sophomore year. I wasin the air-conditioned media center.

Kristina Gorgovski: Talking withmy friends in the halls and being ananchor on the morning news.

Ferdous Thabatah: Mornings spentwith my friends in Central wing.

Tylencia Selph: Winning Countiesin bowling three years straight.

Connie Musleh: Winter trackwhen I threw a 35’5” and it was mybest so far. Having my friends andcoaches cheering me on felt great.Coming in first was awesome too.

Carmela Zoccali: Hanging out onthe stairs before school.

Pat Ferry: Scoring my first goal asa defenseman in lacrosse.

Cwelina Krzywinska: The daywhen God sent me a wonderfulperson who brought sunshineinto my life and changed it forev-er. I always thought that I wasinferior to others just because Iam disabled. I never really hadany friends to talk to or hang outwith. Until one day, when SoniaCardona was assigned to me asan aide. Step by step she waschanging me for the better in hermagical way, encouraging meand pushing me forward.Without her help, I wouldn’thave that confidence that I havenow. No longer running awayfrom people, I can look back intotheir eyes. Meeting Sonia wasmy most memorable moment.

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1194


Stephany Antonio: Making myparents proud. Attending schooland always upholding my goodgrades made them very happy.Graduating high school is a bigachievement because I am nowmoving to another chapter in mylife and they are proud of that.

Sunny Kasabwala: Running at theNJ State Group meet and breaking19 minutes on the 5k course for thefirst time, with a time of 18:54.08.

Christina Santiago: Being select-ed to go to Iceland, Florida andCarnegie Hall with the ConcertChoir and being named to theDistinguished Honor Roll the pastfour years, as well as being select-ed to the National Honor Roll.

Colleen Hughes: Graduating in thetop five percent of the class.

Vanessa Marie Vasquez: Meetingmy friends and passing with goodgrades. I learned new things frommany different people, which mademe into the person who I am today.

Kevin Guinto: Playing at the CHSStar Showcase with my band,CaucAsia. We practiced hard,overcame our fears and played anamazing show.

Kristal Pratt: Believing in myselfand actually succeeding.

Jamie Leather: Getting intoTemple University.

Normalys Santana: Working hardevery year and finally graduating.

Neena Gupta: Being able to grad-uate high school.

Cynthia Hasrie: Achieving morethan anyone ever expected me to do.

Angie Diaz: Maintaining high aca-demic grades, making Honor Rollin every school year and having theprivilege of being nominated forother academic awards.

Lauren McKay: It would have tobe scoring in the top five for theauditions in the flute section of theMustang Marching Band.

Megan Maletich: Making greatfriendships and being on the cheer-leading squad all four years.

Marivic Cubero: Being elected tothe Student Council in my juniorand senior years.

Christine Karabetsos: Studyinghard and attaining good grades so Iwould be able to further my studiesin college.

Alicia Alejandro: Passing eachand every grade and just turningout to be the way I am today.

Kristina Gorgovski: Graduatingon the Clifton Stadium field.

Jorge Aponte: Almost getting onthe Honor Roll in my senior yearbecause of hard work and beingable to buy my own car.

Q&A What is your greatest achievement?

Amanda La Forgia: Making theDistinguished Honor Roll for allfour years of high school.

Sage Walsh: Making my wayinto Region Band and NewJersey All State Ban was a trulyflattering experience for me.Also, having the opportunity toplay along side my brother in“Guys and Dolls” was very cool.

Bowen Walsh: Finally getting alead role as Sky in “Guys andDolls” was huge for me. MakingNational Honor Society was alsoa big deal, as well as beating outmy brother in the trumpet sectionin band for the first time.However, probably the mostimportant thing to me over thelast 12 years was remaining atrue individual.

Christopher Maxwell Nelson Carrero Jr. Jacklyn Demuro Christopher Donini Lauren McKay

Christopher Donini: Becoming thestarting goalie on the 2006 hockeyteam that won the CountyTournament, the Division Title andDivision Playoffs, as well as receiv-ing 1st Team All-League and All-County, 2nd Team All-North Jerseyand 3rd Team All-Public honors.

Vanessa Overhoff: Getting throughhigh school and just growing up. It hasbeen a crazy experience and I amhappy to have made it so far.

Lauren Jane Geier: Finding my lovefor literature and writing. When I wasyounger, I didn’t like reading and/orwriting at all. However, after years ofschool, I realized that spreading sto-ries through writing, sharing life les-sons and just sharing the written wordis wonderful, at least in my eyes.

Diane Szaflarski: Beating KristenCrawford from Kennedy for the firsttime to win the League meet in crosscountry this year.

Ushma Patel: Being inducted into theNational Honor Society and makingthe Distinguished Honor Roll at CHSall four years.

Stephanie Janjetovic: Actually pass-ing my Italian class.

Jacklyn DeMuro: Getting into thecollege of my dreams, the LaboratoryInstitute of Merchandising in NewYork City.

Nina Naydenova: Finally graduatingand getting into a good college. ☛

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Yesenia Mendoza: Always gettinggood grades so that I never had togo to summer school.

Mateusz Kacrymski: It hasn’thappened yet but will happen verysoon, when I graduate on the field.

Nancy Aguilar: Being accepted toevery school I applied to and final-ly figuring out what I want to dowith my life.

Angela Zarate: Obtaining all theskills I need to be a successful person.

Lauren Spagnuolo: The time I’vededicated to dancing at the DanceWorld Academy, as well as the pastfive years I’ve spent as an assistantdance teacher. I can’t help butsmile each time I think about how Ibegan dancing even before startingpre-school. Another one of my per-sonal achievements has been fin-ishing 9th in the CHS class of 2006.

Jade Kolatsky: Becoming a mother,being able to succeed and graduate.

Andrea Ormeno: Being able toattain good grades every year.

Nelson Carrero Jr.: While the last12 years of school in Clifton havebeen filled with academic success,senior year was perhaps my greatestachievement. With the coming ofProm, sending out college applica-tions, decisions that had to be madeand all of the work that must bedone before graduation, schoolbecame slightly overbearing.However, I felt my greatest achieve-ment was sticking with my schoolwork and honestly putting fortheffort, even when my body thought Ishould do otherwise. One of thebiggest parts would have to be biol-ogy AP class, which although fasci-nating, was at the same timeextremely strenuous. The last yearhas been crazy, but now the end ishere and I know I’ll miss the noisyhallways, teachers, friends and thosememory filled walls.

Sara Can: Surviving CHS..

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Ashley Terhune: Making HonorRoll the first two marking peri-ods of senior year and gettinginto college with a softballscholarship after my dad died inSeptember.


It seems as if everyone has a Top 10 list these days.While most of them are based on public opinion andpopular taste, ours is different; our list of the Top TenCHS graduating seniors has been determined by hardstatistical data. But even though it is based in fact, wethink your opinion will be that these outstanding youngClifton students truly are the best of 2006.

Christina AtiyaClass valedictorian, Christina Atiya, is as committed toher community and fellow students as she is to herstudies. She continues to be an active campaigner for anew school annex and, despite an enormous academicworkload, has volunteered more than 400 hours at theClifton Public Library, Hamilton House Museum, thesummer music camp at Woodrow Wilson MiddleSchool, and at St. Mary’s Hospital during her four yearsas a CHS student. Christina is also actively involved inthe congregational life of her church. The formerSchool 14 student has won numerous academic awards,including Chemistry Student of the Year, the Bauschand Lomb Honorary Science award, and has beeninducted into the National Honor Society. Shewill attend ColumbiaUniversity this fallwhere she will major inBiological Sciences.

Roxinne TemplanuevoA career in pharmaceutical science is Roxinne’s dreamas she prepares to enter Rutgers University inSeptember. A gifted musician, this year’s classSalutatorian was named Concertmaster for the CHSstring quartet in the 10th grade and has been active in ahost of academic clubs and organizations, including theKnights of Pythagoras, the Academic Decathlon, theMath League, the Science League, the CHS Orchestra,and the Conservation Club. Roxinne has also spent 140hours volunteering at PBI Regional Medical Centerduring the past three years. Among her academicachievements, she was named the CHS BiologyStudent of the Year as a sophomore, was inducted intothe Tri-M Music Honor Society, and has been named tothe Distinguished Honor Roll.

Meet the CHS Top10––––––––––– Story by Joseph R. Torelli –––––––––––

☛

From left, on a recent rainy day at Clifton High, Christopher Donini,Christina Atiya, Laryssa Patti,Rebecca Weissand RoxinneTemplanuevo.


Rebecca WeissIn addition to being ranked third in the CHS AcademicTop 10, Rebecca is an outstanding athlete who wasnamed Captain of the CHS cross country, indoor, andoutdoor track teams during her senior year. Her aca-demic achievements are just as stellar. Besides beingnamed to the Distinguished Honor Roll for four years,Rebecca is a member of both the National HonorSociety and the Spanish National Honors Society, is aNational Merit Commended Student, and has beennamed an Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar.She also manages to stay involved in community activ-ities, volunteering at the Literacy Outreach Program inPaterson. A former Peer Tutor at CHS, and ReadingPartners volunteer at the Clifton Public Library,Rebecca will attend Wesleyan University in the fallwhere she will major in American Studies.

Christopher DoniniChristopher, who finished in a dead-heat with fellowsenior Laryssa Patti for fourth place among the 2006graduating class, was recently named CHS ScholarAthlete of the Year. An avid skater, he was an all-coun-

ty and all-league goal tender on the CHS ice hockeyteam and was named one of the New Jersey’s top fivehigh school goaltenders by the Star Ledger. His schoolactivities included membership in the Knights ofPythagoras, the Science League, the Math League, theAsian Studies Club, the Academic Decathlon, and theStudent Council, where he served as RecordingSecretary during his senior year. A DistinguishedHonor Roll member for four years, the National HonorSociety and Spanish national Honor Society inducteewill attend Cornell University in September where hewill major in Industrial Labor Relations with an eyetowards a career as a professional sports agent.

Laryssa PattiLaryssa is as proud of her Ukrainian heritage as she isof her accomplishments as a CHS graduating senior.She was a group leader and camp counselor for PLAST,a Ukrainian scouting organization, and was valedictori-an at the Ukrainian School of Lesia Ukrainka, whichshe attended on weekends for 12 years. An avid volley-ball enthusiast, Laryssa was team manager for the CHSvarsity volleyball team for three years. She was also

From left, Nisha Mirani, Lauren Spagnuolo, Anna Kata, Nina Naydenova and Matt Barrett.

1525

active in the Knights of Pythagoras, the Math League,the Science League, the KEY Club, and the BotanyClub while at CHS, and won gold and bronze medals inthe US Academic Decathlon. Laryssa was inductedinto both the National Honor Society and the NationalSpanish Honor Society. She will attend Rutgers in thefall as a pre-med major.

Anna KataYale University will be Anna’s academic home for thenext four years as she pursues a degree in Biologywhile preparing for medical school. She has alreadygained both practical and academic experience in med-icine through her participation in the ColumbiaUniversity Science Honors Program where sheexcelled in courses in Organic Chemistry,Neurobiology, and Anatomy, and through her manyhours of volunteer service at PBI Hospital in Passaic.Anna also represented CHS in Science League compe-tition in biology and chemistry and worked after schoolas a pharmacy technician for CVS. When not activelyparticipating in science-related endeavors, the NationalHonor Society inductee and National Merit Scholarshipsemi-finalist played cello in the school orchestra andparticipated in the student exchange program, whereshe attended Greensward College in England for twoweeks while enjoying London and Cambridge.

Nisha MiraniA passion for the arts motivated Nisha to found and

direct the first-ever Poetry and Writing Club at CHS in2004. An accomplished writer, this talented senior wasselected to participate in New York University’s UrbanJournalism Workshop, took first place honors in boththe New Jersey State Theater Alliance poetry contestand the Clifton Youth Week poetry contest, and waschosen as editor of the National Youth Poetry and ArtAnthology, a publication of the Asian AmericanWriters’ Workshop. Nisha has been inducted into boththe National Honor Society and the National SpanishHonor Society, and was a member of the Botany Clubat CHS, while also participating in the LiteracyOutreach Program. She will pursue a career in writingafter attending Brown University where she will majorin English and Modern Culture and Media.

Nina NaydenovaNina’s talent in mathematics has been evident through-out her high school career, most notably as she won firstprize in problem solving while a member of the Knightsof Pythagoras, and earned a number of 2nd and 3rdplace finishes in Math League competition. It seemsonly natural, then, that she will major in Mathematicswhen she attends Boston University in September.Besides her interest in math, Nina has a flair for ☛



foreign languages and is involved in the arts. She is cur-rently studying French with a private tutor and has takenlessons in Bulgarian language and literature. She alsoplays piano and flute and is an avid dancer. Among heracademic accomplishments, Nina has been named to theDistinguished Honor Roll for four years, won 2 bronzemedals in the Academic Decathlon, and was inductedinto the National Honor Society.

Lauren SpagnuoloLooking back at Lauren’s four years at CHS, it is hardto imagine how she achieved such an outstanding aca-demic record while maintaining such a busy schedule.Among her many activities, Lauren played violin in theCHS orchestra, was President of both the Knights ofPythagoras and the French Club, participated in theMath League and the Science League, was a member ofConservation Club and the Junior EngineeringTechnical Society, worked on the school’s literary mag-azine, and tutored her fellow students. She also attend-ed Dance World Academy for 15 years and was a stu-dent dance teacher for five. A US Achievement Awardwinner and National Honor Society inductee, Laurenhas been accepted to Stevens Institute in Hobokenwhere she will concentrate on studies in mathematicsand scientific research.

Matt BarrettA career in film-making is Matt’s goal as he entersIthaca College where he will major in Film and Cinemathis fall. The highly competitive CHS CAST program,in which he participated, provided him with invaluableexperience for his chosen profession as he producedvideos for the annual school film festival and co-pro-duced TV shows on Clifton’s local cable channel. Afine athlete as well as a gifted student, Matt ran indoortrack as a sophomore and played varsity baseball as ajunior and senior. In his spare time, he tutored at theClifton Public Library, was a youth minister at St.Paul’s Church, and a volunteer for the CliftonRecreation Department. Matt was named to theDistinguished Honor Roll all four years at CHS, wasnamed an Edward J. Bloustein Scholar, and was induct-ed into the National Honor Society.

CHS Top 10 Facts• Eight of this year’s CHS Top 10 students attendedWoodrow Wilson Middle School, while two are proudalumni of Christopher Columbus Middle School.• Three are outstanding student athletes; one all-coun-ty hockey player, one captain of the cross-country andindoor and outdoor track teams, and one varsity base-ball player..• Combined, they applied to more than 30 colleges.Four have been accepted to Ivy League schools, whilethe others will attend outstanding colleges in NewJersey, Connecticut, Boston, and upstate New York.

51June 2006 • Clifton Merchant

Lauren Jane Geier: In truth, Ihope to still be alive and healthy.By then, I would like to be anEnglish teacher/creative writingteacher at the high school level,because I had so much fun here inthose courses, especially with Mr.Notari, and I’m sure others are justas willing to learn. Who knows?Maybe I’ll even be married bythen, which is a scary thought.

Jacklyn DeMuro: Hopefully liv-ing in a beautiful house, with agreat job and a wonderful husband.

Amanda La Forgia: Teaching in aschool system and being the bestteacher I can be.

Kevin Guinto: Hopefully I will bea chemistry teacher at Clifton HighSchool.

Christine Karabetsos: I’ll be ateacher somewhere in the CliftonSchool system.

Nathalie Toxtli: I will be travelingacross the globe to visit some of theworld’s major fashion cities.Stephany Antonio: If everythinggoes well, I will be either finishedor nearly done with school andhopefully working as a psycholo-gist. I will be someone that willhelp the community and othercountries in any way possible.

Angie Diaz: I will be working for afederal agency and hopefully goingfor my masters in Criminal Justice.I will most likely have a house ofmy own and be just married.

Jennifer Lozy: I’ll hopefully havea successful job, a hot boyfriendand a lot of money.

Vanessa Marie Vasquez: Livingsomewhere in New Jersey, havingjust finished my Masters.Hopefully, I will have a house ofmy own and married with children.

Vincent Cordi: Probably at a grad-uate school, where I will be goingfor my degree in Law.

Q&A Where will you be in 2015?

Alicia Alejandro: I see myself asbeing very successful, havingalready started my career in thepolice department as a narcoticsofficer. I will be on the streets,making the world a better place bykeeping drugs out of kids’ hands..

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Normalys Santana: If I’m lucky, I’llbe certified as a Spanish and Historyteacher and married with a family.

George Pipala: Graduated collegeand going to the Police Academy.

Marivic Cubero: Hopefully I willbe engaged and I will own my ownrestaurant in New York City.

Winiris De Moya: Working for theWorld Trade Organization.

Ashley Terhune: Teaching afterreceiving my Masters. I will beengaged, able to support myself.

Nelson Carrero Jr.: I’ll be turning26. It’s difficult to tell where I’ll be.I’m hoping that I can do researchoutside of the country. Perhaps, I’llbe in the UK. Maybe, I’ll decide tostay in the States. Married? Maybe.I might even still be in school for aDoctorate degree. It all depends onthe circumstances that arise anddecisions I make as they come.Regardless of what happens in thenear future, I’ll eventually be backin Clifton, my beloved hometown.

Diane Szaflarski: I will be marriedand raising a family on my ranch inthe country while being employedas a chemical engineer.

Mateusz Kacrymski: Married andliving happily with my family.

Akaifia Johnson: I will probablybe married, with a beautiful familyand a great job.

Sunny Kasabwala: Working at abusiness or in the banking industry.

Richard Ossa: Hopefully workingfor a prestigious company and trav-eling around the world.

Andrea Ormeno: Working as anurse, a job that I love.

Sara Can: I’ll be a CHS art teacher.

Jorge Aponte: I’ll be happily mar-ried and owning my own businessand house, God willing.

Cynthia Husrie: If I’m lucky, Iwill be making more money than Ican handle.

Nina Naydenova: I will be livingin New York City, where I will beworking in the United Nations,dealing with international businessrelations.

Christina Santiago: If all goeswell, I will be working as a doctorand be married with children.

Neena Gupta: Working some-where as a photographer.

Christopher Donini: Working in alaw firm or as a sports agent inNYC.

Ushma Patel: I’d like to think thatI would be married and making alot of money.

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Where will you be in 2015? Joseph DeSomma: I’m not sureyet. Hopefully, I will be doingaudio/visual work at a televisionstation in the area. If that does notwork out, I may become a Cliftonpoliceman. Over the years, thishas become a career path I haveseriously considered. I wouldlove to serve my hometown.

Megan Maletich: Working on pro-ducing a show at MTV studios, .

Yesenia Mendoza: I see myselfworking in a hospital as a medicalassistant while starting a family.

Bowen Walsh: I would like to bein a professional orchestra or otherensemble, but the future is a funnything. I’ll see what comes my wayand roll with the punches.

Stephanie Janjetovic: I’ll havefound a good job and will be marriedwith one kid, a nice home and a car.

Nancy Aguilar: Hopefullyengaged and entering school againfor my Masters in psychology.

Vanessa Overhoff: I’ll be a sea-soned hair dresser and will have myown salon. I will also be marriedwith two kids and living quite com-fortably. We are the class of 2006,the future depends on us.

David Gabel: I see myself graduat-ing from MSU and starting my owntouring business, traveling thecountry with bands and singers.

Krystal Pratt: Owning my ownupscale spa somewhere. I will beencouraging high school studentsthat dreams do come true.

Jane Martinez: I will be a wellknown designer and I’ll be marriedto a rich man.

Helen Espailla: Hopefully, I willhave my Masters and a good job, aswell as a husband and a big housewith children.

Lauren Spagnuolo: I hope to haveattained my Doctorate Degree.

Angela Zarate: I will be in myown Dentist office.

Jamie Leather: I will be on myway to becoming a student assis-tance counselor while hopefullystarting a family of my own.

Vinod Rajan: Hopefully finishedwith grad school and in pursuit ofmy career as a dentist or a teacher.

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Rob Young: This summer shouldbe the best one yet. I will be spend-ing a majority of my time withfriends before I head off to collegeand into the real world. I’ll be atthe shore, Six Flags and maybeeven England. Aside from fun andgames, I also plan on working andtrying to earn every last penny I canbefore heading off to school.

Amanda Jaskot: During my lastthree months in Clifton, I plan onspending a lot of time with myfriends and boyfriend before I haveto pack up and move away to col-lege. Other than that, I plan onusing a lot of time relaxing and justenjoying the summer.

Matthew Shumko: Working andhanging out with family and friends.

Jennalynn Pizzimenti: I plan totake summer courses at MSU. Iwill also enjoy time with myfriends and family by going to thebeach and on vacation.

Emily Zawicki: Taking summercourses at Albright College. InAugust, I will be down the shorewith my mom and dad and littlebrother. I’ll also hang out with myfriends and my boyfriend.

Megan Maletich: I plan to contin-ue working throughout this sum-mer. I’ll also get plenty of relaxingin, as well as finding time to hangout with all of my friends beforeeveryone leaves for college.

Sara Can: I will get a part time jobbut I want to spend time witheveryone from the class of 2006.

David Michelotti: I’ll be workingand going down the shore with mygirlfriend and my friends.

Alicia Alejandro: Working mostof the summer so that I have moneyfor books in the fall.

Krystal Pratt: Working untilAugust when school starts, then I’llhave to balance school and work.

Masood Khan: Just chilling outand relaxing all summer long.

Vanessa Sacoto: I will be workingat Alexus Steakhouse & Tavern, aswell as trying to hang out with myclosest friends as much as possiblebefore they head out to college.

Kristina Gorgovski: Spending asmuch time as I can with my friendsbefore everyone goes their separateways. In addition, I plan to go toFlorida with my family to relax andsavor my memories. Taking a lot ofpictures this summer is a must!Somewhere along the line I willfind some time to work.

Shannon McCracken: I will betaking summer courses at John JayCollege. I will also spend a lot oftime at the beach with my friends.

Nabila Ammar: I’ll be workingand spending time with friendsbefore everyone leaves for school.

Jennifer Lozy: Working atColonial Pharmacy and spendingtime with friends down the shore.

Vinod Rajan: Work, hang out withfriends, sleep, repeat.

Lauren McKay: I definitely willbe spending some time at the beachwith friends. I’ll also be working atthe Allwood Bakery, as well as justlying around and relaxing.

Q&A What will you be doing this summer?

Anthony Marrone: I will spendmy summer saving up for collegeat my places of employment:Best Buy and the Clifton PoliceDepartment. I will vacation withmy family at Cape Cod.

Elizabeth Sinski: I will beworking full time at BDEComputer Services, as well aslife guarding on weekends.

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This column was originally started by ourfounder, the late Murray Blumenfeld.

In his spirit, we continue its publication.

The month of June has many happy occa-sions. Graduations, weddings, anniversaries

and Father’s day. A gift of jewelry is an everlast-ing token for the person celebrating a specialevent this month. Morre Lyons has gifts for thebride and groom as well as the wedding parties,Dad and graduates. In addition to jewelry, wehave many Swarovski pieces to fit your needs.

Ebel has introduced a new and exciting watchcalled the “Brazilia”. Top model Giselle is gracingthe advertisements. Come in and take a look.

White gold continues to be the dominantchoice, however yellow gold is seeing a resur-gence in it’s popularity. Don’t forget our stun-ning sterling silver pieces, which we add to ourinventory on a regular basis. Remember sterlingsilver comes in all designs

from the classic to the fanciful and is appro-priate for all ages and occasions.

What do these soup flavors have in com-mon? Chowder, Bisque, Black Bean, ButternutSquash, Pumpkin and Minestrone? They are thenewest and most exciting colors of culturedfreshwater pearls by Honora.

Colored pearls are the hottest thing on therunways this spring. Pearls go with everythingand can be worn for any occasion. Please takecare of your pearls - they are porous and canbe damaged if you spray perfume or hairspraywhile wearing them so remember, pearls shouldbe the last thing you put on.

June has two birthstones to pick from andthey are pearl and Alexandrite. The pearl is theoldest gem known to man, for centuries it hasbeen a symbol of purity, wisdom, beauty andwealth. Alexandrite is one of the most fascinat-ing gemstones because it actually changescolor from green in daylight to red in incandes-cent light.

Have a joyous June and we’ll talk to you next month.

JEWELERS

Wendy Ortega: I have many plans for this summer,including work and taking a real estate course. I willalso be spend time with my family and friends fromhigh school.

Kristin Reisinger: Working at the Clifton Pool as a lifeguard over the summer. Other than that, I will spendmuch of the summer at the beach with all my friendsbefore we all go off to college.

Allison Austin: I’ll be working all summer atNotchview Pediatrics, but I will also be getting togeth-er with my best friends to just chill and relax. Also, Iwill spend a week in California with my parents andthree younger sisters, Sarah, Elizabeth and Emily.

Teila Krahn: I plan on relaxing a bit this summerbefore starting college. I also plan on participating in asummer girl’s lacrosse league and gain some moreexperience before eventually playing for my school.

Ferdous Thabatah: Going to Michigan for a whileafter graduation and then I will start preparing forschool in September.

Jacqueline Nigro: During the summer, I plan on work-ing as a hostess a few days a week, as well spendingtime with my friends and my family on vacation.

Dana Czerwinski: I plan on spending as much timewith my friends before we all go off to college. I willalso visit Florida this summer. ☛


Karly Maliniak: I will be spend-ing lots of time with my family andfriends, going down the shore andjust having a good time before Ihave to leave for school.

Suzanne Czyzewski: When I’mnot on vacation with my family, Iwill be spending as much time ashumanly possible with all my highschool friends since I probablywon’t have the chance to see themonce September comes.

Diane Szaflarski: Working a littlebit, then I will be enjoying the restof my summer with my friendsbefore everyone leaves for college.I will also be training to run for theSHU cross country team in the fall.

Jane Martinez: I will be workingMonday through Friday, but afterwork and on weekends, I will begoing out and having a fun timewith friends and family. I will alsovisit California and Florida.

Colleen Kalan: Besides working, Iwill be spending time with myfriends going down the shore andhaving as much fun as possible onthose crazy Jersey summer nights.

Dennis Yosco: Working some-where full time to make money. Onday’s off, I will be down the shore.

Tiffany Eusebio: I’ll spend mostof my free time with my family andclose friends. The summer of yoursenior year only happens once. Iwill cherish the memories made,especially during my transition tomy first college semester.

Jessica Changsao: Right aftergraduation, I will be on a threeweek vacation to the Philippinesand Thailand with my parents andmy sister... my first plane ride.

Lauren Spagnuolo: I need to finda job! But more importantly, I needto find some time to relax and bewith my boyfriend, Bryant, who isgoing away for college.

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Stephanie Colangelo: AlthoughI’m working, I will still find timeto go down the shore with friendsand family and enjoy the warmweather. I will also be going toRussia for dance.

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Jessica Cornett: I’ll be working atthe Caldwell Community Center,where I teach swimming lessons.On weekends, I will be at my shorehouse with my family. I’ll also bea life guard this summer.

Vincent Cordi: I will be doing awhole lot of work because I needthe money. I’m also going away toMexico and will be down the shorea lot with all my friends before theygo away to school.

Daniela Vitale: I’ll be visiting Italyagain with my family to visit rela-tives and friends.

Patricia Vorela: Working at anorthodontist’s office for a month toearn some money. After that, I’mtaking off for a month beforeschool to going back to my country.

Patrick Errico: Working part time,playing baseball and going downthe shore with all my friends.

Megan White: Working as a life-guard at a Girl Scout camp.

Kyle Livesey: Participating in aninternship program with MorganStanley, as well as Goldman Sachs.I’ll also be on vacation with myfamily and will find time to play alot of music with my band.

Richard Ossa: Working to save upas much money as possible for col-lege. In my spare time, I will begoing to the beach and to Six Flagswith my close friends. I will haveto say good bye to some of them,but we’re going to try to spend a lotof time together before we go ourseparate ways.

Roxanne Jensen: This summer, Iwill be working and preparing forcollege. I will also be in LongIsland, camping with my family.

LeeAnn Iapicca: Spending timewith my family and friends inClifton and down the shore. I willalso be working part time at theClifton Little School.

Christine Karabetsos: I’m goingto Greece this summer with myfamily to see relatives and to relaxand have a good time.

Caitlin Lotorto: I have a new jobwith Nordstrom, working in thejunior department called BrassPlum. I also am waiting to hearback from Liz Claiborne for aninternship over the summer.

Melisa Saternberger: I will bespending lots of time with my fam-ily and friends before going to col-lege and meeting new people.


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The American Dream. Thissimple, little phrase canmean many different things

depending on whom you ask. Formany people, part of that dream isrunning your own prosperousbusiness. Having said that, evenwith the countless new small busi-nesses that open up annually, thenumber of entrepreneurs whoactually enjoy success is wellbelow 50 percent.

In spite of the monumental oddsplaced in front of him, CHS seniorDavid Gabel used a combination ofhard work, organization and selfdiscipline to establish Pulse SoundSystems—when he was just 14—which has been growing steadilyever since.

“I just worked my way up slowand went from there,” the 17 yearold said very nonchalantly. “Anykid can do what I do if they buy$10,000 in equipment on a loanfrom a bank, but it matters if youknow how to do it and how to man-age your business.”

To make a career out of anyfield, you have to have a sincereinterest in what you are doing. ForGabel, his first experience in his

area of expertise was in during 7thgrade in Woodrow Wilson MiddleSchool, when he worked with thelighting and sound crew for a playat the school. After working withthe crew for a few weeks leadingup to the play, he became hooked.

Once he got to CHS, Gabel pursuedhis passion by joining the audiovisual crew, which is how he endedup meeting the person who he nowconsiders his mentor.

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Mixin’ It At Work––––––––––– Story by Joe Hawrylko –––––––––––

David Gabel’s brother, Ryan, a CHS Sophomore, got his back when help is needed.

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the CHS musical, Anything Goes. I helped him for theweek of that play and he showed me the ropes,”explained Gabel. “Chris was the big step into me get-ting involved in starting my own business, becausethat’s how I got my first real experience right there.”

After working the show with Tekerian, things beganto take off. Gabel, a Marching Mustang, got his firstsolo gig working the CHS Band Bash. For the event,he managed to get by on what could be described bestas a meager budget in the very expensive audio field.He invested $400 for his first set up, which included anamp and two portable speakers that he combined withstuff he already had.

“It was ghetto,” Gabel laughed about his first set up.“But you got to get started somewhere. I got the gigthrough the band because they were trying to savemoney and knew that I was involved through CHS andasked me. Connections help.”

A few more band gigs followed, as did other smallerevents. Through word of mouth by the band and othercustomers, Gabel had built a small clientele.Eventually, all the marketing paid off and in the sum-mer of of 2004, he landed his first major corporate gigat Repechage, a cosmetics company, where Gabelworked their annual party.

“It was hardcore,” he laughed. “I got my first majorupgrade for that show by putting over $700 into new

speakers. I had to wear a tie and everything. It was alot of fun though.”

From there, Gabel began to get more serious with hiswork and also got more involved with live sound andlighting at local band shows. Business began pickingup and he was putting more money into upgrading hissystem and at the same time, finding other ways to savemoney and make his business more professional.

Gabel handles all of the financial aspects himselfand invoices each client after the gig. He also savedhimself a good deal of money by printing his own busi-ness cards, rather than purchasing them at OfficeDepot, which would have cost him $100. To completethe professional feel of Pulse Sound Systems, Gabelalso has his own t-shirts, which he wears to work.

“For working part-time, I’m doing pretty good formyself,” Gabel said with confidence. “I got myself acar and after that, I put all my money back into my bankaccount.”

Yet, despite all his success, his parents still had theirreservations about their son’s hobby turned business.After all, it does require quite a lot of money to stay upto date with the latest technology.

“My parents have been supportive, yet critical,”Gabel explained. “They would ask me why I would put$2,000 into equipment, when I could spend it on a newcar or save for something else.”

Despite their concerns, it seems that Gabel is morethan on the right track, as his clientele has grown expo-nentially. He has done work for many local gigsthroughout the area—the Wayne Firehouse, a local hotspot for punk bands and the CHS Talent show—and hasmore events lined up over the next month. Yet, Gabelhas not gotten ahead of himself, and knows that he stillmust get a degree, which is why, come September, hewill be attending Montclair State, where he will studyTechnical Theatre.

“Ultimately, I want to own my own touring compa-ny for bands as a stage coordinator for the show,” hesaid. “I know I’m not going to be there right away, butI’m moving towards it. I’m definitely going in the rightdirection.”

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My parents have been supportiveyet critical,” Gabel explained.“They would ask me why I wouldput $2,000 into equipment...”

Iris Gomez: I worked at the YM-YWHA Community Center as anafter school counselor for the daycare center at the facility. Apartfrom the income I received for myservices, the job gave me the oppor-tunity to gain experience in workingwith young children.Andrea Ormeno: I worked twojobs, one at a Peruvian Bakery inPassaic and the second at a nutritionstore in Passaic Park.George Pipala: During the schoolyear, I worked at my mother’srestaurant, Teddy’s Catering. Myfavorite job was during the summer,when I work as a lifeguard.Natalie Cruz: My only job hasbeen at Deluxe Cleaners on MainAve., which is where I have been fora year. I work there to earn a littlespending money. This is my firstjob and I enjoy working with all myco-workers.

Dana Czerwinski: I work at DeluxeCleaners on Main Ave.Sunny Kasabwala: I work at theClifton Acme. I started workingthere because I did not want to relyon my parents for my expenses.Yoelia Rojas: At Loner’s Pre-School. I enjoying working withchildren and being able to play withthem.Vinod Rajan: I work at CircuitCity, because it’s, “Circuit City up,Best Buy down!”Sara Can: I didn’t work in highschool. My parents felt that makingsure I kept my grades up wasenough work and I didn’t need thestress of having a job get in the way.Alicia Alejandro: I currently worktwo jobs. In the Garden State Mall,I sell shoes at Footlocker. I alsowork at Magic Sneakers in Paterson.Kativska Rivas: During highschool, I worked at McDonald’s, 10Spot and Dunkin Donuts. Myfavorite was McDonalds, becauseall of my friends from schoolworked there with me and wealways had fun.Lauren McKay: I have been work-ing at the Allwood Bakery since jun-ior year. I enjoy working there andseeing my friends.Puja Patel: At the corporate officeof Linens-N-Things in the HumanResource department. The job paidwell and had flexible hours. I’veworked there for about two yearsand it has been my only job.Christina Atiya: At KumonLearning Centers, a tutoring centerfor math and reading. It helped melearn how to talk to children aboutacademic subjects and allowed meto practice my leadership and com-munication skills.

Talia Alston: I work at MrToys.combecause I needed money to go outand pay for senior year expenses.Vincent Cordi: I worked at Ploch’sGarden Center, Shop Rite and at myfavorite job, Abercrombie. The peo-ple were cool and it was a very laidback work environment.Cindy Hasrie: At PacSun in theWillowbrook Mall. I worked theremy junior and senior years. It was-n’t the greatest job, but my boss wasamazing.Mahmoud Sulieman: I work atCommerce Bank, because my broth-er got me a job there. It is myfavorite job because it has been myonly so-called real job and the pay ispretty good.Krystal Pratt: I worked in so manyplaces in high school, butHollywood Video was my favoriteplace, I have tons of memories.Kristina Gorgovski: I worked atBernie’s Bagels. It was my favoritejob, I had a lot of fun and I get paidgood pay too.

Q&AWhere did you work? What did you learn?

Nancy Aguilar: Deluxe Cleanerson Main Ave. and I absolutelylove it because I get to work withmy three good friends Maria,Natalie and Travis.

Mark Bitar: At the ShopritePharmacy, where I worked as atechnician and dispensed medica-tion to the elderly. It is a goodfeeling helping people.

☛June 2006 • Clifton Merchant 63


Yoelia Rojas Derek Dobol Kativska Rivas Caroline VallilaAmie Desai

Derek Dobol: I worked atAbercrombie & Fitch at the mall.Diane Szaflarski: I worked at theAllwood Stop and Shop. I workedthere because they were the firstplace to hire me and they have real-ly good muffins.Michael Cannizzo: At Best Buy,because my friend got me a job thereand they have good employee dis-counts. It was my favorite job.Jane Martinez: I worked in CityHall at the Health Department. I gotthe job because I was in co-op.Lauren Jane Geier: I got my firstjob at the Totowa Rag Shop inOctober of my senior year. I workedthere because it was the only openposition I could find at the time andbecause I have an interest in cos-tume making and other crafts, so Ithought it would be wonderful. Iwas actually let go in January, asapparently, I was only holiday help,which I was unaware of.

Caroline Vallila: I worked atAbercrombie in the WillowbrookMall. It was my favorite jobbecause I had fun while I workedand I met a lot of great, new people.Megan Maletich: During highschool, I worked at Shoprite, Bob’sand currently at a publishing compa-ny, which has been my favorite job.I worked to make sure that I wouldalways have money.Dennis Yosco: I worked at severalplaces, including Ploch’s GardenCenter, Pacific Sunwear, GardenState Honda and Best Buy.Julissa Burbano: Rachele andMichele’s Oil Company.Mohammad Mohammad: Iworked in a gas station because theypaid me good.Amie Desai: During high school, Iworked at Target. It was a good jobbecause I like to meet new people,but it is not something I would liketo do my whole life.

Carolyn Rivera: Unicasa UniversalRealty. I worked there so I can learnwhat responsibility is all about. Igot a taste of part of the real world.Dominique Floyd: During my sen-ior year in high school, I worked inthe Violations Department in CliftonCity Hall. I am appreciative andwas very fortunate to get this jobthrough the co-op program and Iwill truly miss the people there.Joseph DeSomma: Freshman andsophomore years, I worked with theRec Department for WesternBaseball as an umpire and in the bas-ketball division as a score keeper.Last year, I worked at Camp Yawpawfor the Cub Scouts as a lifeguard.My favorite job was the scout sum-mer camp—it’s a great job becauseyou get to make money and have agreat time outside at the same time.Jusuf Hoxha: At Stop and Shop,because it is a really good place towork.

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For some, motivation comeseasily. The drive to succeed,the will to do work, it all

comes from within. However, noteveryone is like that. For others, ittakes an external force to realize thathard work and dedication does payoff. Pat Smith was one of those kids.

“When I was younger, I reallyjust didn’t care for school at all,”explained Smith, who attendedSchool 9. “I was just more worriedabout having fun.”

Smith, a Clifton resident whoattends the Academy High School atPassaic County CommunityCollege, wasn’t your model studentas a young kid. His grades were justmediocre and it was apparent that hehad no interest in school.

In his first year at ChristopherColumbus Middle School, Smith’sgrades took a turn for the worst andhe failed most of his classes and haddisciplinary problems, as he misseda large portion of the school year.However, after meeting with hisschool counselors, somethingclicked inside his head and he madea monumental turn around.

“I realized that if I wanted to dogood in life, I was going to have towork,” Smith recalled. “I wanted toget a decent job and have a car andeverything like that and you don’tget anywhere in life by doing what Iwas doing.”

By 7th grade, Smith went fromnearly failing every class, to almoststraight A’s across the board.However, as much as his counselorsin school helped him, he believesthat it was working with his father,Bob “Smitty”, at Clifton AutoRepair, on Sargeant Ave.

“Working with my dad taught mea lot,” explained Smith, who hasworked there for six years as anapprentice. “Aside from learninghow to fix pretty much anything ona car, I learned self discipline, workethic, organization skills and thevalue of a dollar. It definitelyhelped me straighten out my life.”

At the end of 7th grade, Smithlearned about Academy HighSchool, which is a high school thatis run in a similar manner to college.The hours are slightly shorter andthe teachers treat the students asthey would in college: if you don’ttry, they don’t care.

“You make your own experiencethere. You have to be mature andresponsible,” Smith said. “If youdon’t do your work, no one is thereto push you. But if you work hard,you get rewarded with scholarshipmoney and the opportunity to takecollege credits.”

He did exactly that, maintaininghigh enough grades all year to placeon the Honor Roll. For his efforts,Smith’s two college credit coursesthat he took during his senior yearwere entirely covered by the school.Not a bad turn around for someonethat could barely pass middle school.

With high school coming to aclose, Smith isn’t slowing down, ashe has an eye to the future. ComeSeptember, he will be attendingBergen County CommunityCollege, to save money and knockoff his college requirements, atwhich point he plans to transfer toMontclair State to become a teacher.

“I’ve learned more hands on atmy dad’s shop than most peoplewho have gone to school,” rea-soned Smith. “I want to try myhand at teaching, rather than beingunder a hood all day. If it doesn’twork out, I can always come backto the shop.”

Another Path Taken––––––––––– Story by Joe Hawrylko –––––––––––

Pat Smith took a different path to a high school degree.

Stephanie Mejia: It is up to thekids. Keep yourself updated bypicking up a newspaper more oftenand watching the news on TV. Weneed to know what’s going on inthe world. After all, it’s our livesthat are effected, so we should doour part and try to improve society.

Danielle Sabestinas: Young peo-ple should be educated on howclose elections can be and how theoutcomes directly effect them.

Sean Yip: Society can make theissues being voted about known sothat young people are wellinformed and aware of the serious-ness of the issues at hand.

Alicia Alejandro: Politicians canpay attention to what younger peo-ple have to say. Society should lis-ten to the opinions of our youth andthen kids should get involved.

Lauren McKay: I honestly thinkthat there is nothing more we cando as a society to get young peopleto vote aside from continuing whatwe have been doing. It seems tohave worked with a majority ofteens, like myself.

Jody McIntosh: Voting and stayinginvolved in all levels of governmentseems to be the least of young peo-ple’s worries, but once we see thedirect effect our negligence has onus, we will be compelled to getinvolved. If society stops focusingso much on how tan we are and moreon who’s going to be the next personchanging our lives for the better orworse, we will be better off.

Susan Muheisen: By showing theeffect that an election may have ontheir lives, young people will beencouraged to take part in issues thatwill effect them and their families.

Q&A How can we encourage kids to vote?

Allison Rooney: Younger peopleneed to understand that voting is away to be heard in governmentalissues. It often seems that studentsmy age have strong opinions aboutthe topics discussed in debateswhen they understand the facts,However, they are frequentlyintimidated by adults who havebeen involved in politics for manyyears. Second, I feel that ‘rowdyteenage kids’ who may ‘lack ameaningful perspective on situa-tions being discussed’ may intimi-date experienced people, leadingthe older generations to rejectthose youngsters from becominginvolved. So to get more teenageinvolvement in government, theremust be complete respect andunderstanding both given andreceived from both individuals.

Nicholas Kacmarcik: electedofficials need to stress the impor-tance of the government. Also,they can make sure we know howimportant each and every voter inour community is.


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Jay-Anne Mandingin: In order tobe involved with the government,people must stay informed. Thus,activities that encourage involve-ment and sufficient media coverageis necessary for young people totake an active interest in politics.

Ahmad Elatab: They must taketheir minds off the other pointlessjunk that is shown on TV to theiryoung minds. MTV, HBO and allthe other junk on TV is irrelevant towhat is going on in the world.

Krystal Pratt: Get youth involvedso that they actually care aboutwhat they are voting for.

David Gabel: I think that the gov-ernment can start by recognizingteen’s opinions at the local govern-ment level. For example, Cliftonpoliticians being “anti-student driv-ers” and making the streets near

CHS permit parking only duringschool hours doesn’t encouragepolitical activity, but discourages it.

Vincent Cordi: Have more appeal-ing referendums to vote on.

Justine Agaloos: Society canadvertise the causes and effects thatour government has on our commu-nity. Posters could be put up inplaces where young adults congre-gate together or bake sales can beheld that let kids know how thegovernment effects Clifton.

Vinod Rajan: Nothing. Peopleshould vote out of free will andshould not have to be enticed.

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Winiris De Moya believes that just one personcould have a profound impact on the waythat our country and the world is run—and

she thinks that someday, she might just be that person.“People are making differences in our world often,”

said the soon to be graduate and aspiring future WorldTrade Organization delegate. “You may not see it onthe news all the time, but there ware people out therethat are making a difference.”

This bright and articulate senior has been a modelstudent over her career at CHS, maintaining a high GPAas she challenged herself with honors and AP courses,while balancing out her college resume with activitieslike the French Club, CHS Orchestra, CHS Quartet andEnsemble and the anti-smoking group, R.E.B.E.L.

However, even the most gifted of students often arestumped when presented with the daunting questionthat all upperclassmen that must face when they pre-pare to graduate—what are you going to do with therest of your life?

Last year when she began looking at colleges, DeMoya was unsure of what she wanted to study. Luckilyfor her, she had a teacher that was able to give her somedirection. If it had not been for Mrs. Dennison, DeMoya might have not ever had interest in the politicalfield. “As a junior, I had Mrs. Dennison for historyclass,” she said. “She was the one who told me somebasic info about the Governor’s School and encouragedme to join it.”

The New Jersey’s Governor’s School ofInternational Studies is a summer program that is heldat Ramapo College, where a select group of students

One Voice for Many––––––––––– Story by Joe Hawrylko –––––––––––

Proud to represent Clifton...Assemblyman Thomas P. GiblinState of New Jersey

1333 Broad St., Clifton, NJ 07013

Call my Clifton office: 973-779-3125 1814

Winiris De Moya attended the New Jersey’s Governor’sSchool of International Studies which is a summer programheld at Ramapo College and the experienced focused her ona career path in government affairs.


dorm and attend classes on world politics, globalizationand other topics that are important in today’s society.

After giving it some thought, De Moya figured thatshe would send in an application, since it would besomething interesting to try that could be used to bolsterher college resume and gain experience living in a dormstyle setting.

“I thought it would be a cool experience to be awayfrom home just to see what college life is about,” sheexplained. “When I read what it was going to be like, Ithought I would take a few classes a week and the restof the time I would just be hanging out.”

After applying in January 2005, De Moya wasaccepted into the program in April after being selectedfrom a pool of hundreds of applicants across the state.

“I was shocked when I found out because I didn’tthink I was actually going to get in,” she said, as shereflected on how selective the highly regarded programis. “I was anxious and couldn’t wait for it to start.When I finally got there in July last year, I realized howin depth it was.”

The day to day routine of the program was similar tothat of college. Students were given large suite-styleddorms to live in with a few other people and wererequired to attend two classes a day, which generallyencompassed about six hours.

“It was much more than just class though,” explainedDe Moya. “There was debates on Fridays and thingslike that. It was supposed to be a model United Nationsof sorts.”

One of the first special events upon arrival was a tripto Quebec, which was meant as a bonding experience.The 100 student program was broken up into groups of10, with each party representing a different country.

De Moya’s group represented Russia and would doso for the duration of the program for debates and otherspecial events.

“It was an eye opening experience. We did so manyfun things that I thought I would never do,” she said ofher six day trip. “I actually went to Canada and spokeFrench there, saw sights, climbed hills and went to abunch of government locations.”

As much as she enjoyed the adventure to Canada, DeMoya’s favorite part of the month-long program was onthe last day of class, when they went to New York tovisit the UN building.

“We had gone to New York before to speak with(international) ambassadors, but we had never actuallygone into the UN building,” she said. “We took a tourand then went into the seats. I had so much fun becausethat’s when it dawned on me that I could see myselfdoing that in the future.”

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Allison Rooney: Although I amnot registered with any politicalparty, I do know that my vote doesmake a difference. I know thisbecause of the 2004 budget, whichpassed by a mere three votes. Hadthose three people changed theirvote or stayed home and decidednot to utilize their right, the out-come would have been drasticallydifferent. Voting is listed underyour constitutional rights, not priv-ileges—it is your duty to vote andlet your opinion be heard.

Jay-Anne Mandingin: One per-son’s vote can make a differencebecause when all the votes arecompiled, the world can bechanged. I am not registered to votebecause I am not old enough.

Dana Czerwinski: I do think myvote makes a difference.Everyone’s vote counts and we allshould vote and be heard.

Vincent Cordi: Yes, my vote willmake a difference because therehave been several times that anelection has been decided by just afew votes. I am not registered withany political parties.

Stephanie Mejia: Every votemakes a difference.

Alicia Alejandro: I registered tovote last year when I turned 18 andI did vote this year. It definitelymakes a difference, your vote couldchange what is around you.

Sean Yip: Yes, my vote makes adifference because by voting, I amsupporting what I believe in and Ithink everyone should make theirvote count.

Vinod Rajan: Yes, every votecounts, but I am not registered withany party.

Krystal Pratt: I believe one votecould make all the difference.

Ahmad Elatab: I don’t think itmakes a difference. Personally, Ithink the big presidential electionsare rigged, and if they are not, Iwould be surprised.

Q&A Does your single vote count?

Justine Agaloos: My vote makesa difference. It is a chance tomake my own decision to helpshape the community. Each votecounts and with every vote it candetermine the future for all of us.

☛

Voter Registration: If you are not registered to vote where you live now, you may register by completing this form.

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Qualification of anEligible Applicant

You must be a citizen of theUnited States and, by the date of the next election, at least 18 years old and a resident ofNew Jersey and your county for at least 30 days.

The Commissioner of Registrationwill notify you upon receipt of this form.

The Registration deadline to vote at the next election is 29 days prior to election day.

Check if you wish to be a board worker/poll clerk in future elections. ❑

Check if you are permanentlydisabled, unable to go to thepolls to vote, and wish to receive information on an Absentee Ballot. ❑

Sign or Mark➮If applicant is unable to complete this form, printname and address of individ-ual who completed this form.

Mail to: Passaic County, Commissioner of Registration,311 Pennsylvania Ave., Paterson, NJ 07503 • 973-881-4516

This page is brought to you as a community service.For questions regarding this Voter Registration Application, call the Passaic County Superintendent of Elections at 973-881-4516.



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Eddie Bivaletz: When I turn 18, Iwill be taking the time to vote inevery election because my vote,just like everyone else’s, counts.There is a lot of people in Cliftonbut, as the last election showed us,too few that vote, so I am sure thatmy vote matters.

Sara Can: Every vote counts.Without my vote, or the vote ofanyone else, a wrong choice couldbe made.

Lauren McKay: I am not regis-tered to vote with any party, how-ever, I do think its important foreveryone to have a voice and onevote certainly makes a difference.

George Pipala: I am registered tovote but proud to say not with anypolitical party.

Anthony Shackil: Yes, my votecounts. One person’s opinion andtheir vote is a powerful thing andcan actually change the outcome ofan entire election. Although I amregistered to vote, I do not vote forany specific party.

David Gabel: Yes, because anyelection can be thrown off by justone vote or a block of votes, how-ever, I do not vote for any specificpolitical party.

Susan Muheisen: My vote defi-nitely matters because it can be theone vote that determines the out-come of the election or provide thesolution to the problem at hand.

Nicholas Kacmarcik: I feel myvote makes a difference becauseone vote is one more for the major-ity. I am not registered with anyparties, but I vote Republican.

Danielle Sabestinas: I believe thateach vote has the power to make adifference. In past Board of Edelections, the outcome was deter-mined by as little as three votes.

Jody McIntosh: Although I amonly 17, I do believe that when Iam able to vote, it will make a bigdifference. Many teens do notrealize the importance of voting atall levels of government andchoose not to vote. Yet, they arethe first to criticize the elected offi-cials. Knowing that I have theright to vote and that I will takeadvantage of that right is a greatfeeling, because my contribution tothe election is just as important asthe next person’s..

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Susan Muheisen: Having youngersiblings keeps the issues of Cliftonat mind because it determines theiroutcomes. Who knows what thefuture may hold. My career canpossibly lead me back to Clifton.

Dana Czerwinski: I am going to alocal school, therefore, I plan onbeing involved in Clifton.

Vinod Rajan: Clifton is my num-ber one preference of towns to livein when I get older.

Alicia Alejandro: I will be livingin Clifton until I transfer to JohnJay but I will still stay involvedbecause I have family here.

Sara Can: I want to live and workin Clifton. It is where I belong.

Jane Martinez: I probably won’tbe involved too much, but I willalways come home to visit.Somewhere down the road, I prob-ably will live here again.

Ahmad Elatab: I will stayinvolved by helping the local BoyScout troops and helping the kids inschool by offering my time.

Allison Rooney: Although I do notanticipate returning to Clifton tolive or work, once I graduate col-lege, I will return to see my friendswho may choose to stay and, ofcourse, to visit my parents.

Krystal Pratt: I’ll still be at homeuntil I move out and start a family...Clifton will always be my home.

Lauren McKay: I’ll attend thefootball games to see the band.

Judy McIntosh: I’ll be cominghome for vacations and I’ll supportthe orchestra concerts, but I do notplan on living here after I graduate.

Stephanie Mejia: I’ll attend col-lege nearby, so I will be home often.

Jay-Anne Mandingin: I wouldlike to be involved with Clifton,especially in the Board ofEducation. I will continue to attendBoard of Education meetings.

Justine Agaloos: I will major inNursing at the University ofNebraska and surely miss Clifton.I’m keeping a stationary set andbuying calling cards to stay intouch. I’m saving my money so I

can come back to Clifton to live.I’m hoping I can work at St.Joseph’s Hospital one day.

Nicholas Kacmarcik: I’ll be study-ing Physical Education and hope tobecome a CHS gym teacher.

David Gabel: This is my home-town and I will never regret grow-ing up here. I think I will continueto volunteer with the CHS plays.

Vincent Cordi: I will not be leav-ing Clifton any time soon because Iwill be living at home for college. Iwill make sure to vote during everyelection in town.

Danielle Sabestinas: I will def-initely try and stay involvedwith my friends and in theschool system. However, Idon’t plan on returning toClifton to live or work.

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Q&A How will you stay connected to Clifton?

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Kristina Gorgovski: Don’t wastetime! You will be amazed by howfast your senior year will fly! Putthe grudges aside and focus onbonding with your graduatingclass! These are the people youhave known since kindergarten,enjoy your LAST year together.Don’t hold back on anything.

Caitlin Lotorto: Don’t ever slackoff or it will come back to bite youin the butt!

Dennis Yosco: Be smart, don’t getin trouble. Don’t drink and drive,it’s not worth it.

Allison Rooney: This coming yearis your last in high school andalthough it seems as through youhave waited your entire life for thisyear, many of you will be movingon to college where you will face amore demanding curriculum thanthat of which you experienced here.My advice: enjoy your last year atCHS. Before you know it, you willgraduate and leave many friendsbehind. Don’t take this last year forgranted—live it to its fullest.

Vinod Rajan: Mistakes don’t mat-ter, it’s the consequences you haveto live by, so think fast, talk slowand don’t forget to breathe becausesecond chances do exist.

Roxanne Jensen: Work hard andfollow your dreams. Don’t be lazyabout making college decisions andmost of all, have fun!

Ferdous Thabatah: Hold ontoevery moment of your senior yearbecause it really does go by fast.

Sara Can: Enjoy everything whileyou have it, always think to makethe right choice.

Wendy Ortega: To succeed in life,work hard and finish your education.

Rob Young: Live your senior yearout how you want to live your life.Regret nothing, but remembereverything. Most importantly, keepin contact with everyone, you neverknow when you’re going to need ahelping hand. And as the old say-ing goes, time doe fly when you’rehaving fun!

Suzanne Czyzewski: Live on awhim and follow your heart.

Masood Khan: Enjoy your lastyear. Just chill and don’t forget todo all of your school work.

Q&A

Michael Kornytchuk: If youmust ever choose between thesmart thing and the funny move,always go with the funny. Itmakes life more interesting.

Daniella Balcazar: My words ofwisdom are to have as much funas you can because senior year isthe best but it goes by really fast,so enjoy it with your friends.


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Your advice for the class of 2007...

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Krystal Pratt: Senior year goes byso fast.

Megan Maletich: Have fun!Don’t be stupid.

Daniela Vitale: Enjoy every sec-ond that you have in high schoolwith friends because these are thebest times of your life.

Alicia Alejandro: Listen to yourteachers, they are your second par-ents and school is like your secondhome. You eat and learn there andmust pass all your classes. Alwayskeep your heads up and never giveup, your life is just starting.

Lauren Sagnuolo: I suggest thatyou guys focus and concentratefrom the very beginning of senior

year, that way, towards the end, youwill have more time to relax andtake it easy.

Vincent Cordi: Have fun, enjoyyour senior year and don’t regretanything. It all goes way to fast.

Melisa Sternberger: Forget regretor life is yours to miss.

Patrick Errico: Don’t hold any-thing back.

Jennifer Lozy: Cherish your lastyear because it goes by so quickly.

Lauren McKay: Never settle.Always work to your fullest poten-tial. Don’t ever give up on yourself.

Christine Karabetsos: Enjoy sen-ior year while you can because itgoes by really fast!

Matthew Shumko: Just have fun,work hard and enjoy your last year.

Jennalynn Pizzimenti: Good luckto the Class of 2007. Enjoy everyminute. It passes by so quickly, solive it up!

Teila Krahn: Do your homework,wear your ID and cherish everymoment with your friends beforeyou’re thrown out into the big,scary world.

Elizabeth Sinski: I know that youhave heard this and will hear it amillion times more, but don’t putthings off until the last minute.Trust me, I tried that route and itwill only hurt you.

David Michelotti: Get your col-lege stuff done early: you don’twant to be stressing out about it atthe last minute and its your senioryear, relax and have fun.

Allison Austin: Keep an openmind, seek every opportunity andtake nothing for granted.

Kristin Reisinger: Have fun andenjoy your senior year.

Stephanie Colangelo: Have allyour college stuff done early.Enjoy senior year and have fun! Itgoes by really fast.

Amanda Jaskot: Senior year fliesby extremely fast. Have fun andtake the time to enjoy it because it’sover before you know it.

Jessica Changsao Melisa Steinberger Vanessa Sacoto Ferdous Thabatah Allison Austin

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Karly Maliniak: Don’t take senioryear for granted!

LeeAnn Iapicca: Cherish everymoment. Your senior year is one ofthe best years of your life and isover before you know it.

Jane Martinez: Have fun anddon’t slack off at the end of theschool year.

Colleen Kalan: Keep up with yourschool work and try not to letsenioritis get the best of you. Butremember to have fun!

Dana Czerwinski: Make your ownmemories, because you will neverbelieve how fast time goes. Don’thold anything back...enjoy it!

Jacqueline Nigro: If you put yourmind to it, anything is possible.

Vanessa Sacoto: Take in everymoment as much as you canbecause before you’ll know it,graduation will come and you’llask yourself, “Did I do it all?”

Shannon McCracken: It goes byvery quickly, make the best of it.

Emily Zawicki: Stay focused, it’snot over. Your senior year flies by.

Nabila Ammar: All your friendswill be together, so make it count.

Anthony Marrone: I have learnedthat senior year may seem like atime to sit back and relax while youwait for your college years tobegin. But it is also important totake it seriously and reflect whereyou see yourself in the years tocome doing a profession you enjoy.So keep up on your studies and stayactive in your school and commu-nity. If you keep up in what youbelieve in your should do just fine.

Jessica Cornett: Have an amazingsenior year and try—your hardest.It’s a memorable year.

Richard Ossa: Be on top of allyour classes, getting A’s and B’s,but don’t forget to go out with yourfriends and enjoy your senior yearto the fullest.

Megan White: Don’t put things offuntil the last minute.

Jessica Changsao: Life is full ofdecision making. Some people looktowards others for advice, but in theend, only one thing matters: youmaking the final decision. Knowwhat is felt in the heart and soul.When it feels right, it’s right. Younever know when you will get a sec-ond chance.

Kyle Livesey: Stay focused, followyour dreams, strive for success.

Diane Szaflarski: Enjoy evermoment because senior year will beover before you know it and don’tleave any 12 page research papersuntil the day before it’s due!

Patricia Vorela: Always believethat you can do anything you wantto do and achieve your highestgoals. Also, remember to neverquit, because quitters never win.

Tiffany Eusebio: It’s hard to live upto one’s full potential if you’re fol-lowing another’s footsteps. Don’tbe afraid to be who you are, makeyour own mark on the world.

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CCome HHome SSafely

Prom 2006

FFor too many kids, graduating high school may be the last event cel-ebrated in their lives. That’s why parents plan Project Graduation.

The goal of this 17th annual event is to provide a safe, drug and alco-hol-free environment for CHS seniors on the biggest night of theirlives, so that they Come Home Safely. After the commencement, stu-dents meet back at CHS and board buses for a nearby resort. Volunteerchaperones accompany about 450 seniors for the all-night gathering.

Arrival time is about 11 pm. Once the students are in, the exit doorsare monitored and they’re prohibited from leaving the premises.Inside, there’s swimming, dancing, basketball, tennis, food, refresh-ments and plenty of fun. The Project Graduation entourage departs theresort at 6 the following morning and returns safely to Clifton.

Chair Maryann Cornett said payments will be collected next to theMain Office on the following dates: June 5 & 7: 5pm - 6:30pm • June13: 6:30am - 8am • June 14: 10:30am - 12:30pm •June 15: 2:30pm -3:30pm •June 20: 5pm - 6:30pm •June 21: 11:30am - Noon.

May 19, 2006Skylands Manor

Next: Project Graduation

Project Graduation

82 June 2006• Clifton Merchant

It was all about Bill, Cassie Craig,Mistress of Ceremony, told the audienceat Bill Cannici’s retirement dinner on

May 16, where over 200 guests showed up tohonor the CHS Principal at The Venetian inGarfield. There was plenty of laughs, sometears and much rejoicing, as Cannici preparedto close the book on his 40-year educationcareer in Clifton. Several individuals gavemoving speeches, including his two sons,CHS Vice Principal Sue Peters, and CassieCraig. Clifton Teachers’ Association VicePresident Gerry Gunning also presentedCannici with a ceremonial sword to com-memorate his four decades of service. Theevening was memorable for all and was a fit-ting way to say goodbye. To Bill Cannici,thank you and Godspeed in retirement.

Farewell Mr.Cannici


Dr. Suzi and Dr. Jeff thank allwho made our May 20 Kids DayAmerica/International a success...

Congratulations to our 2006 KDA EmpowermentAward Recipients: Chris Belli, Tom Hawrylko,

Dolores Colucci Healey, Debbie Oliver and Dr. Michael Rice.

Mayor James Anzaldi • Clifton City CouncilClifton Fire Dept. • Passaic County Sheriff’s Dept.

Clifton Board of Education • Party CityJack the Jackal and the NJ Jackals • HBOHyco Printed Products • Clifton Merchant

Magazine • Dye Into Print • Metro Part RentalFreedom Cuts Etc. • NJ Dept. of CommerceEdible Arrangements • Mr. & Mrs. Rainforth

The Hair Designers • DJ General • Zack’s BagelsThe Glovin Family • Town Mortgage, LLC

Staples • ASAP Linen • The Singer FamilyTodd Friedman • Passaic County Girl ScoutsCharlie Brown’s Restaurant • Albert Sabeh

Aileen Collucci, MA, CCCWe would also like to give a special thank you to allthe local businesses and school and the merchantsof The Bobbink Shopping Village who displayed and

distributed our event flyers.

Clifton Chiropractic & Physical Therapy248 Edison St., corn Valley Rd., Bobbink Center 973-742-3400

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Andrea Linder discoveredher life’s calling whileworking as a swim instruc-

tor at the YM-YWHA of Clifton onScoles Ave. During a lesson, shewatched as a child disabled by a stroke tried to swim. “The child was sodetermined,” Linder remembers.“In spite of her physical challenges,she never became frustrated.”

It was then the 1984 CHS gradu-ate decided to become a physicaltherapist.

After graduating from TempleUniversity, Linder went to work atthe John F. Kennedy Medical Centerin Edison, gaining a vast amount ofexperience, including working withhead trauma patients. Next, shemoved to EnglewoodHospital and helped devel-op the facility’s pediatriccare program.

Then sheheard God’s call. “I had a beautifulcareer as a physical therapist,” sherecalls. “But I wanted to do morewith my life.”

Joining an organization called Joniand Friends, Linder

went to Polandto work withthe disabled.Her next tripwas to the

S TO RY BY JAC K D E V R I E S

To Ghana,with Love

...from Clifton, A City That Cares

Andrea Linder, her son Joshua Jehu-Appiah, her parents Karl and Gerline, and friends Marie Benfante and Elsie Siems.

African country of Ghana where she saw an even greaterneed for help.

Linder’s first mission to Ghana was to bring wheel-chairs to disabled people. While the work was reward-ing, she believed there was more she could do. In 2001,she decided to spend more time in Ghana and dedicateher life to helping the less fortunate.

“I arrived in Ghana a week before 9/11,” she remem-bers. “Just before the attack, I was on my way to theAmerican embassy to register to stay in the country.The embassy closed for the day a half-hour later.

“It made me question my decision—was I doing theright thing? Should I stay in Ghana when so much washappening back home? I had so much to do—buying acar, finding a place to stay—and now had so many mis-givings about staying.

“That day tested my faith.”

A Half A World AwayIt’s more than 5,000 miles from Clifton to Ghana, but

the distance between the two places only begins to tellthe story of their differences.

In Clifton, residents complain about traffic fillingtheir streets, live in well-kept wooden houses, and havean average life span that reaches well past age 70. InGhana, goats and chickens run through dusty thorough-fares, families live in mud homes, and the average per-son does not see their 60th birthday.

And then there are the children with disabilities. Clifton, like other U.S. cities, cares for them, edu-

cates them, and makes areas accessible for them.Disabled Clifton children learn they have the same

inalienable rights as any other U.S. citizen. In Ghana,disabled children are often left on the side of the road todie—something Linder knows all too well.

“People with disabilities are considered cursed inGhana,” Linder says. “They assume someone in theirfamily broke a taboo and that is why they are disabled.

“Parents with disabled children are encouraged byfamily members to leave them in the bushes and letnature take its course. A lot of times, the disability iscaused by not taking the free vaccines, having no prena-tal care, or giving birth to a child at home.”

Linder, along with her family and friends (manywho live in the Allwood section and are members of theAllwood Community Church) are working to changetheir fate. They want to save Ghana’s disabled chil-dren from an early death or the miserable future as astreet beggar.

“We want to give them a sixth grade education (thestandard level of education in Ghana) and a trade,”


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she says. “Our ultimate goal is to make them function-al members of the community.”

Life is hard in Ghana, even for those without a dis-ability. An English-speaking country the size ofOregon, it became an independent state in 1957, the firstsub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its inde-pendence. Formed from the merger of the Gold Coast,a former British colony, and the Togoland trust territory,Ghana boasts a population of 22 million.

Of that total, Linder estimates two million are dis-abled.

“An average Ghana family in the cities,” she says,“has about three children. In the villages, men gain sta-tus by the number of wives they have; women gain sta-tus by their number of children. A family may share thesame bedroom that also serves as their living room.

“Children do many chores. Their first daily chore isto sweep the entire house. Next, they fetch water. Somewalk more than a mile to school, where two or threegrades share the same classroom. Since there are nojanitors, children sweep the school floors, clean theblackboards and, if they see their teacherscarrying something, carry it for them.”

Linder spends about six monthsof the year in Ghana and six monthsin her Allwood home. “Sometimesit’s frustrating,” she saysabout her life. “Wehave so much hereand they have so lit-tle.”

For disabled chil-dren, life is much more difficult.“Though I encourage parents toget their (disabled) children in aschool,” Linder says, “it’s toughto find one that accepts them.”

Making a DifferenceTo help, Linder and husband Joseph Jehu-Appiah, a

Ghana native, are building a school for disabled chil-dren in the town of Apam, about 90 minutes south of thecapital city of Accra. Jehu-Appiah will visit his wife inAmerica, but remains in Ghana year-round to manage

the school. Joseph and Andrea are par-ents to a 1 year-old son, Joshua.

Their school has room for 25, butcurrently houses 16 children, ages 4to 17. The students are diagnosed

with illnesses from cerebral palsy toepilepsy.

“Most children we deal withhave physical limitations,”

she says, “but are cognitive-ly intact. One child in ourschool had to repeat nurs-ery school four times

because he could notwrite the letters of the

alphabet but did knowthem. In the U.S.,he would have acomputer and be

mainstreamed withouta problem.”

“Getting the children toschool is tough, because

there are no school buses to take them.”

1527

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Positive change for the Ghana’sdisabled is taking place, albeit slow-ly. Linder says Ghana’s parliament ispassing a law that mandates disabledchildren must go to school.However, most teachers are not pre-pared to accommodate and educate adisabled student in their classroom.

“And getting the childrento school is tough,” Lindernotes, “because there areno school buses to takethem.”

Though faced with obsta-cles, Linder’s faith in her mis-sion remains strong.Supported through fund-ing from churches andfriends, she welcomesany support from theClifton community.

“If people would like to help,they can send a donation in myname to the MephiboshethMinistry,” she says, “and 100percent will go to support ourwork in Ghana.”

A roadside sign welcoming peo-ple to Clifton along main roads fea-tures the slogan: “A City ThatCares.” Perhaps there is no better

example of that slo-gan than hometowngirl, Andrea Linder.


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To support Andrea Linder’s work, send a donation to:Mephibosheth Ministry, 1406 Rainier DriveColorado Springs,Colorado 80910Write “Andrea Linder” or“Account 151” on the check.

Another way to help is byattending a fundraisingchicken dinner (prepared byAndrea’s father Karl) at theAllwood CommunityChurch, June 17, at 5 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adultsand $10 for children under10. Contact Gerlinde Linder973-773-9347, MarieBefante 973-777-8209 orElsie Siems 973-473-5369for tickets.


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Keith Bassford’s quote in your May edition upset mebeyond words. He stated that Rosemawr residents votedagainst the Board of Education budget and aren’t reallyfor Clifton school kids. I can’t speak for everyone inRosemawr, but as long as I’ve been living in Clifton, I’vevoted for the School budget and encouraged my neigh-bors to do the same. I’ve seen how my son has benefitedfrom full day Kindergarten in School 9 and I would notwant to deny any child from having that benefit. How canyou quote Mr. Bassford with no documentation or statis-tics on how actual people from actual addresses voted?The park and the budget are totally separate issues. ManyRosemawr residents do attend public schools. And, bythe way, if the 1-2-6 voters had supported the budget, itwould have won handily. Maybe there’s a story there. Iam always in favor of a good dialogue and I welcomemore debate in the pages of your magazine.

Norma Demby

The Board of Trustees of St. Peter’s Haven forHomeless Families wishes to commend Clifton’s lettercarriers for collecting more than 200 bags of groceriesand other necessities from local residents. As much ofthe food were canned goods, readers can imagine theweight each carrier had to bear on their rounds. Thiscollection provided the Haven with enough food itemsto carry it through the summer. We greatly appreciatethe work of the letter carriers and the staff of the CliftonPost Office ... as well as all the donors ... because theytruly make a difference in the lives of the homeless,hungry and working poor in our midst.

Mary Allen , Board PresidentSt. Peter's Haven for Homeless Families

We were sorry Tom Hawrylko’s name did not appearon the 2006 City Council candidate’s list, but upon fur-ther reflection, we figured you are best off on the out-side looking in, continuing your role at the magazine.Someone has to keep a clear perspective on thegoings-on for the rest of us. Thanks for being that per-son. We look forward to your magazine each month.

Helen & Roy BerkenbushEd. Note: I’m honored by your endorsement...

April’s Clifton Midget League article, along with thetribute to the late, Henry ‘Hooks’ Brower, was mostenjoyable. I really think Hooks would have been proud ofthe way the league has progressed over the years.Unfortunately this year’s opening day parade celebratingour new relationship with Cal Ripken Baseball was rainedout. The rain has not dampened the spirit of the more than300 youngsters participating in the program this year.Clifton Midget League is rich with pride and history andClifton Merchant has accurately portrayed that onceagain. We appreciate the outpouring of support from thelocal community we have received in our efforts.

Nicholas J. MangonePast President, Clifton Midget League

Please note: All letters for publication must include awriter’s name, address and phone number so that wecan verify the sender. Anonymous letters are neverpublished and all missives are subject to editing.

Clifton Merchant Magazine1288 Main Ave. Clifton 07011

[email protected](note new address)Letters

to theEditorPolitical signs should be banned. The recent exces-sive display of political signs around Clifton duringthe recent City Council election detracted from thebeauty of the city and created an unsightly distrac-tion to drivers. Some citizens placed four or fivesigns on their front lawns and some candidatesplaced multiple signs on public property They sel-dom remove them from public property after theelection I question the idea that a political signattests to the quality or character of a candidate.Generally the signs indicate a politician’s personalrelationship with the homeowner. It’s a way to say“I support you.” Why would the personal preferenceand perhaps political motivation of one of my neigh-bors convince me to vote for this candidate? It does-n’t! Clifton voters are intelligent enough to make uptheir own minds on the quality, integrity and qualifi-cations of the candidates through information fromthe candidates’ press interviews and personal appear-ances. Let’s get involved enough to find out whateach candidate has to offer.

Mary R. Rogers



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The elections of 2006 changed the Cliftonpolitical landscape, shaking mountains downto hills and shifting political currents in newdirections. The first wave hit in April when

the voters elected two challengers and one incumbentto the Clifton School Board.

The former School Board majority that bet its pres-tige on a new, 1,600-student Brighton Road highschool was history. The new majority has promised areferendum on Latteri Park as a site for the new school.

The May council elections were stunning. Clifton voters re-elected only three of seven incum-

bents, giving a council majority to four new councilpeople, three of whom are also new to government.

There was no coalition among the newly electedcouncil members as there had been among the so-called 1-2-6 school board candidates—at least unoffi-cially—so it is not clear where this newly constitutedcouncil will lead the city.

But the elections themselves forcefully demonstrat-ed the power of the vote, and right now, there is thesense of a roller coaster after a slow, clanking ride totop of the first hill.

Along with a sense of suspense and anticipation,there is a broad, unobstructed view —a rare moment ofclarity. Now we see new possibilities for solving someold problems.

The Latteri OptionThe Board of Education has the clearest new direc-

tion, if not yet a settled plan. First on the agenda is areferendum on Latteri Park – or the Latteri property assome prefer to call it.

At its first re-organization meeting, the newly con-stituted school board began to move toward a new

school there to relieve overcrowding, particularly inthe high school. There is still time—though notmuch—to schedule the referendum for a Decembervote. It could be the third year in a row that Clifton vot-ers will decide the fate of a school proposal.

In 2004, the voters strongly supported a high schoolannex at 290 Brighton Rd. But the 290 Brighton Rd.proposal required a use variance from Clifton’s ZoningBoard of Adjustment, a variance that was denied. Theschool board has taken that denial to court. The annexfor 500 high school students at 290 Brighton Rd. is stilla possibility—but no more than that.

In another referendum earlier this year Clifton vot-ers turned down an expansion of the 290 Brighton Rd.project onto properties to the north for a school thatwould have served 1,600 students and finally solvedthe overcrowding problem.

The fallout from that defeat may have influencedboth Board of Ed and City Council races.

The School Board and City Councilneed to begin a serious and ongo-

ing dialogue. Maybe they shouldconduct joint meetings or have

members from one group regularlyreport to the other during public

meetings. Whatever form the dialogue takes, it should be open

to the public and broadcast onClifton’s Channel 77.

☛Email us your opinions: [email protected]

New Board,New Council

A Time to Heal & Grow

Commentary by John Bendel

& Tom Hawrylko


If the school board continues itsnew course, the next referendum—perhaps in December—will likelybe for a 1,200-student school atLatteri Park. Clifton residents havebeen seeking just such a referen-dum since the CommunityAdvisory Committee recommend-ed a new school at Latteri Park inSept., 2003, in the same report thatrecommended the annex at 290Brighton Rd. The school boardmoved the Brighton Rd. projectforward, but not Latteri Park.

The school board has ownedLatteri Park for decades, but byosmosis it became an active citypark used by sports leagues, joggersand Rosemawr neighborhood resi-dents who drew swords against theidea and cut it down handily.

In 2003, the City Council voteda unanimous resolution to keep theLatteri property as a park and sug-gested Schultheis Farm as an alter-nate site. The council also began toconsider buying the Latteri proper-ty from the school board and was in

the process of a Green Acres loanapplication for that purpose oncouncil election day 2006.

Now with the results of the Apriland May elections, the picture haschanged.

There weren’t enough votes onthe school board to force a referen-dum on Latteri Park in recent yearsbut there are now. We don’t knowwhere the new City Council willcome down on the issue, but itmight not matter. If the politicalimpetus of the spring elections con-tinues, there will finally be a refer-endum on Latteri Park.

A new school there would comeat a cost to park users and theRosemawr neighborhood, but onbalance it would be a good thing.That does not assure either that areferendum will be approved or notblocked by legal maneuvers.

Clifton Unite, the group thatfought the advisory committee’sLatteri Park recommendation, hashardly gone away.

Organizer Gilbert Denby saidthe group—which may change itsname—is looking at all options tostop the school. They will be reach-ing to park users, all those Cliftonball-players and league members tohelp defeat a referendum. They arealso looking at legal options to pre-vent any Latteri school projectfrom going forward.

Many Cliftonites believe aLatteri Park referendum will winvoter approval easily.

But Clifton voters have justdemonstrated their unpredictabilityand no one can say for sure thatlegal obstacles won’t stall or evenblock a project once approved.

Nevertheless, there we can seethe very real possibility, even aprobability, of a much needed newschool, and that’s good news. ☛

In commentaries by TomHawrylko, Cheryl Hawrylko andJohn Bendel, Clifton Merchant

has strongly supported constructionof a new school to ease overcrowd-ing, particularly at CHS. As a matterof editorial policy that has notchanged— not even a little.

Nevertheless, some accuse themagazine of a “flip-flop.” Their rea-soning: Clifton Merchant and theHawrylkos once circulated a petitionasking for a referendum on buildinga school at the Latteri Park site.Then they supported building onBrighton Rd. Now they’re supporting Latteri Park again.

Please note: the common element here is a new school. Clifton’s biggest problem has been and remains school overcrowd-

ing. The solution has been and remains a new school. We support build-ing that school sooner rather than later as we have all along.

Of course, it matters where the school is built. Some sites are clear-ly better than others. But we see the battles over where the school willbe as less important than the school itself.

So, when the Community Advisory Committee led by Tom Lyons,Joe Holmes and Ellen Corbo recommended Latteri Park as a schoolsite, we got behind the idea. When political realities turned against thatsite and the school board focused on Brighton Rd., we endorsed that.

Now, in the wake of the April school board elections, Latteri Park ison the table once again, and yes, we endorse construction of a schoolthere. That’s because our goal has been and remains a new school.

There has been no “flip-flop.”.

Clifton Merchant Flip-Flop


Election Day• May 9, 2006


The New Council

It’s harder to say where the newcouncil will lead Clifton. Only threeincumbents were re-elected—JimAnzaldi, Gloria Kolodziej and SteveHatala. The four newcomers arePeter Eagler, Joe Cupoli, TonyLatona and Frank Fusco.

During the campaign, each of there-elected and newly elected candi-dates spoke with Clifton Merchantand was asked for an opinion on anumber of questions. It may help tolook at what each had to say. On thepolitical side of municipal affairs,term limits were opposed by thethree re-elected incumbents andPeter Eagler, who has substantialexperience in elected government.

Newcomers Joe Cupoli and FrankFusco supported term limits whileTony Latona said “maybe.” So wewon’t be seeing council term limitsin the near future. We are likely to seethe newcomers change their minds asthey come to understand thelabyrinthine nature of governmentand the learning curve it requires.

Only four of the seven candidatesresponded to a question about directelection of the mayor as opposed toelection by the council, which tradi-tionally picks the the top vote getter.

Is there a better way for Cliftonelected government to function?Maybe. The majority of the candi-dates who won seem to support sucha study. Let’s make sure a validstudy of Clifton municipal govern-ment is conducted soon and that theresults of that study re fairly consid-ered by the Mayor and Council.

The Buck Stops Here

The Mayor and Council presideover Clifton’s cash register. Not sur-prisingly, everyone coming intooffice wants to increase revenue andlower expenses. Jim Anzaldistressed the expense side as did JoeCupoli, who specifically talked

about cooperatively increasing pro-ductivity among city employees.Gloria Kolodziej endorsed zero-based budgeting –a good idea ifdone properly.

Peter Eagler, Frank Fusco andTony Latona looked at increasingcity income citing state and federalgrant money as a source. SteveHatala stressed attracting more rat-ables and Gloria Kolodziej referredspecifically to attracting ratablesthat will not require more cityservices—businesses.

The new council needs to take afresh look at economic development.Clifton needs a full time economicdevelopment team. Right now, ourcity has a part time economic devel-opment director, a full time plannerand a full time community develop-ment officer, none of whom seem tointeract too often. That needs tochange. This city needs to invest ineconomic development.

In addition, economic develop-ment policy decisions have beenand will likely continue to be madeby a three member City Counciltask force—Gloria Kolodziej, JimAnzaldi and chaired by SteveHatala. That too needs to change.

Perhaps from among the fournew council members the seats onthe City Council’s economic devel-opment sub committee need to beshuffled. Additionaly, perhaps morethan three members are needed onthis committee and maybe more pri-vate sector business people need tobe involved in the process.

The new City Council won’ttake office until July 1. Right now,committees are being assigned,issues are being discussed and agaggle of things need their atten-tion. We wish all our elected offi-cials success and expect that thesecoming months and years will beproductive and innovative.

It seems like Clifton has been at war with itself for the past year ormore. The resentments generated by public battles over a school sitewill not recede quickly. It’s up the city’s new leadership to help that

process along.The Board of Education ard and City Council need to begin a seri-

ous and ongoing dialogue. Maybe they should conduct joint meetingsor have members from one group regularly report to the other duringpublic meetings. Whatever form the dialogue takes, it should be open tothe public and broadcast on Clifton’s Channel 77.

Democratic government is the process of choosing among or recon-ciling differing options. Arguments and confrontation are built in. Still,we’ve all seen where unacceptable hostility and name-calling have got-ten Clifton recently—pretty much nowhere.

That’s not something this terrific city can abide. We need to deal with our problems and build for Clifton’s future. We

need to see our City Council, our School Board and their individualmembers settling differences civilly and conducting themselves in amanner that promotes confidence.

Clifton deserves — and should settle for—nothing less.

A Reunited City

In July and August, we’ll reachinto our files to publish two keep-sake editions of nostalgic photos,tales and fun facts regardingClifton History.

From 1678 when HartmannVreeland purchased DundeeIsland to other interesting mile-stones in Clifton History, this willbe perfect summer reading.

Residents & readers who wouldlike to share their nuggets ofClifton nostalgia should call TomHawrylko at 973-253-4400 orsend photos or notes [email protected].

Our July and August editions willindeed be special so call toreserve your advertisements.

Provide us historic photos of yourcompany’s founders, early yearsor other appropriate informationand we’ll help you create uniqueadvertisements.

Call Tom Hawrylko for more info at973-253-4400 or send info [email protected].

Advertisers!

Readers!


T he Clifton Board of Education approved threeresolutions at its May 16th meeting that are need-ed in order for it to go ahead with plans to place

a school construction referendum before the public inDecember. Wasting little time after its May 3 voteauthorizing the referendum, the Board approved a gradestructure for the school, and authorized spending$10,300 for a required engineering survey and trafficstudy at Latteri Park, the proposed site for the school.

The Board had postponed its decision on the gradestructure during its May 3 meeting and was advised byschool business administrator Karen Perkins that itwould have to determine the structure before seekingapproval from the state Department of Education.

Commissioner Norm Tahan introduced the three res-olutions at the May 16th meeting. The resolutions forthe site survey and engineering study each passed by aunanimous 6-0 vote (Commissioner Keith La Forgiawas absent). The resolution designating a 1200-studentschool for sixth through ninth grade students passed bya 5-3 margin, with Commissioners Mary Kowal, KimRenta, and John Traier voting no.

Traier said he voted against the resolution because hewas opposed to sixth and ninth graders attending the sameschool. “The age difference is too great,” he said, “and Ireally don’t think it’s in the best interest of the kids.” Kowal and Renta said they voted against the resolu-

tion because they would not support building a schoolof any size on the Board-owned park property.

“I supported the sixth through ninth grade structurefor the (failed) Brighton Road referendum,” said Renta,“so it would be hypocritical of me to say that I’mopposed to it now. I’m just being consistent with myprevious anti-Latteri Park votes.”

Tahan and Board President Marie Hakim said theywould have preferred a sixth through eighth grade struc-ture but were afraid that it would not provide a perma-nent solution to overcrowding problems at Clifton HighSchool and the city’s two middle schools.

“We are taking a long-term approach to solving over-crowding with this grade structure,” said Hakim. Sheadded, however, that the Board is continuing to look fornew and unique ways to ease the situation at the highschool without having to relocate the ninth grade.

Board takes action onLatteri Park School

by Joseph R. Torelli

Other solutions under review includethe feasibility of widening the cen-tral hallway at CHS, as well as addingan external walkway on the ColfaxAve. side of the school to facilitateeasier passage between classrooms.The Facilities Committee is alsoreviewing high school class utiliza-tion and scheduling to determine ifthese areas might yield a solution toovercrowding without necessitatingrelocation of the ninth grade.



Hakim explained that a school for ninth gradersrequires different classroom configurations than aschool used exclusively for lower grades, especially forscience courses. “By including the ninth grade in thisresolution we have a fall-back position in case our plansfor keeping it (the ninth grade) at the high school don’twork out,” she said.

Among the other solutions under review, the Boardwill be determining the feasibility of widening the cen-tral hallway at CHS, as well as adding an external walk-way on the Colfax Avenue side of the school to facilitateeasier passage between classrooms. Hakim said that theFacilities Committee is also reviewing high school classutilization and scheduling to determine if a more cre-ative approach in these areas might ease overcrowdingwithout necessitating relocation of the ninth grade.

Also relating to Latteri Park, Tahan reported that theBoard had received the results of a commissioned studyindicating that the park is not a protected wetland as hadbeen previously reported. Tahan said that minordrainage problems at the site would be addressed whenconstruction plans are drawn up.

Tahan and Hakim then tried to dispel rumors con-cerning the size of the proposed school building andwhether additional property would need to be acquiredto accommodate it.

Both stated emphatically that the building would notcontain four stories as they said some people had erro-neously claimed. They also promised that the principleof Eminent Domain would not be exercised to seizeadditional property. “The site is more than large enoughto house the school without us having to resort toEminent Domain,” said Tahan.

In other matters, Hakim reported that a bill hadpassed through the NJ Senate’s education committeethat would provide for the election of school boardmembers at the November general election instead of atspecial elections in April.

If approved, the bill would also permit school dis-tricts to adopt budgets without voter approval if thebudgets did not exceed state spending caps. Hakim cau-tioned that if the bill becomes law it will have a far-reaching impact on Clifton and all school districts with-in the state.

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T he Clifton Municipal Council and the Board ofEducation agreed to cut $1 million from nextyear’s school budget at a specially scheduled

joint meeting on May 17th. The Council was required by state law to review the

Board’s $126.8 million spending plan for the 2006-2007school year after it was rejected by voters during thispast April’s school board elections, and then either cutspending on non-mandated items, or leave the planintact.

While they were not obligated to reduce the schoolspending plan, several council members said the widemargin by which voters defeated the proposed budget,56 to 44 percent, was a clear signal to them that cuts hadto be made.

To ensure that their reductions would not effectspending on mandated educational programs, they hiredthe accounting firm of Carr, Daley, Sullivan, and Weirof Livingston to examine the spending plan line item byline item, and to review actual school expenditures forthe current year. The firm specializes in school budgetpreparation.

Focus on Capital ExpendituresCouncil members questioned the Board several times

about proposed expenditures for capital improvements –items such as window replacement, masonry repairs,new boilers, computer hardware and software, and ren-ovations to the high school auditorium. More than $3million of the $4.6 million targeted for those projects

next year was to come from special Abbott-rim fundingprovided by the state.

Mayor James Anzaldi and Councilman Steven Hatalaasked whether it was permissible to use the Abbott-rimdollars for the capital projects. They recommendedfunding the capital improvements via voter referendum,as had been done in the past, and shifting the statemoney to other programs as a means of trimming theoperational budget.

Passaic County’s Acting Superintendent of Schools,Robert Gilmartin, who attended the meeting, said that aslong as capital projects could be shown to enhance thelearning environment, he believed that spending Abbott-rim dollars on them was acceptable.

Board & Council Meet,Trim School Budget

After approximately one hour of discussion, the meeting went into

recess so the two groups—the CityCouncil and the School Board—could

caucus separately. It took only 20minutes for them to reach consen-

sus, surprising some in the smallgroup of citizens present at the

meeting who were anticipating sev-eral hours of intense negotiations

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Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej said she wasopposed to trimming the budget without cutting recur-ring expenses. She noted that capital projects constitutea one-time expense and that eliminating them from theoperational budget would do little to stabilize spendingin future years.

Councilman Stephan Tatarenko also was opposed tocutting capital spending. As a former Board commis-sioner who served on the Facilities Committee,Tatarenko said he was keenly aware of how importantcapital improvements are to both student welfare andthe school district’s economic well-being, and said hewould not vote to eliminate them.

Reaching ConsensusAfter approximately one hour of discussion, the

meeting went into recess so the two groups could cau-cus separately. It took only 20 minutes for them to reachconsensus, surprising some in the small group of citi-zens present at the meeting who were anticipating sev-eral hours of intense negotiations.

City Clerk Richard Moran and District BusinessManager Karen Perkins read separate resolutionsannouncing the agreed-to spending cut of $1 million.Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice and Perkinsboth said the reduction could be attained without touch-ing capital projects.

More importantly, school officials said they wereconfident that the planned expansion of full-day kinder-garten classes to three additional schools would not beaffected by the cuts.

“I am very optimistic that we will be able to reducespending next year without cutting programs essentialto the education of our students or the progress of thedistrict,” said Dr. Rice. “We appreciate the reasonable-ness of the Council in this matter.”

The Council left it up to the Board to decide exactlyhow to eliminate the $1 million from the budget. “Wewere very concerned about student welfare,” saidMayor Anzaldi, “but we were assured by Board com-missioners that they could make the cuts withoutimpacting critical programs.”

Perkins said that most of the cuts will come fromhealth insurance expenses due to a larger than anticipat-ed surplus in that area. “We estimate the surplus to besomewhere between $500,000 and $700,000,” she said.Dr. Rice added that the rest of the cuts would beachieved through “turnover savings,” which representthe difference between the exit salaries of departingemployees and the budgeted salaries of their replace-ments.

The $1 million cut represents approximately two taxpoints, or about a $35 reduction in the previously antic-ipated $112 property tax increase that the initial budgetwould have cost the average Clifton homeowner. Finaldetermination of the tax liability will not be determined,however, until the actual cuts are made and the budgetis approved by the state Department of Education.

The Board was scheduled to announce the final ver-sion of the budget at its May 31 meeting, after the dead-line for publication of this magazine.


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Debbie Oliver

The Clifton Optimist Club honors Debbie Oliver, JohnBiegel, Keith Oakley and the CHS Jr. ROTC at a beef-steak on June 11 at 4 pm at the Boys & Girls Club. Toattend the dinner, send checks ($40) payable to: CliftonOptimist Club c/o Tomahawk Promotions, 1288 MainAve., Clifton, NJ 07011 or to Dennis Hahofer, 5 TremontTerrace, Wanaque, NJ 07465. For tickets, call Joe Bionciat 973-472-1707 or Tom Hawrylko at 973-253-4400.

Bringing Out the Best in Kids is the theme of OptimistClubs worldwide. The Clifton Chapter, while small innumber, is involved in positive service projects aimedat providing a helping hand and being a Friend ofYouth. By believing in young people and empoweringthem to be the best they can, Optimist volunteers makethis world a better place to live. New members arealways welcomed.

Keith Oakley John Biegel

Front row, left toright: CadetCaptain MasielRayes, CadetFirst LieutenantAlisha Martinezand Cadet FirstLieutenantCrystal Colon.In the back row,left to right:Cadet FirstLieutenant PeterCapar, CadetMajor MichaelPagani andCadet CaptainChristopherAshey.


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CHS business teacher CassieCraig, was recently named anOutstanding Educator from TheCollege of New Jersey. She wasnominated by former CHS student,Patrick Egan, (pictured below) whoalso attended the awards ceremony.Craig was one of 12 teachers out ofnearly 100 nominated to receive thisaward for educational excellence.

In his essay, Egan wrote:“Through her constant words ofwisdom and advice, as well as herenthusiastic presence, Ms. Craig hasgreatly influenced my life. Herenergy in the classroom, as well asher teaching methods will definitelyalways be remembered and appliedto my own teaching career.”

“It was the Literacy OutreachProgram, organized by Ms. Craig,that made me decide I want to majorin Elementary Education. Ms. Craigis a wonderful, vibrant woman.

Because of her spunk, she addsenthusiasm and energy to every-thing she does.”

“From her classroom to the foot-ball field”, he continued. “Ms. Craiggets to know each child she interactswith on a personal level which devel-ops bonds that will last a lifetime.”

CHS Principal Bill Cannici addedalso noted: “Teachers of excellentteach the relevancy of that subject ina person's life. Ms. Craig is themedium that serves to unlock thekeys of prime performance.”


Stacy Veech Class of 1997Stacy Veech Class of 1997

Stacy Veech, with presentor Cara Boseski at the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame luncheon on April 23. Boseski is the head CHS Softballcoach and Veech her assistant. Also pictured, Greg Lesler, Stacy’s mom Gwen Van Dyk and Stacy’s sister Marci Hirkalar.

Sport: Softball, SoccerHonors: Softball: Two-time CHSGold Glove recipient, CHS offensiveMVP, All-State, nominated to All-American team, selected in 1997 forWho’s Who in High School Sports.Soccer: CHS Coaches award, CHSTeam MVP, All-State, selected asone of the Top 17 players in State.Learning to Play: I was a tomboywhen I was little and I just playedanything that had to do with sports. Ihad a lot of kids on my street grow-ing up in the Maple Valley area.Most Influential People: Asidefrom my mother, Cindy Sloan, whocoached the North Jersey Shilohssoftball team, was my biggest influ-ence. I was still playing LittleLeague when I was 12 and she con-vinced me to try out for the team inthe summer. After making the team,I found that it was much more com-

petitive. Sloan was my first coachwho really knew about the game. Memorable Mustang Moment:When we won the StateChampionship 1997, going 31-0.Also being named Most Athletic inthe Who’s Who in senior year.What It Meant To Be A Mustang:As a kid growing up playing softball,I knew Clifton softball had a greatreputation and couldn’t wait. I stilltake a lot of pride in playing for theteam today. I am proud to say that Iwent to Clifton and that I was aMustang.Life After CHS: Veech went toWagner College, where she receiveda Bachelor’s in Political Sciencewhile starring as a shortstop in soft-ball and a forward in soccer. Shecurrently attends Montclair StateUniversity and graduated in Maywith a Master’s in Legal Studies.

Editor’s note: in last month’s magazinewe published the ‘then and now” photosof the 2006 inductees to the CliftonAthletic Hall of Fame. Due to an edit-ing error, we missed publishing thisphoto and story about Stacy Veech.


Imagine for a minute that you’reat work one day and your bosscalls you into her office.

Naturally, you’d get a little anxious,but if you were good at your job,like seventh year Montclair StateUniversity lacrosse head coach JohnGreco is, you probably wouldn’t betoo concerned. However, it is agood rule of thumb to expect theunexpected, as Greco learned thehard way in January of 2005.

Greco was preparing for his thirdseason at the helm of the Red HawksMen’s lacrosse team, when he wascalled into a meeting by Director ofAthletics Holly Gera, where admin-istration dropped the proverbialbomb on him.

“For financial purposes, theschool was going to reclassify men’slacrosse, men’s and women’s crosscountry, women’s tennis andwrestling,” explained Greco, 29.“They dropped it out of nowhere.”

The decision meant that Grecoand his assistants Adam Torrisi andKent Bania, all CHS ‘95 grads,would be out of a job at season’send. To them, this was personal,since they all played together atClifton, and then at MSU, alongwith current CHS lax coach BrianArmstrong. There is a long standingconnection between Clifton andMSU lacrosse.

“I think they targeted us becausewe are all part-time coaches,” rea-soned Greco. “It is easier than cut-ting a full-time coach.”

In addition to their jobs on thefield, all three coaches are teachers.Greco is a social studies teacher atChristopher Columbus and Torrisi isa computer teacher at WoodrowWilson, while Bania teaches biologyat Nutley High School.

Aside from the financial implica-tions that the decision would have

on each of them, the coaches wouldalso have to deal with the effects ofthe resolution on the team and play-ers. For some athletes, Montclairwas their school of choice becauseof the lacrosse team.

“The school’s decision effectedrecruiting, scheduling and muchmore,” explained Greco, who addedthat many students opted to transferafter hearing of the news. “We wereunder the notion that it was our lastyear as a varsity program.”

However, rather than just laydown and accept their fate, the teamrallied, with coaches and playersreaching out to anyone who couldhelp. Irate parents wrote to the uni-versity, while players held fundrais-ers and increased their athletic feesby a dollar per credit hour. Alumnieven contacted the Governor andCongress to voice their displeasure.

Although Greco and his stafftried their best to keep moral high,several players defected to differentschools, rather than stick it out.With their spirits sinking and theirroster shrinking, the Red Hawksdropped four of their first five

games in what was seemingly thestart of a forgettable final season.

However, determined to go outwith honor, the Red Hawks rattledoff three wins in a row going intotheir final home game on April 23,where supporters of their cause helda rally as a last ditch effort to savethe team.

Up to that point, all efforts toreinstate the team had not swayedthe MSU administration to reversetheir decision. However, two dayslater, the entire team was shocked tosee an article in the New York Timesthat revealed that because of theefforts of team supporters, the RedHawks would be reinstated the fol-lowing season.

“It’s just nice to get our feet backunder us this year,” Greco said as hesummed up his thoughts about histeam’s roller coaster ride this sea-son. “Governor Corzine’s budgetcut is going to effect us again. Thelack of financial support from theuniversity to the athletic dept isalways an issue, we are alwaysscrapping.”

Story and photo by Joe Hawrylko

MSU Red Hawks Head Lacrosse Coach John Greco and his assistants, Kent Bania,at left, and Adam Torrisi, together salvaged the LAX program at Montclair State.


Back row, from left:Kathleen Robertson,Ruthann Quinn, Shirley Bence, Irene Subtelny. Front row, from left:Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej,Barbara Kluck, Woman of the YearPatricia Vasilik andZonta President Agnes Buchar.

Clifton Main Memorial Children’s LibrarianPatricia Vasilik has been chosen as the 2006 Woman ofthe Year by the Zonta Club of Passaic-Clifton.

Vasilik was selected because of her extraordinary andtireless efforts within the community. She is thelibrary’s liaison to the Clifton Public Schools, and fordecades, has held story hours for young children.

Additionally, she has also created and managed out-reach programs to all of Clifton’s elementary schoolsand day cares, holds summer reading program and runsa tutoring program as well. And for anyone that meetsPat Vasilik, they’ll note that she does all her tasks effi-ciently and with a genuine smile.

Vasilik has been employed by the Clifton PublicLibrary since 1966, when she started working as a pagein the Children’s Room. She is now the Children’sLibrarian. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree fromWIlliam Paterson University and a Master of Science inLibrary Service from the University of North Carolina.

Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a globalservice organization that strives to advance the status of

women and children, worldwide. Locally, the Passaic-Clifton Zonta Chapter is involved on many levels.Scholarships were awarded to two Passaic High Schoolseniors, as well as to a woman in need of assistance toreturn to the work force.

Zonta also distributed food baskets to families inneed through DYFUS and also gave food to St. Peter’sHaven, which also received financial aid from the club.

In Passaic High School, the Zonta Club started the ZClub, which is a youth service group for young men andwomen, and the students do a great deal of service forthe community.

“We would love to create another chapter of the ZClub in Clifton High School,” said longtime memberBarbara Kluck, who handles publicity for the group.“But for some reason, we have not been able to get anadvisor at Clifton High School. We hope that in thiscoming year, we will indeed get a new chapter estab-lished here in Clifton.”

For more on Zonta and its activities, call Diana Jarotskiat 201-337-4242 or Agnes Buchar at 973-785-0882.

PassaicClifton Zonta

Patricia Vasilik: Women of Year

StyertowneS H O P P I N G C E N T E RUse This Directory of Stores When Shopping

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CVS Pharmacy973-778-7630

The Chiropractic Centerat Styertowne973-777-6995

Exchange Florist973-594-0700

ACME973-594-0590

Atlanta Bread Company973-777-2211

Bertelli’s Liquors973-779-0199

The Season’s FineChinese Cuisine

973-777-8073

Taste of Tuscany973-916-0700

Styertowne Bakery973-777-6193

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Pet Stuff973-778-1617

Alice’s Cards & Gifts973-773-2422Fascination

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Antonio’s Hair Stylist973-472-1011

Kim’s Nail Salon 973-471-8118

Celebrations973-458-8200

AC Moore973-470-8885

Coconuts973-778-8759

The Artisan’s Touch973-471-0001

Footnotes Bookstore973-779-6122

Kid City973-614-1111

US Post Office973-473-4946

Valley National Bank973-777-6283

Cleaners 2000973-614-1400Dollar Tree

973-249-7530Dress Barn

973-249-0322

The Men’s Gallery973-777-4700

Corbo Jewelers973-777-1635

ShereedsLadies & Mens Clothing

973-773-1673

The Shoe Doctor973-777-4700

Marty’s Shoes973-471-4140

The New Brava For Women973-777-1385

The Shoe Gallery973-777-4700

Radio Shack973-777-7931

1086

Office Suites AvailableFrom 300 to 800 sq. ft. Call 973-591-5222

For months, the members of the St. Philips Knights of Columbus Council 11671have conducted their annual charity drive to raise$15,000. On May 17, at the group’s Award Night,the checks were presented to three organizationswhich serve Cliftonites: The Clifton AdultOpportunity Center, the North JerseyTraining Center and theDepartment for Persons withDisabilities of the PatersonDiocese. For more detailson St. Philips K of C, callGrand Knight Ray Lillat 973-472-1756. Inaddition to thedonations, sev-eral other peo-ple were rec-ognized thatevening for avariety of rea-sons. Theyare listedbelow...

2006 St. Philips K of C Awards: Police Officer of theYear: Officer Randy Colondres. Fireman of the Year:Fireman Gregory Zahne. EMT of the Year: Fire FighterRichard Lyons. Outstanding Accomplishment and ServiceAward: Steven Kishel and William Jones. Knight of theYear: Edward Kishel. Special Dedication from a Knightto his Council: John Cortez. C.C.D. Teacher of the Year:Sandy Bischak. Teacher of the Year: Maria Slader. Youthof the Year: Nick Albizati. For Support of the Community:Tom Hawrylko. For Dedication to the Youth of Clifton:David Santosuosso. Special Award for Service to Council:Arlene Pompeo. 2005 Essay Contest: Nick Mangone.Memorial Plaques: John Butz and Tony Guida



The individuals pictured here became Fourth Degree Knights.


1752

John VarrianoTop Producer - Sales Associate

CELL : 973-464-6418www.johnvarriano.com

789 Clifton Avenue, Clifton

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1036

Visit us in Downtown Clifton: 1103 Main Ave • 973-473-4999

Visit us in Athenia: 802 Van Houten Ave • 973-473-1997

We Don’t Sell Parts……We Sell Service

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Two Stores In Clifton973-473-1997

802 Van Houten Ave • CliftonMon-Fri 8-6pm • Sat 8-5pm • Sun 9-1pm

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Our Other Locations:

Cheryl Curtin . . . . . . . . . 6/1Vinny Dalbo . . . . . . . . . . 6/1Jonathan Borrajo . . . . . 6/2John Traier . . . . . . . . . . . 6/2Karl Aponte . . . . . . . . . . 6/3Jeffrey Angello . . . . . . . 6/4Thomas Lesch . . . . . . . . 6/4Samantha Malenchak . 6/6Diane Canavan . . . . . . 6/7Nora Abbasi. . . . . . . . . . 6/8Koreana Sabo . . . . . . . . 6/8

Ava Nicole Genarditurns 8 on June 9!

Marco Greco celebrates his2nd birthday on June 28!

Robert Ciallella . . . . . . . 6/9Adam Soder . . . . . . . . 6/11Christopher Stetz . . . . . 6/13Annette Vander Teems 6/13Christopher Zaccone . 6/13Anne Sanfratello . . . . . 6/14Danielle Dvorak. . . . . . 6/16Derek Dvorak. . . . . . . . 6/16Stephanie Dvorak . . . . 6/16Kristina Marchesani . . . 6/16Raymond Kuruc . . . . . 6/18Sean Rouse . . . . . . . . . 6/18Tabitha Sosa . . . . . . . . 6/18Aileen Haight. . . . . . . . 6/20Mike Skurski . . . . . . . . . 6/24

Vinny & Pat Dalbo celebratetheir 50th wedding anniver-sary on June 23.

Jack DeVries . . . . . . . . 6/25Lori Homsany . . . . . . . . 6/25Connie Musleh . . . . . . 6/26Walter Vladyka . . . . . . 6/27Monica Szewczyk . . . . 6/29Robert Conklin. . . . . . . 6/30Christopher Lucas . . . . 6/30Stephan Lonison . . . . . 6/30

Belated Best Wishes: MyrtPetty had a birthday on May13 and Alyssa Dalbo turned13 on May 26.

Birthdays & Celebrations!


send us your upcoming family birthdays & [email protected]

Sarah and Fred Lombardo aremarried 60 years on June 23.

Ed & Eileen Gasior will be married 24years on June 5... At right, Msg. PeterDewey of St. Philips Church present-ed certificates to, from left, Raymondand Martha Fitzpatrick and Ross andGrace Alfieri for 50 years of marriage.

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Main Memorial Park, Downtown Clifton


Clifton’s annual 11 am Memorial Day serv-ice was held at the monument inDowntown Clifton which is inscribed

with the names of over 300 men who gave theirlives defending our nation in WWI, WWII,Korea, Vietnam and Iraq. The MarchingMustangs performed, those who died wereremembered and those who fought in battle andreturned were celebrated. At left are Clifton’s twooldest veterans, Mike Gulywasz, a paratrooper inthe Army’s 11th Airborne and Joseph Jacob, whoserved in the Air Force in India. Both men are 96.


Kim Dreher, a 6th grade math teacher at Christopher Columbus Middle School, and a growing number of students and staffof CCMS have set a goal of donating 200 inches of hair to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is an organization that makes realwigs for children who have lost their hair due to illness. Dreher, at top of page right, said thus far, those students pictured haveeach agreed to cut 10 inches of their tresses. The staff at Salon Ilona has volunteered to come to CCMS on June 19 to cut,collect and ship the hair to Locks of Love. For more info, visit www.locksoflove.org or call Dreher at 973-769-0500.

“All Aboard!!! Get On Trackat On Track Rehabilitation.Come visit our brand newoffice. My Daddy and hisstaff will make you feel rightat home while they takecare of all of your PhysicalTherapy and Chiropracticneeds.” Max Moore

1576

Visit Dr. David Moore’s new location...850 Clifton Ave. • Clifton • 973-253-7005

Some of the services Dr. Moore will offer at

On Track Rehabilitation• chiropractic services• all new state of the art equipment• on-site x-ray facility• licensed physical therapist• personal training• state of the art rehabilitation gym• ample parking

Locks of Love @ CCMS

CLIFTON: Move-In condition Ranch renovatedin 2005 offers 3 BR, EIK, w/ CT, new BA , H/Wfloors, & summer kitchen in basement.$349,000.

CLIFTON 4 Family: Completely renovated fourfamily home with 12 car assigned parking.Sep utilities, fenced yard, new siding andmany updates. $699,900

CLIFTON Multi-Family: This well built 3-family is in move-in condition and willnot only generate income but make anice home. $545,000

CLIFTON Bi-Level: Lots of living in a greatneighborhood... 4 Bdrms, 2.5 baths, 2 CarGarage, Hardwood floors and plenty of niceextra features. $479,900

PATERSON Perfect for first time buyers: Amother daughter. Renovated, finished base-ment, 3 BA, ceramic tile, new siding. $279,000

WAYNE True move-in condition Ranch: 2004Renovation. 4 BR's, large LR, new EIK, fullbsmt & large deck w/fenced in yard. Parkingfor 4 cars. $349,900

ENGLEWOOD Colonial: Completely renovated 3bdrms, full finished basement with summerkitchen and 2 addt’l rooms. Fenced yard. Lotsof possibilities. $399,900.

WAYNE Pines Lakes: Large and immaculate 5year-young 4 bdrm, 3.5 bth colonial w/hard-wood floors, granite countertops. Private, lev-eled and fenced backyard. $849,900

BUTLER Updated Ranch: Home offers 4 BR,new KIT, finished basement, H/W floors andgarage. $429,900.

All County Real Estate326 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07011

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1807

Mike Bocu, Broker of [email protected]

invest in historic

Botany District

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PASSIAC Multi-Family: Everything has beendone in this turn-key property to allow aninvestor to start making money. 12 units, 3bdrms each, sperate utilities. Call now.$1,099,000

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TOP 1% REALTORSDirect Line:973-340-1107SELLING? CALL NICK AND START PACKING!

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Call for theseFREE REPORTS

CLIFTON $499,0002 FAM! NICE AREA! NICE PRICE!

This lovely 2 family home locatedin the Allwood section of Cliftonoffers 6 rooms on the first floorand 4 rooms on the second floor.2 car garage. Corner property.Vacant for immediate sale!! Calltoday!

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MONTCLAIR $2,300,0008 FAMILY BRICK

POSSIBLE CONDO CONVERSION35 year old building with 7-4rooms, 2 Bdrms, & Bath units. The8th unit combined the 2 bdrms to1. Separate utilities. Secured park-ing. Laundry facilities. GrossIncome $147,000.

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CLIFTON $929,900EXECUTIVE'S HOME

Fabulous open floor plan.Awesome views over- looking in-ground pool. Hardwood floors,throughout, 3 bdrm, 2 baths, a for-mal LR, formal DR, a dream KIT, 2car gar. Ask for SophiaConstandinou

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CLIFTON $409,000ABSOLUTE MOVE IN CONDITIONLarge finished basement 4 bdrms,eat in kitchen, dining room, fire-place hardwood floors, and muchmore. Great area near NY tranp.Shopping and park. Ask for MariaCarrera.

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CLIFTON $399,900NEWLY RENOVATED

Good size rooms, a/c in diningroom stays. 3 bdrms, 2 full baths.Well kept home for growing family,near schools. For more details Askfor Nina Robayo.

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NICHOLAS REAL ESTATE SELLS HOMES

CLIFTON $629,900A REAR FIND

A large custom built 2 family on aCul-De-Sac. 3 bdrms, 2 f/baths,large LR, Large EIK, Rec Room onground level w/2 car garage. 2ndfloor – rental apt – 2bdrms largeLR-DR, EIK. Ask for SophiaConstandinou.

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CLIFTON $314,900LOVELY COLONIAL

Situated in Lakeview. Features 3bdrms, Fin. Partially bsmnt, EIK,privacy fence, storm door, stormwindow, and all appliances includ-ed. Ask for Nancy Rodriguez.

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CLIFTON $499,900GOOD POTENTIAL

Oversize lot with driveway, 2 cargarages (detached), back yardwith oversize attic, separate utili-ties and much more. Ask forAlberto & Gladys Mesones.

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CLIFTON $385,000MOVE IN CONDITION

House very clean, fin. bsmnt w/2rms. New KIT, new cabinets, dish-washer, above ground pool, 2detached car garage + drivewayand much more. Ask for Alberto &Gladys Mesones.

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CLIFTON $399,900LOVELY 2 FAMILY HOME

Do not hesitate! Features 4 bdrms,2 full baths, Fin Partially base-ment. LR, DR and EIK on eachfloor. Includes attic with 2 bdrms.Ask for Ramon Ramirez.

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Let’s Celebrate the spirit of our great nation on Flag Day!

clifton merchant magazine - june 2006

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