Q&A
Who was your greatest influence?
In the 13 years that she has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club, Simone Stilley has learned a lot about herself, her interests and met some amazing friends. The B&C Youth of the Year talked about her experiences: “It gave me a safe and fun environment when I was growing up. It helped me come out of my shell and embrace my personality. I’ve met a majority of my friends through here.” The Club also helped foster Stilley’s love for sports. At Clifton, she ran fall and winter track, and played gymnastics and basketball. Stilley’s interest in sports also led her to the CHS Athletic Training Club. This fall, she will pursue that career at Rowan University, which gave her a $14,000 academic scholarship. Stephany Cabrera: My parents. They never gave up on me and are still by my side, always telling me to do the good things.
Heather Ranges: CHS softball coaches for always keeping me motivated and believing in me.
Carlos Leon: During the past two years, my brother. Over my lifetime, my parents.
Phill Wood: My father.
Nicole Colombo: My Aspire teachers and counselors. They never let me give up, and they were always willing to help me with everything.
Mabelis Torres: My parents were and still are my greatest influence.
Tyler Taranto: Mrs. Trivedi, Mr. Lotito, and Mr. Ashworth.
The magician,
Jaime De Dios: My mother.
Kyle Kahlau: Nick Hawrylko.
Valentina Jaramillo: My mother.
Maria Perez: I’m my own soul.
Travis Wdowiak: My parents.
Anthony Stacchini: “The world.”
Orville Maldonado: Mr. Bell.
Laura Felix: My brother.
Kyle De Mattia: My grandfather.
Amanda Catherine Carucci: My boyfriend, Charles Stroinski.
Bryant Anchaluisa: Myself.
Matt Miazga: Pope John Paul II.
Mark Furtak: Socrates.
Jennifer Yanez: My dad. Karen Gonzalez: My family.
Andriy Kovtun: My friends, family, and teachers.
Walixa Peralta: My family, Ms. S., and Mrs. Manzella.
Andrew Roennau: I did not have a greatest influence. Many Mustang Band alumni and Mr. Morgan were all equally great.
Pabelly Bueno: My greatest influence was my brother because I saw the struggle he went through, and he helped me decide colleges.
Jennifer Ocampo: My family.
Denisha Williams: My mom, and she will continue to be. She always motivates me and gets me to try harder when I feel like giving up.
Vincent Vera: Calen Morelli.
Andres Garcia: My uncle Angel who served in the military forces most of his life. Karina Barrientos: mother.
My grand-
Elizabeth Thomas: Mr. Ashworth and Dr. Casale. They keep it real. They won’t judge. They try to understand us kids. 38 June 2013 • Clifton Merchant
Jeahan Baeira: My godmother. Alex Hurtado: My parents. Coming to a country without knowing a drop of English and achieving a comfortable lifestyle is amazing. Gregory Jobeless: My parents.
Janine Giordano: My mother, because she’s always pushed me to be the best person I could be. Alexzandrea Pleasant: My grandmother. Elizabeth Los: My parents and especially my sister, Noel, who has always been there for me. Jaclyn Scotto: My mom always encourages me to do my best. Amanda Marakovitz: My mom. She always pushed me to do my best in sports and academics. She also inspired me to pursue a career in special education.