Sofiya Rivna, William McCoy, Adrian Flores, Mary Claire Davey.
November has arrived for Mustangs of the Month.
The vice principals from each Clifton High wing have spotlighted four students who have gotten a head start on the latest activities on the campus, one from each grade. Sofiya Rivna, Senior Sofiya Rivna is used to overcoming challenges. Twelve years ago, her family left Ukraine and she learned much from her parents’ example. “My parents moved to a brand new country to give my brother and me a better future,” said Rivna. “They work hard to provide for us and, one day, I will be able to repay them for everything they’ve done. They motivate me to do my best in everything.” Last year, Rivna also faced uncertainty when she transferred from Garfield High School. “CHS was overwhelming—big and confusing, and so many students,” she said. “I was worried that I would have trouble getting used to such a big school and my grades would drop. “However, I was quickly able to adjust to the new environment, make new friends and meet amazing teachers, and stay on top of my grades.” Rivna’s favorite subject is psychology. She plans to study nursing in college (her aunt and grandmother are nurses). Her most influential teacher is Ms. Anderson, her junior year English Honors instructor. “She is such a strong person,” Rivna said, “someone I look up to.” Last year, Rivna joined Heroes and Cool Kids and Key Club. This year, she is part of the Pre-Med Club and attending EMT school. “I love working with people,” she said, “and helping those who are sick feel better.”
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November 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com
William McCoy, Junior Since middle school, William McCoy has had a deep fascination with computers and coding. “I am president of both the Physics & Electricity Club,” said McCoy, “as well as the Coding Club. I have a blast doing both.” Predictably, his favorite subject is computer science, something he plans to study at NJIT or Stevens Institute, looking toward a career in cybersecurity and computer programming. One major hurdle McCoy overcame while at CHS was fitting in after returning to New Jersey as a sophomore after being gone since third grade. Helping him was his mom, whom he draws much inspiration from. “My mom always boosts me up while I’m down,” he said, “and shows me that no matter what life throws at you that you can always get back up and try again.” Mr. Burns also helped him. “Mr. Burns has been the most influential teacher to me,” McCoy said, “because even while I was a sophomore and wasn’t taking his class yet, he was always a teacher who I could go to and talk. “He would always help me strive to be a better person.” Adrian Flores, Sophomore Adrian Flores loves American History, especially discussing different ideas with his peers. “In American History,” Flores said, “there are a lot of topics that are relevant today, and I love talking about