Belleville Post - June 2022

BELLEVILLE

BHS Class of 2022 defiant and confident at graduation

By Patrick Tagerty Staff Writer

The Belleville High School Class of 2022 celebrated its graduation on Thursday, June 23, in a ceremony that challenged the idea of the future that many students had envisioned pre-pandemic.

The mood, despite overcast skies and whipping wind, was not dour but rather hopeful, taking lessons learned from the pandemic, such as perseverance and a willingness to accept failure. The result was a group of powerful and thoughtful speeches that expressed the reality of the world the graduating seniors had to endure during their time at BHS, and what the class members should carry forward into their lives beyond school.

Class of 2022 President Danielle San Juan was the first to take the mic, conveying the attitude that failure can be harnessed as a tool, rather than being something to avoid altogether — a lesson no doubt absorbed during the year and a half of virtual learning the Class of 2022 underwent. She compared her senior year to kindergarten, in that she was asked in both what she wanted to be when she was older.

“This year they asked all of us again what we wanted to be, except this time they wanted a real answer,” San Juan said. “How about this answer: Who knows and who cares? This is the time to explore and to make mistakes. Declare the wrong major, fall in love with the wrong person, make a bad investment or mess up during an interview. Who the hell cares?”

This feeling of catharsis, of coming out of the pandemic willing to take risks and accept failure, was echoed by the Student Government Organization President Sophia Bojorquez in her speech. She too reflected on the challenge that quarantine presented, as well as the many hardships and setbacks that the Class of 2022 faces on a daily basis.

See GRADUATES

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Above, from left, are Chyan Murdock, Zaria Pless, Tiffany Escobar and Ethan Laquindanum at the Belleville High School graduation on June 23. Speaking at the cermemony are salutatorian Sarai Rodriguez, below left, and valedictorian Michelle Jean-Louis, below right.

NJ invests $21.4M to reduce litter across the state

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is enhancing statewide efforts to remove litter, beautify neighborhoods and improve water quality across New Jersey by distributing $21.4 million in Clean Communities grants this year, an approximate $700,000 increase from 2021’s disbursement, NJDEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced.

In total, NJDEP is awarding nearly $19.1 million to eligible municipalities and $2.3 million to the state’s 21 counties. The 2021 grants distribution totaled

$20.7 million. Essex County was awarded $75,522.66. Belleville was awarded $61,470.44 and Nutley was awarded.

Clean Communities grants are funded by a legislated user-fee on manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors that produce litter-generating products.

“The DEP is thrilled that we are able to distribute additional grant funds this year to help communities improve their local environments and improve quality of life by removing litter, including from roadways and around stormwater collection

systems,” LaTourette said. “These community-level efforts have far-reaching impacts across the state, from beautifying neighborhoods to improving water quality and enhancing wildlife habitats.”

The nonprofit New Jersey Clean Communities Council oversees the reporting requirements for the program. Disbursements are based on housing units and miles of municipally owned roadways.

“Municipalities and counties are strongly encouraged to use these grants to organize volunteer cleanups, pay employ-

ees to pick up litter, purchase badly needed cleanup equipment, and promote education activities and enforcement,” said JoAnn Gemenden, executive director of the New Jersey Clean Communities Council. “We are grateful for funding that helps keep New Jersey litter free. We are proud to serve as an educational resource for communities, as we drive many of our campaigns to engage the younger generations to help mold positive, long-term anti-litter behaviors.”

Litter comes from pedestrians, motorists, overflowing household garbage, construction sites and uncovered trucks. Litter is often blown by the wind until it is trapped somewhere, such as along a fence, or in a ditch or gully. People tend to litter when an area is already littered, and when they lack a sense of ownership or community pride.

Activities funded by Clean Communities grants include volunteer litter cleanups, litter-related education, and cleanups of stormwater systems that can disperse trash into streams, rivers and bays; volunteer cleanups of public properties; adoption and enforcement of local anti-littering ordinances; beach cleanups; public information and education programs; purchases of litter collection equipment such as receptacles, recycling bins, anti-litter signs and graffiti removal supplies; and reusable bags to promote New Jersey’s single-use plastics law.

Photo Courtesy of Walt Smith

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SCHOLARS — The John H. Walker Memorial Foundation presents its annual scholarship awards to five Nutley High School seniors at a reception at the Nutley Free Public Library on May 25. From left are Scholarship Committee Chairperson Carol Gurney; seniors Nicole Lopez, Luke Yuricich, Nicholas Russo, Ethan Ramos and Fiorella Rivera; and foundation President Walt Smith.

First Tee golf program opens at Hendricks Field

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced the opening of the First Tee Learning Center at Hendricks Field Golf Course in Belleville on Wednesday, June 15. The new facility, designed specifically for youths, includes a three-hole practice course and a 4,000square-foot building that enables the program to operate year-round. The First Tee is a nationally recognized youth development program that uses the game of golf to help youths develop leadership skills and learn life lessons, and to prepare players academically for higher education. The learning center at Hendricks Field is the second First Tee location in Essex; the first opened at Weequahic Golf Course in Newark in 2005.

“The First Tee has been a tremendous asset at Weequahic Park, teaching the game of golf to new generations of young people and preparing them for higher education and life’s challenges. Expanding our partnership to Hendricks Field is a wonderful opportunity to provide enriching recreational alternatives to another area of our county and enable more young people to take advantage of it,” DiVincenzo said.

“We all know that recreation programs save lives, and the more we engage children in programs like these the greater the outcomes will be. This is about inclusivity, and it’s wonderful that we have this here in public space,” New Jersey Senate Majority Leader and deputy chief of staff M. Teresa Ruiz said.

“This facility and the First Tee program give children access to a sport they otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate in. This is wonderful as a recreation program, but it’s something our children will be

able to benefit from personally,” Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin said.

“We are elated about what you are doing here. To have this kind of access for our children right here in Belleville is something special and shows how much Essex County and the county executive are investing in our children,” Belleville Mayor Michael Melham said.

“This facility has really exceeded all my expectations. First Tee teaches children about the game of golf, but it does a lot more in preparing them for their future,” said Gene Bernstein, chairperson of the First Tee of Metropolitan New Jersey.

“We are so elated about this facility. I want to thank the county executive for making this opportunity available,” said Tom Grant, director of the First Tee pro-

gram at Hendricks Field. He noted that there are already more than 150 children enrolled in First Tee programs at Hendricks.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for youth. It’s a perfect day,” New Jersey State Golf Association Executive Director Michael McFadden said.

“I was at Weequahic when the county executive opened the First Tee program there, and I’m proud that I’m able to be here at Hendricks Field for this opening too. This is really special because this program is more than just golf. It’s really about preparing children for life,” retired major league baseball player Rick Cerone said.

The First Tee Learning Center at Hendricks Field features a 4,000-square-foot building that has indoor and outdoor

practice areas, a classroom for STEM instruction, offices, restrooms and storage space. Two golf training rooms have garage doors that can be opened so students can stand indoors and hit balls out of the building during inclement or cold weather. There is a third outdoor training area that has a covered hitting area. This also allows programs to be offered yearround. The classroom space will enable a STEM Summer Academy, tutoring and SAT prep activities to be offered.

There is also a three-hole short course that includes three practice holes ranging in length from 50 to 160 yards. One of the holes is designed in the shape of a Biarritz, which has a larger green area in line with the classical design of the Hendricks course. This green will be an excellent teaching area where 10 to 12 students can be lined up for chipping practice.

A new entry point for the First Tee program has been created on Joralemon Street in Belleville, just a short distance from the Belleville Recreation Department building. A small parking lot to accommodate First Tee participants and their parents has space for approximately 15 cars.

The First Tee currently enrolls more than 600 youths annually in its program at Weequahic Golf Course in Newark.

The First Tee hired Rogers McCagg, a Connecticut-based architectural firm that specializes in golf course facilities, to design the facility. APS Contracting Inc. from Paterson was awarded a publicly bid contract for $1,987,000 to build the learning facility. The county funded the construction of the clubhouse with a grant received from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Photos Courtesy of Belleville Police Department

ON THE RUN — Belleville Police Department officers participate in the 2022 N.J. Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics.

Photo Courtesy of Glen Frieson

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., center, announces the opening of the First Tee Learning Center at Hendricks Field Golf Course in Belleville on Wednesday, June 15.

Sons of the American Legion attend convention

For the second year in a row, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 attended the American Legion Detachment of New Jersey Convention in Wildwood, representing Belleville and the county of Essex at this 60th statewide meeting of the organization. With 17 members in attendance at this four-day event, Belleville’s Sons were recognized with a number of awards based on their activity within the community and state. The highlight of the week was Squadron 105 marching down Atlantic Avenue in the Department Parade held the last day.

Each year during the second week in June, New Jersey’s American Legion family, comprising the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, the SAL and the Legion Riders, gathers in Wildwood for a weeklong statewide convention. The convention sessions themselves are only two days, but receptions, parades and gettogethers precede and follow those voting days. In addition to the organization’s business that needs to be discussed and voted on, the convention is also an opportunity for posts, units and squadrons from around the state to get together and celebrate the common goal of working to recognize and assist veterans.

Each post that attends gets a certain number of delegates based on the size of its membership. SAL 105 had, between both days of convention sessions, 10 delegates present. The convention itself culminated in the election of this year’s detachment commander, Mark Natale, of Middlesex County, who will serve until next June as the commander of all of the Sons in New Jersey — all 9,000 of them in more than 160 squadrons.

Squadron 105 also nominated its own Steve Sangemino for reelection to the office of detachment vice commander, leading to his third term.

“It is an honor representing my squadron at the state level as a vice commander,” Sangemino said. “What a great team we have — can’t wait until next year!”

“Last year three of us came down to Wildwood,” adjutant Rusty Myers said. “We had so much fun and talked it up so much back home, this year we had 17 people go down. Next year it will be even bigger, and we’re renting out almost the entire Skylark Hotel.”

Throughout the week, rousing shouts of “105 in the house!” could be heard around Wildwood.

SAL 105 received awards for its Americanism programs, plus its contributions back to the American Legion, classified as internal affairs projects. Myers, who also serves as the SAL representative for Essex County, received an award for meritorious service as a runner-up for the prestigious “Son of the Year” award, which one of Belleville’s Sons received last year.

On June 11, Squadron 105 members, wearing their white stars and stripes uniforms, behind a yellow banner sporting their name and hometown, marched in

the conference’s parade. A number of times before the parade, back at home in Belleville, the squadron had color guard practice in the parking lot in advance of Wildwood. The practice paid off, because

SAL 105 won fifth place in the color guard competition, out of approximately 35 color guard units that marched. The

parade was about two hours long, with thousands of members of the Legion family marching the 1.3 miles down Atlantic Avenue. Two of Belleville’s Sons also had the honor of marching in the front of the county section, carrying the American Legion Essex County Committee’s colors. Members of Post 105’s American Legion

Auxiliary interest group, which hopes to receive its charter in the near future, marched with the squadron as well.

“To say the statewide American Legion parade was awesome is an understatement,” ALA member Jackie Elsmore, of Nutley, said. “We were honored and very touched to be a part of this experience.”

Photos Courtesy of Rusty Myers

Above, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 marches down Atlantic Avenue in Wildwood. Below, from left, are Rusty Myers, Jackie Elsmore, James Elsmore and Steve Sangemino.

County installs new traffic signals at intersections

New traffic signal equipment was recently installed at two intersections along Franklin Avenue in Belleville and two intersections along Springfield Avenue in Irvington. The improvements are part of a $6 million project to upgrade nine intersections throughout Essex County.

The two intersections in Belleville are the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Joralemon Street, and Franklin Avenue and Mill Street/Park Drive. The intersections in Irvington are the intersection of Springfield and North Maple avenues, and Springfield and Avon avenues.

“Traveling along county roads and through these intersections are part of our daily lives. We use county roads to go to work, school and shopping. This project is part of our ongoing initiative to modernize our infrastructure to ensure it meets current traffic demands,” Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. said. “The improvements will enhance safety for pedestrians and motorists at these heavily trafficked intersections.”

“Thank you for the improvements to the intersection infrastructure. The traffic is able to flow more easily through these busy intersections,” Commissioner Romaine Graham said.

“I’m happy to see these projects getting done. This is a great moment and investment in Irvington to make our community safer and improve our quality of life,” Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss said during the stop at the Springfield and North Maple avenues intersection in Irvington.

“It’s always great to have Essex County in Belleville. Under Joe’s leadership, many improvements have been made to Belleville Park and Hendricks Field Golf Course, the First Tee program was introduced and now we are seeing upgrades at a critical intersection in town,” Belleville Mayor Michael Melham said during the stop at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Joralemon Street in Belleville.

Community Care Kitchen

The Community Care Kitchen has reopened by serving hot, takeout meals twice per month at Vincent United Methodist Church, 100 Vincent Place in Nutley, on the third and last Saturday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Prepared and shared currently by people from Vincent Church and Grace Episcopal Church, the meal might be chicken, beef or pasta with sides and vegetables.

Everyone is welcome to come by the Community Care Kitchen and pick up a meal to-go, including families and seniors. In these tough times, there is a growing need and the churches are partnering with others in the community to make a difference.

Anyone who would like to make a contribution can visit https://www.vincentumc.org/ for more information.

The equipment includes LED traffic signals, modern poles, high-visibility crosswalks and roadway striping, and pedestrian countdown timers that can be activated by pushing the crossing button.

LED lights are brighter, easier to see, more energy efficient and last longer than traditional bulbs. Sidewalks and curbs around the intersections were replaced and the intersections were repaved. The signals also are outfitted with GPS clocks to ensure they remain coordinated with other traffic signals.

NV5 from Parsippany received a professional services contract for $179,808 to design the upgrades at all locations. Assuncao Brothers Inc. from Edison was awarded a publicly bid contract for $4,825,659 to perform the construction work. Dewberry Engineers from Bloomfield was awarded a $998,349 contract to provide construction engineering services. The design, construction and construction inspection for each intersection cost about $666,000. Essex County received a grant from the federal Local Safety Pro-

gram to fund the project. The Essex County Department of Public Works monitored the project to answer questions and prevent delays.

New traffic signal equipment was installed at the intersections of Franklin Avenue and Joralemon Street, and Franklin Avenue and Mill Street/Park Drive in Belleville. At left, cutting a ceremonial ribbon are, from left, Isaac Ojeda from the Essex County Department of Public Works, Essex County Public Works Director and county engineer Sanjeev Varghese, assistant engineer Asif Mohammed, Belleville Deputy Mayor Naomy DePeña, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., Belleville Mayor Michael Melham, Joseph Fishinger from NV5, and Anthony Pecci from Dewberry.

Photo Courtesy of Belleville Police Department

A GOOD TURN — The Belleville Police Department’s Community Relations Unit hosts the department’s first-ever police station tour with Girl Scout Troop 20480.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Melham

FIELD DAY — Belleville’s School No. 9 enjoys its 2022 Field Day on June 21. The weather was perfect as the school district celebrated the sixthgraders who will be heading to middle school in the fall.

Photo Courtesy of Glen Frieson

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Holden joins honor society

In March, Lauren Holden, of Nutley, was among the 92 students at the University of Scranton, located in Scranton, Pa., to be inducted into Omega Beta Sigma, the school’s women’s business honor society. Holden is a senior marketing major.

Induction is open to students who major or minor in business, have at least sophomore academic standing, and have a grade-point average of 3.25 or higher.

Phi Kappa Phi honors

Belleville’s Natasha Fontanez, a student at Caldwell University in Caldwell, and Nutley’s Emily Holden, a student at Ithaca College in Ithaca, N.Y., were recently initiated into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi.

They are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi this year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.

Pramagioulis lauded

Athina Pramagioulis, of Nutley, was among the students at the University of Scranton, located in Scranton, Pa., recently inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma, the national honor society for criminal justice students. Pramagioulis is a junior criminal justice major.

For induction into the honor society, a student must be a junior or senior with a criminal justice major or minor, have completed at least four criminal justice courses, maintain a grade-point average of 3.2 overall as well as in criminal justice, and have a standing in the top 35 percent of the class.

Awards at Colgate

Nutley residents John Halligan and Grace LaBruno received the Dean’s Award with Distinction at Colgate University, located in Hamilton, N.Y., for the fall 2021 semester. Halligan, an anthropology major, is a graduate of St. Peter’s Prep; LaBruno, a political science major, is a graduate of Academy of the Holy Angels.

To earn this honor, students must earn a term grade-point average of 3.6 or better while completing at least three courses for a conventional letter grade.

Showcased at symposium

The fourth annual Piedmont University Symposium, located in Demorest, Ga., showcased the undergraduate research and creative inquiry projects of 389 students on April 6, including that of John Matrona, of Nutley.

“Piedmont Symposium is an exciting day when the entire university comes together to celebrate the work of our students,” university President James F. Mellichamp said. “I know I speak for everyone at Piedmont when I say that we are proud and inspired by our students,

who are proving they are ready to confront complex issues and make meaningful contributions to their fields, communities and the world.”

Perez presents research, earns degree from Albright

Krystal Michelle Perez, of Belleville, graduated from Albright College, located in Reading, Pa., with a Bachelor of Arts on May 15. Perez is a graduate of Belleville High School.

Additionally, Perez was one of 52 students at Albright who presented scholarly work at the 23rd annual Berks County Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference on April 23. Majoring in fashion and music industry studies at Albright, Perez presented a poster titled “Meta-Millions: Fashion Steps Out of Reality & Goes Virtual.”

Waddleton honored

Taylor Waddleton, of Nutley, was honored as an outstanding student-athlete at Montclair State University on April 25. Waddleton, a family science and human development major, is a member of the women’s swimming and diving team at MSU.

Pramagioulis inducted

Athina Pramagioulis, of Nutley, was among the 45 University of Scranton students inducted into Phi Lambda Upsilon, the national honorary chemical society.

Pramagioulis is a junior forensic chemistry major at the Jesuit university, which is located in Scranton, Pa.

The honor society accepts students with 24 credits in chemistry and a gradepoint average of 3.0 or better.

Contini Iri inducted

Katherine Contini Iri, of Nutley, was recently initiated into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi at the University of Delaware, located in Newark, Del.

Contini Iri is among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.

Palmieri graduates

Victoria Palmieri, of Nutley, received a degree from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania at a commencement ceremony on May 8 at Eiler-Martin Stadium, located in East Stroudsburg, Pa.

Pita is salutatorian

Mother Seton Regional High School in Clark held commencement exercises on May 26; the Class of 2022 has achieved in excess of $13.7 million in academic scholarships and awards.

The Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence was awarded to salutatorian

See STUDENT, Page 9

(Continued from Page 8)

Raquel Pita, of Belleville. Pita plans to major in cybersecurity at the University of New Haven. Additionally, Pita was named a Seton Distinguished Scholar.

Banks receives BA

Bernice Banks, of Belleville, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Goldey-Beacom College, located in Wilmington, Del., during the school’s 135th commencement ceremony on April 29.

Algieri earns degree

Anthony Algieri, of Nutley, earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, located in Worcester, Mass., on May 14.

Degrees from Scranton

Nutley residents Lauren M. Holden and Ethan J. Walker each received degrees from the University of Scranton, located in Scranton, Pa., on May 21. Holden earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing and Walker earned a Master of Health Administration.

Navarra earns bachelor’s

Elena Navarra, of Nutley, graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary liberal studies from James Madison University, located in Harrisonburg, Va., during commencement exercises in May.

Additionally, Navarra was named to

the school’s president’s list for the spring 2022 semester. Students who earn president’s list honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a gradepoint average of 3.9 or better.

Diaz named to dean’s list

Cesia Diaz, of Belleville, was named to the dean’s list at Wilkes University, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., for the spring 2022 semester.

To be named to the dean’s list, a student must obtain a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 and carry at least 12 credits.

Kraft on president’s list

Jensen Kraft, of Nutley, has been named to the president’s list at Davis & Elkins College, located in Elkins, W.Va., for the spring 2022 semester. The president’s list includes all full-time students who achieve a grade-point average of 4.0 for the semester.

Honors at Bucknell

Nutley residents Chris Carnovale, Shannon Granelli and Meghan Tran were all named to the dean’s list at Bucknell University, located in Lewisburg, Pa., for the spring 2022 semester. A student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or better on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean’s list recognition.

Matrona gets perfect 4.0

John Matrona, of Nutley, has been named a Dean’s Scholar at Piedmont Uni-

versity, located in Demorest, Ga., for the spring 2022 semester. Students who are named a Dean’s Scholar achieve a perfect grade-point average of 4.0 during the semester.

Acclaim at Lehigh

Areesha Ahmed, of Nutley, and Sofia Ruiz, of Belleville, were named to the dean’s list at Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pa., for the spring 2022 semester.

To receive this honor, a student must earn a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses.

Williams on dean’s list

Mehki Williams, a communication major from Nutley, has been named to the dean’s list at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania for the spring 2022 semester.

Students eligible for the dean’s list are those who have attained a quality-point average of 3.5 or better and are enrolled full-time.

Melillo graduates

Centenary University awarded degrees to 465 graduates at its 147th commencement ceremony this spring. Danielle Melillo, of Nutley, graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and management.

Additionally, Melillo was named to the school’s dean’s list for the spring 2022

semester. To achieve this honor, full-time students must achieve a semester gradepoint average of 3.8 or better and complete a minimum of 12 semester credits.

Honors at Hofstra

Nora Janikian and Alexa McNulty, both of Nutley, have been named to the dean’s list at Hofstra University, located in Hempstead, N.Y., for the spring 2022 semester.

Students must earn a grade-point average of at least 3.5 during the semester to make the dean’s list.

McAloon earns BA

Nutley resident John G. McAloon graduated from DeSales University, located in Center Valley, Pa., with a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice during the university’s 53rd commencement ceremony on May 21.

Bachelor’s for Mensah

Lord Mensah, of Belleville, graduated from Buffalo State College, located in Buffalo, N.Y., with a Bachelor of Science in computer information systems in spring 2022.

Degrees from W&M

Nutley residents Huatao Chen and Fares Sukkar recently received degrees from the College of William & Mary, located in Williamsburg, Va. Chen earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, and Sukkar earned a Master of Science.

Suburban Essex Chamber awards scholarships

From left are scholarship winners Ryan O’Neil, Taylor Sconiers and Cengiz Tetik.

The Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce Foundation has awarded scholarships to three members of the Class of 2022: Ryan O’Neil from Glen Ridge High School, Taylor Sconiers from Bloomfield High School and Cengiz Tetik from Belleville High School. O’Neil will be furthering his education this fall at Lehigh University, Sconiers at Hampton University and Tetik at Rutgers University.

Each year, these scholarships are presented to graduating high school seniors who reside in the towns of Bloomfield, Belleville and Glen Ridge. The criteria for scholarships are based on financial need; attendance at a college, university or trade

school with the intention to pursue a career that is business oriented; and extracurricular and community activities. The scholarship application includes the student’s grade-point average, letters of recommendation, acceptance letter from the college of interest and a 500-word essay.

Chamber members who contributed to this year’s scholarship program are Cecelia Polizzi; Neil Greenstein of Brookdale ShopRite; Dee Frias and Michael Kahn of Provident Bank; McLaughlin & Nardi LLC; Zippo’s Car Stereo; J.T. Murdoch Shoes; Michael Bush; Ed Nejman; Joseph Berardinelli; and Generazio Associates Inc.

Photos Courtesy of Belleville Police Department

GOING

Photos Courtesy of Donna M. Pietroiacovo

Nutley Farmers Market returns for 13th season

Mayor Joseph P. Scarpelli and the Greenutley Committee invite everyone to enjoy the 13th season of the Nutley Farmers Market. The 2022 market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through Oct. 30 in Municipal Lot 7, 507 Franklin Ave. in Nutley. Parking is available in Lot 7 and Lot 9; enter behind Bella Luce Restaurant.

The Nutley Farmers Market, established in 2009, offers local food, live music, and an array of events, such as special recycling days, a Peach Party, a Food Fest, an Eco-Fest, and civic and school pride days. Featured vendors, demonstrations, and community outreach days with the Nutley Public Library, Nutley Family Service Bureau and the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County occur regularly. Each week, the market accepts food and monetary donations on behalf of the NFSB food pantry to help local families in need.

The 2022 season will continue to offer Market Walk & Talks to help patrons get fit and informed during their weekly visit to the market. During a scenic 3-mile loop through Nutley parks that begins at 8:30 a.m., walkers have the opportunity to chat with experts from a variety of fields, such as health, wellness, fitness, education, government, law, art, design and writing.

The market’s returning local farmers and food producers include Asprocolas Acres, Cat-Like Reflexes Lemonade, Empanada Lady Food Truck, Gourmet Nuts & Dried Fruit, Grandma Emma’s, Hidden Valley Farm, Hoboken Farms, Neshanic Valley Beekeepers, Paolo’s Kitchen, Pickles Olives Etc., and TreeLicious Orchards & Just Made Bakery. Two new vendors added to the 2022 line up are A Butter Life Bakery and Cozz Coffee.

The featured vendor lineup includes Amazing Fungi and Greens, BAKER.nj, Cutco Cutlery, 8andone, Emilio’s Wood Fire Pizza, Gaby’s Confections, GET Doggie Treats & Sweets, Giuseppe’s Workshop, Hyssop Beauty Apothecary, Ignis Moon, Somers 27 Soap Co., and Starward Soap Co.

For more information, visit www.nutleynj.org/farmersmarket.

TO THE MARKET — Belleville’s first farmers market was held June 18 and, despite some heavy winds, was a great success. The next farmers market will be Saturday, July 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Belleville High School.

Photos Courtesy of Michael Melham

Antab excited to lead Bucs football team

New Belleville High School head coach looks to build momentum after being promoted

By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor

The Belleville High School football program has made tremendous strides over the past few years under Jermain Johnson.

But after Johnson stepped down this spring after a four-year run as head coach, there might have been cause for concern about whether the momentum would continue.

For the returning Buccaneers and their fans, those concerns have been allayed. Brian Antab, who has been an assistant coach for the program for the past four years, has been named the new head coach.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity,” said Antab in a phone interview with the Belleville Post. “I’ve been coaching in Belleville the past four years under Coach Johnson, and we’ve really done a good job of turning around this program and getting it to a spot where we are really competitive. I’m excited to take over the program and keep it building and taking it to the next level.”

Antab was an offensive line/defensive line coach in his first year on the staff. He then served as the defensive coordinator in his second year before becoming the offensive coordinator for the last two seasons.

A 2009 graduate of Bishop Ahr — renamed St. Thomas Aquinas — in Edison, Antab played collegiately as an offensive lineman at Montclair State University under legendary head coach Rick Giancola. Antab was listed at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds in his senior season at MSU in 2012.

Following his graduation from MSU, Antab started his coaching career as an assistant at Cranford High School, where he served for four seasons, from 2014 to 2017. Cranford won the 2015 North 2, Group 3 state sectional championship with a 13-0 record. Following the 2017 season, Antab joined Johnson’s staff at Belleville.

During the coaching transition, Antab lauded his players for remaining commit-

ted to the program. Though they didn’t know who would be their new coach at the time, the players still worked hard and bonded, much to Antab’s delight.

“We have some really good kids here in Belleville,” Antab said. “They are really hard workers. Even in the past few weeks, losing coach Johnson and the time in between that I was announced as the new head coach, they really stuck together and continued to work hard in the weight room. They bonded together even in times of adversity. I think that really goes to show what a football team they really are. That’s what it’s all about; overcoming that adversity and coming together as a team.”

After going 4-5 in Johnson’s first season in 2018, the Bucs enjoyed a 7-3 season the following year. The team went 24 during the pandemic-shortened season in 2020 before bouncing back with a 6-4 season last fall.

Though they have tasted success, the Bucs are now looking to get over the hump and end their state playoff drought. Belleville has not qualified for the state playoffs since 2007. They have made the playoffs five times since the current playoff system began in 1974.

Antab wants to develop his players, both on and off the field, and help the Bucs become perennial contenders.

“My goal as a coach is to develop my players into responsible young men,” said Antab, a physical education/health teacher at School No. 3 in Belleville. “For the program, I want to be successful. We’ve had winning seasons for the past few years, and I’m hoping to keep that going. Even with those successful seasons, we haven’t been able to get over the hump to make it to the playoffs. A big goal of mine is to get us to that point where we have that winning season and can be a playoff contender and compete with those other playoff teams.”

The Bucs are looking to participate in some 7-on-7 summer leagues. They also hope to attend an overnight camp at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania.

BHS senior athletes announce their college commitments

The following Belleville High School Class of 2022 student-athletes announced their college commitments recently:

• Terence Folkes, football, Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pa.

• Markeith Stevens, football, Kean University in Union.

• Brian Dessources, football, Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pa.

• Jonathan Ruiz, soccer, Penn State Harrisburg in Middletown, Pa.

• Chennaya Tschopp, track and field, Caldwell University in Caldwell.

BHS baseball team features solid contributors this season

By Joe Ragozzino Sports Editor

Despite finishing with a 6-16 record, the Belleville High School baseball team featured several solid players during the season this spring.

“We were led by senior shortstop Matt McCann and senior pitcher/first baseman/third baseman Mike Napolitano,” said BHS head coach Joe Sorce. “Matt was named second team all league (Super Essex Conference–Liberty Division). He ended the season at .317 (batting average) and led the team with 17 stolen bases. Mike led the team with a .324 batting average and had three wins on the mound. Mike was named honorable mention all–Liberty Division.

“Other players to mention are senior Colin Cook, who had two wins on the mound but pitched well in his eight starts,” added Sorce. “He made great strides from his junior season. Sophomore pitcher/infielder Josh Abramson was named honorable mention all–Liberty Division. Josh led the team with a 2.80 earned run average.”

In addition to Abramson, the Bucs will have three other returning varsity players who will be juniors next season:

• James Monroig, pitcher/first baseman.

• Santiago Nunez, outfielder/pitcher.

• Jacob Mauricio, outfielder.

The junior varsity and freshman teams were a combined 16-6-1 this season, which bodes well for next season.

“We’re going to be expecting contributions from many of those players next season,” said Sorce.

Belleville has two summer teams: an 18U team and a 16U team.

The Bucs, seeded 16th, lost at top-seeded Millburn, 11-0, in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 tournament to end the season.

Photo by Joe Ragozzino

Brian Antab served as an assistant coach for the Bucs for the past four seasons.

Nutley scientists team up to discover new drugs

Academic and pharmaceutical experts in New York City and northern New Jersey have formed a regional drug accelera-

tor to address the urgent need to develop novel antiviral treatments for SARS-CoV2, its variants, and other coronaviruses

and pandemic viruses, as well as future viral threats.

The Metropolitan AntiViral Drug Accelerator, or MAVDA, will be funded by a three-year, $65,141,731 million grant from the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease’s Antiviral Drug Discovery Centers for Pathogens of Pandemic Concern program. MAVDA combines world-class virologists and academic drug finders from Rockefeller University, Columbia University and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City; the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation in Nutley; and Rutgers University, along with proven antiviral drug developers Merck, the Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute and Aligos Therapeutics.

MAVDA’s mission will be to discover, optimize and test innovative small molecule antiviral drugs to target coronaviruses, emphasizing SARS-CoV-2, and one or more select RNA viruses with pandemic potential. The goal is to rapidly develop drugs that can be given orally and in an outpatient setting in the near future.

The overall program will be co-led by drug discovery expert David Perlin at the Hackensack Meridian CDI and Rockefeller University virologist and Nobel laureate Charles Rice.

“This public-private partnership is how science can prepare for the next phase of

SARS-CoV-2, as well as other current and new viral threats,” said Perlin, the chief scientific officer and senior vice president of the CDI, and also a professor at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

“Vaccines were a terrific breakthrough to help stem COVID-19 after the initial spread, but, as we have learned with COVID-19 and other pandemic diseases, vaccines alone are insufficient. We need effective drugs that can be used early and distributed widely to diverse populations around the world.”

“We need to think differently,” said Rice, the Maurice R. and Corinne P. Greenberg Professor in Virology and head of the Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease at Rockefeller University, who is the recipient of the 2020 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine. “Bringing all this experience and expertise into the same program, and having everyone ‘pull’ in the same direction, can produce some great results.”

The goal of this project is to take what the scientists discover on the academic side and rapidly translate it using the capabilities of the pharmaceutical companies.

“We are excited at the breadth of this project and the huge difference it could make,” Perlin said. “For a global health challenge like COVID-19, we need to think bigger — and differently. We embrace the challenge.”

FREE HEARING SCREENINGS

The Montclair State University Center for Audiology offers comprehensive audiological services for adults and children, including free hearing screenings:

• Hearing Evaluations

• Hearing Aid Sales and Services

• Auditory Processing Disorder Testing

• Balance Testing

• Custom Ear Molds and Hearing Protectors

• Auditory Brainstem Response Testing

• Medicare Accepted Hearing screenings are conducted every month.

Please call 973-655-3934 or email csdclinic@mail.montclair.edu to schedule an appointment.

Maris

Photo Courtesy of Essex County

‘TRASHY’ ART — Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. congratulates Sabrina Palmer, of Belleville, for winning third place in the Kto-fourth-grade category in the second G’ART’bage Contest at the Essex County Environmental Center on Monday, May 23. The contest encouraged participants to create pieces of art using recycled or reused items. The artwork was displayed during the Environmental Center’s Earth Day celebration in April.

St. Peter’s Church celebrates Hinojosa’s ordination

The Rev. David Hinojosa, who was recently ordained by the Archdiocese of Newark, has been assigned to St. Peter’s Church in Belleville, where he recently celebrated his first Mass.

Photos Courtesy of Ivan Sciberras

Far left, above, the Calle family pose with the Rev. David Hinojosa. At left, above, are Hinojosa’s parents, Jesus and Maria, who flew in from Southern California for their son’s ordination. At left, below, the Rosa family receives a blessing from Hinojosa. Above, Hinojosa, accompanied by a number of concelebrants, celebrates his first Mass at the altar. Below is a bird’s-eye view of the full house.

In addition, we offer Bible Studies on Sunday mornings at 9:00 and on Thursday evenings at 7:00. You can participate in either one of these classes -or both- through Zoom by calling the church to get placed on the Zoom call list.

There are several other opportunities throughout the week involving prayer, study, and community for all age levels. Brookdale is a loving and caring congregation under the leadership of Pastor Love Saquing and Pastor Jim Treffinger. Our mission is to be a Family Growing Together in God.

July 4 in Belleville

Belleville will celebrate Independence Day a bit early, on Friday, July 1, with a

rain date of July 2, at the Belleville Municipal Stadium, 100 Passaic Ave. The festivities, which begin at 6 p.m., will feature clowns, face painting, rides, food trucks

IN MEMORIAM

• ALESSIO – Dominic, of Nutley, formerly of Belleville; June 14. Born in Acri, Italy. Self-employed mason. Husband, father, 75.

• CAPRIO – Eleanore M., of Nutley; May 17. Was 95.

• CRAWFORD – Kenneth William, of Bethlehem, Pa., formerly of Belleville and Stirling; May 24. Navy veteran, husband, father, brother, grandfather, 86.

• DE GREGORIO – Rosemarie, of Southern Pines, N.C., formerly of Nutley; June 9. Communications supervisor with AT&T. Widow, mother, aunt, 96.

• DIBLASIO – Bess Ann, of Chatham, formerly of Belleville; June 1. Volunteer at The Arc of Essex County. Wife, sister, aunt, grandaunt, 65.

• EBLE – Richard E., of Furlong, Pa., formerly of Nutley; June 15. Army veteran, retired from Prudential. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 85.

• FARRELL – Loretta, of Fairfield, formerly of Belleville and Toms River; June 8. Member, Women of Irish Heritage. Widow, mother, great-grandmother, 96.

• JERNICK – William J. III, of Nutley; May 28. U.S. Marine Corp veteran. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, 73.

• KURDYLA – Irma, of Towaco, formerly of Newark and Belleville; May 16. Widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 93.

• LITTLE – Patrick F., of Nutley; May 26. Was 94.

• SCAFARIA – John Cosmo, of Nutley, formerly of Italy; June 19. Retired Spanish teacher. Helped with his brother’s production company. Brother, 79.

• SQUITIERI – Carmela “Mella,” formerly of Belleville; June 18. Was 94.

and music, as well as a fireworks display at dusk.

A historical July 4

The morning of the 4th of July will kick off with a big bang at the old Belleville Dutch Reformed Church cemetery. The Belleville Historical Society will host the 21st annual July 4 morning ceremony at 10 a.m. The church, now La Senda Antigua, is located at 171 Main St.

The cemetery is the final resting place of 68 Revolutionary War soldiers. On Sept. 12, 1777, the Battle of Second River took place at the site; it was the only battle fought in Essex County during the American Revolution. Josiah Hornblower, who served in the Continental Congress, and Col. Philip Van Cortlandt, commander of the Essex County Regiment, are buried at the site.

township’s Fourth of July festivities on Monday, July 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Park Oval, with Franklin Avenue closing from Church Street to Chestnut Street. Food vendors will line Franklin Avenue, and DJ Rob Franicola will be on hand to provide music and games in the oval. The fireworks are scheduled to start at dusk. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be held on the next clear night.

ECBCC meetings

The Essex County Board of County Commissioners will meet at 5 p.m. in person in the ECBCC chambers, Room 506 on the fifth floor of the Hall of Records, 465 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Newark, on the following days: July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 2, Dec. 1 and Dec. 14.

The commissioner board room is equipped with an assistive-listening system, and a sign language interpreter will be available upon advance notification to the Essex County Office of the Disabled at 973-395-8429.

Walk in Yanticaw Park

• TURANO – Catherine, of Brick, formerly of Nutley an Howell; June 3. Was 94.

There will be a display of reproductions of a dozen different flags used during the Revolutionary War. The 45-minute ceremony will include the raising of the Betsy Ross 13-star flag, the singing of the national anthem, the roll call of the names of the 68 soldiers buried there and conclude with the firing of a 21-gun cannon salute. For more information, contact Michael Perrone at bellevillehistory@gmail.com or call 973-780-7852.

The Nutley Singles Walking Group hosts a free 4-mile walk for area residents ages 55 to 65 each Thursday at 6 p.m. The group meets at Yanticaw Park in Nutley, by the Centre Street entrance. Participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must show proof. For more information, call 201-280-8254. one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.

Fireworks in Nutley

Mayor Joseph Scarpelli and the Nutley Board of Commissioners will present the

DIPLOMAS AT ST. PETER’S — St. Peter’s School in Belleville recently held its commencement ceremonies for the 2022 graduating class. The 18 graduates received their diplomas from the Rev. Ivan Sciberras. Above, graduates thank eighth-grade teacher Brett Sagarese. Below left, David Cherrez receives his diploma from Sciberras. Below right, Catherine Danaci celebrates with her parents, Berk and Monica.

Above, the 18 graduates gather for a group photo. Below left, Ashley Diaz, right, and Catherine Danaci enter St. Peter’s Church for the graduation ceremonies. Below right, graduate Christine Nyugen poses with her family and Sciberras.

Police, residents on a roll at Community Bike Ride

The township’s second Community Bike Ride, on Saturday, May 21, was dedicated to family fun, fitness and fostering community pride. Police Chief Mark Minichini said the leisurely bike ride, organized by the Belleville Police Department, was the perfect opportunity for residents to meet and chat with the department’s dedicated officers.

Approximately 100 cyclists in all — students, their parents, members of the police department and Mayor Michael Melham — gathered at Belleville High School in the morning before setting out. During the 3.6-mile ride, police officers took the opportunity to chat with the other riders about their summer vacation plans, their favorite sports teams and the importance of doing well in school.

“The Community Bike Ride is a great way for us to enhance our visibility and demonstrate our accessibility,” Minichini said. “Being seen around town and being an active part of this community has been an ongoing initiative for our police department since I became chief. This ride gives us another chance to get to know the resi-

dents that we serve and protect.”

The Belleville Police Department revived its long-dormant bicycle unit about four years ago. The initiative has proved to be popular with both Belleville residents, who often wave hello to the police as they patrol the town, and with the officers.

Minichini said more than a dozen members of the department have completed the necessary training to take part in the bike patrol.

The Community Bike Ride also afforded the Belleville police a chance to offer participants a refresher course in bike safety. A bike rodeo was created where officers showed young cyclists the safest ways to take curves, make turns and do other maneuvers.

All participants received bicycle lights and water bottles.

“Our police department does a tremendous job of keeping us safe,” Melham said. “It is also a great community partner, and an event such as the Community Bike Ride is a prime example of how enmeshed they are here.”

Photos Courtesy of Ivan Sciberras

Photo Courtesy of Belleville Township Approximately 100 students, parents and members of the Belleville Police Department take part in the town’s second Community Bike Ride.

Ali Zahir Ahmed

Megde Amjad Ahmed

Denise Rose Almario

Paul George Almasri

Danimarie Almeida

Jessica Alsina

Jhoselin Altamirano

Litzy Tatiana Alvarado

Deven Alvarez

Ryan Alvarez

Gabriel Alejandro Alverio

Shivam Amarsingh

Nicole Andrade

Elayna Antun

Matheo Henry Aragon Acosta

Kayla Areche

Juan Manuel Arenas

Peter Gabriel Arias

Jeremy Xavier Arias Ramos

Michelle Armijos

Dillan Alexander Asitimbaya Amagua

Cassandra Atehortua

Lisbeth Azcona

Lissette Azcona

Diana Baez

Kayla Baez

Alexandra Barrionuevo

Andre Oliveira Barroso

Serine Hanane Bekkouche

Nasir Jah-leel Bey

Victor Bian

Omarion Binion

Michael Ronald Biondi

Sophia Bojorquez

Michael Keith Bowen

Dante Brooks Jacob Hiram Brown

Ricardo Adrian Buenano

Justin Steven Bustamante

Briana Bustios

Isac Caban

Abiud Juny Caban Jr. Alexander Cabrera

Daniela Estefania Cajamarca

Alfonso Joshua Cortez Cajigas III

Joshua-Manuel Calderon

Ibrahim Campbell

Camila Campos

Christopher Campoverde

Madison Pietra Capasso

Rocco Anthony Capasso

Justin Alexander Capin

Katie Marie Caraballo

Samara Zahyli Caraballo-Lozada

Matthew David Cardone

Taina Carrasquillo

Andrea Paola Carrera Parra

Dalyn Alex Carrero

Ana Luz Carrillo Martinez

David Xavier Casanova

Richmond Quinitio Casino

Averey Leigh Castillo

Izaiah Castillo

Johanna Valeria Castro

Kathleen Castro

Mark Christian Castro

Julio Daniel Celi Piedra

Grace Luz Cerdan Palomino

Selena Chaaban

Anseley Chavry

Xin Yi Chen

Dominic Thuan Nguyen Chu

See SENIORS

Photo by Steve Ellmore

From left are Victor Bian, Michael Napolitano, Emmanuel Molina and Matthew Cardone.

Seniors turn their tassels, graduate from BHS

(Continued from Page 17)

James Cicchetti

Ryan Cintron

Darlene Concepcion

Colin William Cook

James Alvin Cook Jr.

Brayan Alberto Cordova Palma

Ethan Daniel Coronel

Angel Miguel Correa

Jorge Luis Cuevas

Jordan Me’Laan Annette Cumberbatch

Caroline Da Costa Higa

Carlos Davila

Ayshawn Dawson-Samuel

Chrismelys Elizabeth De La Rosa

Desiree Alicia Demesmin

Brian Indrick Dessources

Brendon Diaz

Bryan Jordy Diaz

Fiorella Marcella Diaz

Jasmine Danielle Dimailig Perez

Steven Daniel Dutan Penaloza

Kaylee Arianna Eaton

Davon Edwards

Amy Nicole Encalada

Bryan Daniel Enderica

Tiffany Escobar

Odalys Yaritza Espana

Jaime Espinoza

Johana Daniela Espinoza Ojeda

Daliana Estevez

Marco Alejandro Rafael Fajardo Rodas

Karena Falcon

Jaden Kyle Felix

Jamil Jose Fermin

Jesse Fermin

Alex Fernandez

Dylan Ferreyra

Heidy Flores Keilyn Flores

Terence Folkes

Ariana Jimena Gallardo

Maximiliano Garrido

Deanna Gabriela Gaspard

Brian Alexis Gavarrete

Onur Mert Gengonul

Abel Geronimo

Raunny J. Gil De La Rosa

Efran Godette

Julio Gomez

Saribel Gomez

Trinity Gomez

Faith Eliana Gonzales

Christian Andrew Gonzalez

Christian Jaydon Gonzalez

Katelyn Sarah Gonzalez

Serenity Iyana Gonzalez

Jasanya Lee Gorri

Xavier Shemar Parys Goulbourne

Danielle J. Graffeo

Ariel Jose Guaman

Kevin Steve Guarquila

Christian Guato

Analia Mayte Guerra Samaniego

Lauren Michelle Guions

Isaac Gutierrez

Melany Juliethe Gutierrez Sevilla

Myar Camilla Gutierrez Then

Sarah Daniela Hall

Aljahnae Lynse Harvey

Ashley Alexandria Herman

Alberto Manuel Hernandez

Andrew A. Hernandez

Colton Hernandez Victoria Hernandez

Dylan Aaaron Hodne

Zahareef Hopkins Al-Manin Horne

Kashmir Horne

Aldo Huaman Iannacone Kayla Hurley

Anthony Robert Imperato

Elijah Rigo Irizarry Thomas Jr. Andre Isaac Michelle L. Jean-Louis

Ashley Jesenia Jimenez

Emily Jimenez

Hannah Jimenez

Edward Arthur Oliver Jones Jr.

Sean Joyce

Akemi Kanashiro

Makayla June Kenny-Tramutola

Angel Lanffranchi

Ethan Sean Laquindanum

Shanne Allen Yumul Laquindanum

Anna Larrea

Juan Pablo Lema

Jessica Abigail Lema Penafiel

Jennia Mariah Lespier

Emily Lewczak

Winnie Li Ysabelle Lladoc

Erika Elizabeth Llaguno

Justin Andree Simbajon Lo Francesco Lombardo

Ethan Manuel Lopez Hailey Samantha Lopez

Omar Jesus Lopez

Pedro Manuel Lourenco

Jeffrey Lu Erik Lucero Santos

Nicholas Donny Luna Moises Luna Amador Carlos Majano

Alijah Maldonado

Brian Tushal Mangal

Jeremiah Wesley Mann

Walter Thomas Henry Mann

Danna Kristine Manzano

Nathanyal Haven Marchan

Biridiana Martinez

Daniel Martinez

Ibn Martinez

Justin Martinez

Genesis Pamela Martinez Grullon

Karla Geraldina Martinez Martinez

Ambrose M. McAhee

Matthew John McCann

Jordan Zacchaeus McCloud-Thompson

Huasmary Mejia Asuncion

Giovanni Michael Melendez

Tania Isabel Melgar

Jonathan Herbert Melo

Madilyn Mendez

Siarra Erica Mendez

Jarvin Broas Mendoza Nick Mera

Maro Amein Mikhaeil

Veronia Mikhail

Jorge Patricio Miranda

Kayla Amara Modesto

Emmanuel Molina

Jehyleni Monegro

Cynthia Montero-Agualema

Deovany Erick Mora

Ariel Morfa

Cristiana Isabel Morgado

Anthony Daniel Morocho

Joseph Julian Muccigrosso

Chyan Nicole Murdock

Alexander Michael Muse

Photos by Steve Ellmore

2022 seniors head off to next phase of their lives

(Continued from Page 18)

Michael Anthony Napolitano

Peter Natal

Joseph Raul Neira

Ryan Nguyen

Alvaro Nieves

Aolani Maylin Nodong

Kristian Novakovic

Aria-Jayne Nunez

Anthony Ocampo Londono

Jared Ocana

Keila Ochoa

Diego Andres Ochoa Feijoo

James Levi Odi

Emily Ojeda

Ethan Jeremy Oliva

Alexander Rene Orbe Bunay

Alexander Ortiz

Josue Ortiz

Giancarlo Pacheco

Luis Andres Pacheco

Gabriel Padilla

Angel Pagan

Katelyn Pagan

Jasmine Joyce F. Paguio

Dayanara Lissette Paredes

Marianne Yelis Parra-Rivera

Jasmine Pascual

Alexis Pellicier

Justin Isaiah Pena

William Lawrence Pennola

Amadeus Amparo Perado

Audry Perez

Nerelys Perez

Zach Perez

Wilmin Manuel Perez Cruceta

Joel Vincent Perez Paredes

Jennifer Perez-Estrella

Luis Miguel Petrozzino

Frandyl Pineda-Zapata

Zaria Tenna Pless

Joshua Jari Porter

Richard Pozo

Destiny Prendergast

Ryan Jeremiah Pringle

Jaime Matthew Doria Pueblo

Alex Purkayastha

Alexander Julian Quiles

Justin Quinn

Ashley Josnelly Quinnones

Emma Nicole Ragas

Kristine Noelle Ragas

Joen Jethro Rajendram

Debora Ramirez

Ruth Ramirez

Emmanuel Jesus Ramos

Shirley Ramos

Gizelle Denisse Reis

Edwin Revollar

Edgar Reyes

Jesus Rigacci

Jayden Rivera

Jesus Rivera Karla Rivera

Sandra Rivera

Nafi Naeem Nadir Roberts

Sarai Rodriguez

Camille Roche

Edward Rene Rochet

Alejandro Soto Rodriguez

Christian Gabriel Rodriguez

Kayla Ashley Rodriguez

Mario Rodriguez

Matthew Ryan Rodriguez

Serena Mae Rodriguez

Victor Rodriguez

Johanna Madeleine Rodriguez-Costa

Javier Alejandro Rodriguez-Grullon

Jose Alberto Rodriguez-Vidal

Erika Valentina Rogel Briceno

Gabriela Rojas

Aila Jae Alvarez Romero

David Carlos Romero

Joseph Rosario

Alexander Sebastian Rueda Santander Elmo Isaiah Ruiz Jonathan Ruiz Yarelis Saez

Soraya Mali Safforld Jostin Salas

Nayelie Yerlis Salinas Vega

Jisela Mabel Sanchez

Nelson Dominick Sanchez

Daniel Rony Sandoval

Kelvin Steve Santacruz

Imanol Santana

Angel Luis Santiago Christa Santiago

Jhalia Santos

Danielle Santos San Juan Desiree Ahnasia Shavuo Stephanie Shinin

Narisa Sookdeo Naiomi Soto Cortez

Markeith Hasaan Stevens

Emily Struffolino

Christina Nadira Sukhnandan Padma Devi Sukhwa

Alixh Alberto Sylvain Daniella Nicole Taco Paul Isaiah Tadeo Lorenzo Tafuri

Melisa Iriana Tamayo Bryan Francisco Tapia Elijah Luis Tapia Enmanuel Tavarez Isaiah Tejada

Eliza Kwayn Sta. Maria Tejano

Cengiz Tetik

Tyreque Jaheem Giovannie Thomas

Serina Leilani Tiamson Jerez

Adriana Torres

Alberto David Torres

Emely Torres

Kamil Torres

Anh Thu Tran Thi

Chennaya Aria Tschopp

Brittany Turner

Matthew Ulerio

Giorgio Demetri Vagelakos

Isabella Valcuha

Marie Valdivia

Francisco Javier Valdivieso

Ashley Vanessa Valencia Sosa

Crystal Aliyah Valentin

Anthony Michael Valese

Kalila Vallee

Gregory Aramel Varela

Dafne Channel Vasquez-Varela

Luciano Rogi Vassallo

Evie Vazquez

Jonathan Vazquez

Jefferson Vela

Paulet Clarissa Vera-Freire

Joel Vidal

Diego Leonardo Viera

Joseph Gabriel Villagomez Acosta

Sergio Francesco Villar

Rubi Carolina Visnay Castillo

Christian Thomas Vitale

Allison Vivanco

Lilyanne Weinberger

Lawrence Harris Williams

Madison Wright-Davis

Aidan Agustin Zacarias

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Photos by Steve Ellmore

(Continued from Page 1)

“I believe, in order to succeed, you must learn to lose,” Bojorquez said. “Maybe you tried out for the musical and didn’t get it. Maybe you found out you might not graduate this year. Maybe you lost a friend or failed AP calculus for the year. I hope some of these scenarios sound relatable, because they are all of our stories. But it’s not the fact that we lost something, it’s that we kept on trying.”

Sarai Rodriguez, the class salutatorian, posited that success was something one must earn for oneself. She also said that any success, no matter how small, was worth celebrating — another lesson no doubt learned during quarantine, when small victories were essential to persevering.

“Don’t rely on the approval and validation of others to define how you acknowledge your accomplishments,” Rodriguez said. “Be proud of yourself for waking up this morning, putting on your cap and gown, making it down the aisle. Be proud that you are here today and that you are about to receive your diploma.”

The idea of self-acceptance and of learning from one’s past was the focus of valedictorian Michelle Jean-Louis’

speech. Jean-Louis, who will attend Harvard University in the fall, spoke powerfully about her experience as an immigrant, and about how the lessons she learned over the span of her life have led her to where she is today.

“Who would I be now if not for my past self? If not for the 12-year-old immigrant girl who, upon learning what the word valedictorian meant in her sixth-grade ESL class, thought to herself: Well, I want to be valedictorian one day,” Jean-Louis said.

The passion Jean-Louis put into the speech was palpable. At one point, she became so engaged in the speech that her cap fell off her head. She continued without missing a beat.

“I urge you to remember the past and the people that have helped lead you here. The accomplishments and victories of today are the fruit of the will and desire of those who came before you and your past self,” Jean-Louis said. “As you walk off the field and toward the future that awaits you, remember who you were. Remember where you came from. Remember the past. Let it fuel you. Let it be a reminder of your greatness.”

When accepting the certification of the See SCHOOLS, Page 23

Photos by Steve Ellmore

Speaking at the ceremony are Class of 2022 President Danielle San Juan, above left, and Student Government Organization President Sophia Bojorquez, above right.

Schools superintendent: ‘I am in awe of all of you’

(Continued from Page 22)

Class of 2022, Superintendent of Schools

Richard D. Tomko said he could not put into words what the graduating seniors must have felt throughout the past four years of hardship. He said he was certain, however, that they had learned more than most and could overcome whatever stood in their way next.

“I am in awe of all of you for what you have accomplished through something that none of us have seen in our lifetimes. We’ve helped you through it, but we do

not know what you went through,” Tomko said. “Opportunity is going to come to you in many different forms. You have to grab it when it is in front of you. Don’t be worried about failing or about succeeding in the future. Just take those opportunities.”

Board of Education President Luis Muniz echoed this sentiment in the last speech of the ceremony. He too spoke to the uncertainty of what lay ahead for the Class of 2022 but said he believed that the last few years had prepared the graduates for anything.

“I can’t stand here and give you scenarios for what life is going to be like,” Muniz said. “But the truth is, like your last four years here at BHS, you’re going to figure it out. And in those moments where you feel stuck and it’s more than you think you can bear, just know that you have a village behind you to help you figure it out.

He concluded: “If you can come together during uncertain times and come out the other end better and stronger, you can do that with the many challenges life will throw your way.”

Photo by Steve Ellmore