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June 2020
Class of 2020
RACHEL COHEN & KATIE MULLANEY, Editors in Chief
ESTEFANIA CHINCHILLA New York University Major: French and Linguistics “When my parents first came to the country, my dad knew zero English, and they always relied on me to translate things because it’s hard when you come here starting from nothing. Being able to be their key into society and break those barriers really made me think about it and want to help people.
ALEX BELGIOVINE Northeastern University Major: Computer Science “I fell in love with the the computer science course over time. I like how much potential this career has. The job market for computer science is increasing and I think it will continue to.”
RYAN CORRING Universal Technical Institute Auto and Diesel Repair Program “I’ve always been interested in cars and knew I wanted to work with them in someway. It wasn’t until last year that I decided that that was what I wanted to do. It’s literally living a dream.”
HANNAH EPSTEIN University of Delaware Major: Mechanical Engineering “I’ve been fascinated with military service. Mr. Kennedy invited me to go to a military base with the engineering class. Seeing what they do, it’s a whole new side of STEM that we don’t really get to explore at all in school.”
ANTONIO FYFE Berklee College of Music Major: Electronic Music Production and Sound Design “I think that I have a gift, and I really find that I like bringing joy to other people through music. Also, it’s a lot of fun — it comes pretty easy to me and it’s just something I have a passion for and see myself doing for the rest of my life everyday.”
JAMES DELLA PESCA Temple University Major: Undecided “I want to maybe be a physical trainer, but I want to use a business platform to get there. You’re helping people every day, whether it’s with pain in the body or just talking to them. A year ago, I tore my ACL, and I started learning all about the human body.”
OLIVIA GRECO The College of New Jersey Special Education/Elementary Education 5-Year Program “I love getting to see the way kids think and watch them learn. Every child is so different, and it is exciting to see them each do things their own way and try and figure things out.”
KAITLIN DAMASCUS University of Rhode Island Major: Communicative Disorders “When I was little, I wasn’t able to fully talk until I was three, and I had a speech therapist until I was seven. I used to love going there, so I want to help kids that had problems like I did.”
June 2020
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The Future Is Clear BARI HAYDEN Rochester Institute of Technology Major: Graphic Design Minor: Computer Science “I come from a long line of artists. Graphic design is about having a creative mind. You can sit down with a person, take an idea, and make it into a design.”
ALEX YAKIR Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Major: Architecture “In my AP studio art class, I decided that for my portfolio, I should dedicate my project to taking objects and turn them into building structures. I’ve really liked drawing and I felt that doing architecture is both in an art related field, yet it was also practical.”
REID LAUBER Culinary Institute of America Associate’s Degree: Culinary Arts Bachelor’s Degree: Business Management “With cooking, you don’t have to follow any rules. I’ve always liked cooking with my grandma since I was little, so that’s what inspired me.”
OLIVIA JONES
Vanderbilt University Majors: Physics and Mathematics Minors: Chemistry and Spanish
“In the last few years and decades, we know a lot more about space. However, at the same time, there is so much that we don’t know and possibly never will.”
SIENNA ORLANDO Bergen Community College Major: Sports Media “My dad is obsessed with sports, so growing up, I was introduced to anything possible. Over these past years at PV, I’ve learned a lot about filming since I did film PV sporting events, and taking it to the next collegiate level would be awesome.”
CHRIS VETTERLEIN United States Air Force “About two months ago, I did a project on my grandpas. It was about veterans and both of my grandpas were in the Air Force, and that’s when I got interested. There’s a lot of freedom I’ll have and after I’m done serving.”
KATELYN HEALEY
Salisbury University Major: Social Work
“Starting freshman year, I started working at the Jewish home in River Vale, a home for disabled adults. All the social workers are there and I just thought it was interesting. I took up the internship at Spectrum For Living Closer, and I loved it. We got to sit at meetings and everything and that’s when I knew I wanted to do this.”
GUS KOENIGUS Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, New Brunswick Major: Theatre Design and Technology “At the end of the day, on the last show that I performed in, I felt like I wasn’t in the right place. I knew I’d so much rather be backstage. I really connected with the technical side a lot more than I thought I ever would, so that was really cool.”
Photos by MATT AUSTIN & VICTORIA DONOFRIO
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June 2020
Life in Quarantine When school was called off for two weeks in the middle of March, most students looked forward to the little break we would be getting from the early mornings and late nights of high school. None of us could have predicted that Friday, March 13, would be the last day that the senior class would all be together at Pascack Valley. With all the disappointments that came along over the weeks, we are all well aware of what we missed and what we would be missing. However, I challenge the seniors to look back on the positives of their final year rather than letting the bad months take over. This strange situation the Class of 2020 is experiencing brought us new experiences and even some unique opportunities that are definitely worth recognizing. 1. Getting to spend quality time with our families. With school, spring sports, friends, work, and constantly having to balance all of our busy schedules, sometimes spending time with family gets cut short. Being around your entire family 24/7 may not be a high schooler’s dream, but getting that extra time is definitely something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. 2. A time to be creative. With so much downtime, quarantine gave us all the chance to do those projects and things that we have always wanted to complete. Whether it is drawing, painting, cooking, baking, designing, or building something, quarantine has encouraged us to revisit childhood hobbies and even pick new ones. I even saw kids in PV starting up their own small business over Instagram. 3. A chance to reconnect with friends. While we are not physically with each other, in efforts to practice social distancing, we are still finding creative ways to stay connected, such as game nights over Zoom, parking lot hangouts, or car parades for special occasions. Who knows, maybe not being together is making us all closer in a sense. This time spent physically apart has given us the time to reflect on how much we mean to one another. 4. All the different surprises. Throughout the weeks at home, the administration and parents have spent a lot of time trying to make up for some of the time missed with new and interesting surprises. We got a few lawn signs, had an “adopt a senior day, ” had a few faction members deliver items to our homes. I’m sure there are even more to come.
KATIE MULLANEY, Editor in Chief
Miranda Rack, Melissa Jennings, Emily Rabinowitz, Justine Tarabocchia, Katie Mullaney, and Mel Brentnall all got together to celebrate on the night of the originally scheduled senior prom.
Chris McGarth and Nate Dedrick competed against Ryan Thomas and AJ Puller in a 2v2 best ball matchplay event at the Skyview Golf Club in Sparta. McGrath filmed the game and posted it to his Youtube channel.
Maria Lo Picolo was able to meet her new-born baby cousin through a glass door in order to maintain social distancing.
Justine Tarabocchia started her own jewelry business on Instagram, @jewels.by.justine, Alycia Gilb helped her girlfriend move out of her dorm where she sells earrings. She early due to the pandemic at has been able to sell to members of the PV commuity. Rutgers University.
Dallas O’Connor, Brayden Schwartz, Luke Fiorino, TJ Pellegrin, Eddie Mercurio, and Oren Roznitsky came together to plant tress throughout Hillsdale neighborhoods.
Jaiden Price has been learning how to code and applied for a competibe summer program that she was recently accepted into called “Kode with Klossy.” The program teaches girls to code for both apps and website.
June 2020
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DeMaio coached college football for seven years at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Connecticut, and Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, before becoming the head football coach at William Paterson University in Wayne. “I love the game of football,” DeMaio said. “It has a family-like atmosphere and it teaches you to rely on somebody else on every single practice and play. I feel like so much of who I am and what I learned about life was translated from what I learned from football. I love the strategy of the game, the competition, comradery, and the discipline that comes with it.” Once DeMaio got married and had his first daughter, he wanted to find a stable environment for his family and received his teaching certification. His first job was at Elmwood Park where he became a middle school math teacher and coached high school football while pursuing his administrative certification. “With college football, you can be bouncing around the country, so I wanted a little bit more of a stable family life,” DeMaio said. Photo by MATT AUSTIN
Former Principal Tom DeMaio retired after 12 years as principal and 18 years at Pascack Valley. His last day was Dec. 20, the day before winter break.
‘This place is paradise’ PV principal to retire after 18 years RACHEL COHEN, Editor in Chief
T
om DeMaio became assistant principal at Pascack Valley in the fall of 2002, but he almost did not even interview for the position. “The superintendent at Leonia offered me a different position and a nice raise,” DeMaio said. “I came back and told Dr. Sapienza that I was going to withdraw my application and stay at Leonia.” But Sapienza, PV’s principal at the time, would not take no for an answer. “She said I owe it to myself to see the whole process through before I make my decision,” said DeMaio, who took Sapienza’s advice, finished a round of interviews, and accepted the job offer. Twelve years after stepping in for Sapienza as principal following her sudden passing, DeMaio is retiring. His last day is Dec. 20, the day before winter break. “When you invest yourself into something, it becomes a part of you,” DeMaio said. “[Being principal] becomes a part of you. Your motor doesn’t shut off. You’re on this thing 24/7, 7 days a week.” Coming to PV While DeMaio was the assistant principal at Leonia Middle School, a friend who had worked with Pascack Valley Regional High School District Superintendent Ben Tantillo told him about an opening at PV. DeMaio applied but then had second thoughts — Sapienza said no. “My wife said ‘What do you mean she said no? She can’t do that,’” DeMaio said. “I said ‘But she did, so I guess I’m going to keep going.’” Six years later, DeMaio was made the acting principal while Sapienza was undergoing knee replacement surgery. Following the operation, she went into a month-long coma and unexpectedly passed away in the middle of the 2007-2008 school year. DeMaio found out from Tantillo that he would be offered the permanent principal position. He originally did not realize the responsibilities that came with being the principal and needed to adapt to the changes. “I just figured to keep doing what I’m doing, but now all of a sudden, I’m dealing with so many layers to the onion,” DeMaio said. “There were just so many other things that started to come onto the desk. Your day-today is completely different. When anyone has a problem, it’s very important to them and you have to make sure that you deal with that nature.” As principal, DeMaio said he has become more retrospective and perspective since he had the opportunity to look behind closed doors. “I know I’m definitely going to miss this place and this job,” DeMaio said. “I’m going to miss everybody, from the students, to the custodians, to the aides, to the secretaries, to the teachers. I’m going to miss all the conversations that I have on a daily basis.” DeMaio said his retirement has been an “ongoing conversation” and “it was just right” to retire before January. The first person he told in the district was Superintendent Erik Gundersen. “It’s something that my wife and I have been mauling and talking about,” DeMaio said. “It was just something we felt that it was now a good time to do something different and spend more time together. I thought it might be a good transition to start a brand new year.”
Eighteen memorable years While at PV, DeMaio enjoyed the Valley Cups, the physics bridge projects, the first trip to Italy with the exchange program, PV choir teacher and Tri-M Music Honor Society Adviser Argine Safari’s Iceland trip, the plays, and the football, volleyball, basketball, and tennis state championships he witnessed. “[I love] when I get to see kids in PV do things other than academics and see them get outside of who they are as just a student, whether they are an athlete, singer, journalist, a theatre person, and see them get excited to do what they do,” DeMaio said. “I look around and look at so many teachers who have gotten so many accolades, awards and accomplishments — it’s not just one teacher. You can go into every department and all these teachers made a lasting impact on me.” Gundersen said one of DeMaio’s biggest hallmarks at PV was his contributions in technology since the 1:1 program and virtual school days began when he started as principal. “He’s the type of person to see what we can do to improve,” Gundersen said. “He’s always seeking out what’s next and what could be better in the classroom.” “This place is paradise. It doesn’t mean we don’t have problems, even Adam and Eve had problems. There’s always going to be things that can be better and we can improve upon, but that doesn’t mean the foundation for what this place stands for and what really occurs here every day isn’t great. It is, and that’s because of you guys.” — Tom DeMaio, Former PV Principal Gundersen mentioned how DeMaio should also be known for contributing to the overall school spirit and help figure out ways the district can prepare its students for college and beyond. “He really was the one who kicked off Valley Cup,” Gundersen said. “He’s been very focused on social causes. We’ve expanded our athletic programs and co-corriculturar programs. He’s been very supportive of what’s taken place.” DeMaio does not credit himself for any programs introduced, but instead, believes it was a collaborative effort among the community. “It was everybody,” DeMaio said. “I might throw the idea out there and let everybody decide the best way to do it. A lot of things that we’ve done have come from other people and I supported it and figured out how to make it work, or I might throw out an idea and let them figure it out. All I can do is try to create an environment that allows you to feel good about being here and hopefully that’s what I’ve been able to do.” The next stage DeMaio said there are multiple goals that need to be completed before retiring, including the music wing renovation, but he wants to enjoy his last days at PV. Once retiring, DeMaio hopes to spend time with his wife and his parents since his mom is going to be turning 80. “Being able to spend more time with is what’s on my immediate plan, and then to go sit on my boat on Lake Wallenpaupack and just relax for a little while. From there, I’m going to figure it out.”
The beginning of his career DeMaio graduated from Hawthorne High School in 1979 and was told by his dad, a teacher and athletic director, to not pursue a career in education. In college, he received a business degree at Seton Hall University and graduated in 1983. Photo by MATT AUSTIN After college, DeMaio decided to go to graduate school and quickly “fell in love with being a football coach.” Pascack Valley students and faculty cheers for Tom DeMaio as he walked “I went from going to graduate school and coaching to coaching and his final route around the school. DeMaio huged students and faculty going to graduate school,” DeMaio said. members as he exits the building for the last time
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June 2020
Future plans of the 2020...
SENIORS University of Tampa
Designed by KATIE MULLANEY
The following list shows the plans of seniors after high school. The results were collected by a survey The Smoke Signal sent to the Class of 2020. If a name is not listed, it is because the student did not participate in the survey.
Jean Jabouin
University of Arizona Nina Adams
Purdue University Brian Buckley Katie Smith
Connecticut
Fairfield University Ashley McKenna Matthew Rosenblatt Steven Rosenblatt Meg Falconer
University of Kentucky AJ McKeever
Sacred Heart University Nicolas Londono Christa Dimitry Dylan Ottomanelli Quinnipiac University Ali Feldman Jessica Forcellati Chris McGrath Jeffrey Patalano Jake Zaretsky University of Connecticut Ali Belgiovine Keemia Pico Emily Rabinowitz
Delaware
University of Delaware Hannah Epstein Lily Glastein Robby Kohl Samantha LoDestro Emily Mayer Katie Mullaney Jenn Pulsiano Miranda Rack
Florida Florida Gulf Coast University Evan Demarest University of Florida Jake Levine Abby Perini University of Miami Beibhinn O’Reilly Sarah Viceconte
Kentucky
University of Louisville Lawrence Elrich
Louisiana Louisiana State University Antonio Giustra
Maryland Salisbury University Katelyn Healey
Massachusetts Berklee College of Music Antonio Fyfe Lesley University Erin Hollar
Michigan Michigan State University Nicole Alvarado Maddie Rosenthal Ryan Thomas
Indiana Indiana University Simone Hodara Julia Mattessich Brayden Schwartz
Arizona
Illinois
DePaul University Sean O’Connor
University of Alabama Lauren Bell
Wentworth Institute of Technology Shawn Harvey
Idaho
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Alabama
Wellesley College Isabella Tjan
Rachael Cooper Jake Cosgrove
University of Michigan Meredith Tipping
New Jersey Bergen Community College Brooke Bujas Meldin Feratovic Chris Mailander Isabella Marchese Bailey McNamara Sienna Orlando Jack Rabinowitz Lindsay Velthaus The College of New Jersey Stephen Begen Alycia Gilb Isabella Liguori Maria Lo Piccolo TJ Pellegrin Paige Skene Justine Tarabocchia Sophie Ward Fairleigh Dickinson University Trey Herenda Jason Leibfried Monmouth University Mikayla Luberto Dan Scacchetti
Northeastern University Alex Belgiovine Kelsey Hagen Edward Mercurio Anna Urrea
Montclair State University Abigail Considine Craig Moorehead Emily Moriarty
Merrimack College Andrew Mann
New Jersey Institute of Technology Luke Pothen
Suffolk University Caleb Burleson Tufts University Gillian Feder University of Massachusetts - Lowell Skylar Murphy
William Paterson University Alice Bruter Ramapo College Matthew Ingenito Melanie Brentnall Aidan McBride Justin Rutigliano
June 2020
Rider University Eddie Gaugler Alex Lowry
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Jonathan Fan Alex Yakir
Rowan University Autumn King
Binghamton University Justin Narlinger Sam O’Donnell Jaiden Price
Hartwick College Jessica Flatley Hunter College Yee Cheng
Providence College Sean Sheehy
Syracuse University
Rhode Island School of Design Hangyul Lee
High Point University Lindsey Mattesich
Pennsylvania
Franklin & Marshall College Chloe Schnur
Samantha Conjour Nicole Criscuolo Saint Joseph’s University Andrew Martinez Temple University James Della Pesca University of Pennsylvania Rachel Lee University of Pittsburgh
Villanova University Melissa Jennings West Chester University Brendan Donnellan Jillian Wong
Tennessee University of Tennessee Dani Menendez
Delaware Valley University Victoria Donofrio
Joe Stephan
Parsons School of Design David Harnett
University of South Carolina Angelina Giustra John Greco Hailey Juillet
Xavier University Samantha Klink
Penn State University
New York University Sofia Battista Estefania Chinchilla Rachel Cohen
College of Charleston Sam Solotar
The Ohio State University Kriselle Bellini
South Carolina Clemson University Thomas Farrell
Ohio University Amanda White Nate Dedrick
Jake Williams
Mercy College Amanda Vetterlein
Ohio
Ithaca College
Marist College Fiona O’Flynn Robert O’Reilly Jack Rozsa Izzy Van Gyzen
University of Rhode Island Kaitlin Damascus Sean Deady Erica Masseria Mary Spillane Casey Stewart
Duke University Ashley Shaaf
Lehigh University Kathleen Gifford Oren Roznitsky
Manhattan College Luke Fiorino Jamie Cadiz
Roger Williams University AJ Menendez
North Carolina
The Culinary Institute of America Reid Lauber Fordham University Cynthia Atkinson Emily Kennedy Kristen McCarthy Caroline McDermott
School of Visual Arts Hope Buzzelli
University of Albany Abby Consolini
Stockton University Hailey Schnur Lauren Smith
New York
Johnson and Wales University Brianna Osenbruck
Union College Jake Ciocca
Rhode Island Bryant University James Montgomery
Grant Babyatsky Julianna Tsokanos
Seton Hall University
Rochester Institute of Technology Bari Hayden
Rutgers University New Brunswick Sofia Alarcon Noah Joroff Matthew Kim Gus Koeniges Sophia Lange Jih-Tyng Shih Zaven Atakhanian Brandon Cordiano Amanda Solda Stevens Institute of Technology Ellen An Tanner Marshall Dallas O’Connor Mary Savelyev
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Vanderbilt University Olivia Jones
Texas The University of Texas at Austin Josh Shiffman
Virginia George Washington University Drew Botwinick James Madison University Carly Borges Georgia Curcurato Brianna Oliveira Virginia Tech Rachel Mannasse Gianna Rowe
Trade School Ryan Corring
Military
Coast Guard - Matthew Kleman Marines - Dylan Vinogradov
Gap year/Work Ryan Gincley
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June 2020
Top Sports Moments of 2019-20 WILLY HIGGINS, Sports Writer
Pascack Valley soars past Golden Hawks The Pascack Valley girls swim team defeated River Dell by a score of 92-78 in the first round of the North 1 Group A NJSIAA tournament on Feb. 4 at the Bruce Walters Recreation Center in Union City The team had won the league title eight times in the last nine years, so after losing last year’s league championship, the Indians were determined to come back stronger this season. This motivation and hunger led to a league title and a victory in the state tournament against River Dell. With this win, the girls advanced to the quarterfinal round of the North 1 Group A NJSIAA tournament.
Photo by MATT AUSTIN
Dance team makes a “pointe” with third straight title The dance team won the Dance Team Union Nationals for pom on Feb. 23 at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida. In order to qualify for nationals, the team won Grand Champion at the regional competition after an undefeated season against local schools. This win marked the third consecutive year in which PVRDT won the Dance Team Union Nationals for pom.
Photo by MATT AUSTIN
Indians freeze Boilermakers with buzzer beater Junior Austin Koolery hit a buzzer-beating jumpshot to win the game by a score of 57-55 against Garfield on Mar. 2 in the opening round of the North 1, Group 3 Championship at Garfield High School. With the score tied at 55-55, Valley had the ball under its own basket with only enough time left for a catch and a quick shot. Koolery cut from the paint to the left corner, where he was able to get off a fading mid-range jump shot which would bounce on the rim twice and go in as time expired. After defeating Garfield in an exciting fashion, the Indians rode the momentum and advanced to the North 1, Group 3 State sectional semifinal game.
Winter Track SMR goes the distance The winter track Sprint Medely Relay team qualified for Nationals on Jan. 18 at the New Balance Games in New York City. The team consisted of seniors Andrew Martinez, Eddie Mercurio and Oren Roznitsky, as well as junior Michael Supple. They came in first place at the New Balance Games with a time of 3:38.41 which punched their ticket to the New Balance Nationals at The Armory in New York City. However, the boys were never actually able to compete as the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus.
Photo by MATT AUSTIN
Girls soccer downs defending champs in season opener
Photo by MATT AUSTIN
In the first game of the season, the girls soccer team defeated defending state champion Northern Highlands 2-0 on Sep. 6 at home. The Indians were complete underdogs in this matchup as they came into this season with six new starters, while Highlands was looked at as a national powerhouse. However, despite the lack of experience, Valley was able to outplay Highlands on both sides of the ball and come away with the victory. This was the first time Northern Highlands had been shut out in nearly two years and also the 100th victory for Coach Amy Lombardo.
Indians outduel Cowboys in rivalry match The wrestling team defeated Pascack Hills 36-25 on Feb. 7 at Pascack Hills High School. Pins from juniors Tyler Pizzi, Luke Petaccia, and Joe Duffy were integral for the Indians’ victory. Both schools had very high student attendance for the rivalry match and the atmosphere added to the excitement of it. Photo by MATT AUSTIN
PV cheer flies past competition
Photo by MATT AUSTIN
The cheerleading team won the Varsity Big North Patriot League Championship at Passaic County Technical Institute on Feb. 7. This now marks the third consecutive year where the team has won the League Championship.
Photo by VICTORIA DONOFRIO
June 2020
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Spring Sport Spotlight Spring Track
Dallas O’Connor
Race: 800 meter Senior Statement: “Track is probably one of the biggest things that have helped shape me as a person. The grind is honestly the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. [Track] teaches you patience, it teaches you hard work and dedication.” Coach’s Corner: “2020 was Dallas O’Connor’s coming out season indoors,” coach John Murtaugh said. “He literally “turned the corner” in the 800, knocking ten seconds off his time from last season. I have always maintained that some of the best middle distance runners are found on soccer fields. Dallas is certainly one of them: A remarkable athlete, but an even better human being.”
Evan Demarest
Photo by AVA KIM
Boys tennis
Position: First Singles Senior Statement: “Tennis has helped me mature. It’s definitely a very mature sport in aspects of keeping your cool and not losing your head. It’s a very mental sport as much as it is a physical sport.” Coach’s Corner: “Evan has come a long way since his freshman year. His presence and play on the court became stronger each year. He has established himself as a fortified first singles player since his sophomore year and set the goals for future first singles players to achieve,” coach Ken DelSanto said. “He is one of few PV tennis players to earn an entry into the prestigious state tournament, accomplishing that feat his junior year. Though his senior year was lost to pandemic, Evan has proven his leadership as a captain of the team off the court. His play and attitude on the court speaks for itself. “
Boys lacrosse
Photo by JORDAN PUZZO
Sean Deady
Position: Defense Senior Statement: “I started when I was really young, I think about elementary school, maybe second grade. It’s basically been my whole life. I’m upset, a little angry, because we put in a lot of hard work in the offseason, and for it to not pay off, it hurts. This is the sport I love and play.” Coach’s Corner: “I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Sean ever since his sophomore year,” coach Matthew Will said. “Sean is incredibly hard-working, dedicated to his teammates, and respects all his coaches. He responds well when challenged, and over the last year, developed into one of the leaders of this team. I am extremely proud of the young man that Sean has become and he will be missed both on and off the field next year.”
Photo by LUKE VISCO
Baseball
Jake Lutz
Photo by EVIE HIGGINS
Position: Shortstop Senior Statement: “We were all expecting big things. We had a bunch of returning guys,” Lutz said. “I thought we had a good chance of winning [the state sectional tournament] and competing in [the county tournament]. My main goal for the team was to win the triple crown.” Coach’s Corner: [Lutz] is our starting shortstop and has been for three years. He is a leader on and off the field for the program. He always works hard and is one of those players that truly loves this game,” coach Will Lynch said. “There were high expectations from a team that made it to the state [sectional] semifinals last year, and we had most of our team returning for another run at a title. This is a great team to coach, and more importantly, a great bunch of kids to be around every day.”
Photo by OLIVIA JACKSON
Isabel Van Gyzen
Jake Zaretsky Contributed Photo
Softball
Position: Left Field Senior Statement: “[Softball] has definitely helped me with my confidence. I used to stress out [about] going up to bat, but that has definitely gotten better. I’ve loved playing the last few years, but there’s just something about senior year that makes it more fun.” Coach’s Corner: “Izzy is the type of athlete that any coach would love to have as a part of their program,” coach Lauren Bacsik said. “She is dedicated, hardworking, and always comes to play with a smile. She has a calm and confident demeanor as she steps onto the field that helps pull the team together.”
Golf
Girls Lacrosse
Position: Attack Senior Statement: “I feel like I just opened myself up to a completely different group of people. I had to really come out of my shell and be open to meeting new people. Being a part of this has taught me that if you put a lot of hard work in, then you can get something good out of it.” Coach’s Corner: “[Brentnall] has been a player I have been able to go to whether it be to send a text, get information out to the team, or someone to bounce an idea off of and get honest feedback,” coach Melissa Velez said. “She has been a genuinely supportive teammate and someone who has never given up on trying to be the best lacrosse player she could be.”
Mel Brentnall
Senior Statement: “It was going to be a lot of fun. We’ve had really nice weather in May and I’m sure it would have been the same way if we were in school. The circumstances are exactly how they are, and you just have to deal with it, but it is definitely disappointing that we can’t play golf this spring.” Coach’s Corner: “Jake is a leader who is always enthusiastic about the opportunity to get on the golf course and play,” coach Brian Koch said.
Contributed Photo
BJ MCGRANE, Sports Editor & NOAH SILVER, Sports Writer
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June 2020
Team of the Year Football
SPENCER GOLDSTEIN, Sports Editor
Following two straight years that concluded with first round exits, Pascack Valley’s football team was able to put it all together this season en route to being crowned champions of the Patriot Gold league. The team was infamously given a 0% chance to win the league by northjersey. com in the preseason, but the Indians proved their doubters wrong when they edged out River Dell by one point to claim the title. Valley also went on to make a deep playoff run, earning the school’s first state sectional championship appearance since 2015.
Athletes of the Year
Photo by MATT AUSTIN
Andrew Martinez Andrew Martinez kicked off his senior year as an integral asset for the football team that won its league and made it to the state sectional championship. He played both sides of the ball and was a major contributor to the team’s success. He then followed that up with a stellar winter track season, highlighted by running a personal record for the 600 meter race in the Millrose Games. Martinez and three others also qualified for nationals after showing out at the New Balance Games. He was set to run spring track as well before the season was cancelled. “I am extremely honored to have won this award,” Martinez said. “PV is full of stellar athletes and it means a lot to me to be chosen for it. It’s crazy how your senior year makes every game [feel] so much more important than the years before.” He specifically thanked his coaches John Murtaugh, Anthony Judilla, and Len Cusumano, as well as track teammate Dallas O’Connor.
Photo by MATT AUSTIN
Paige Skene
Paige Skene, another multisport athlete, played a key role on the girls soccer team during the fall. The highlight of the season came in the team’s first game when the Indians defeated defending champion Northern Highlands 2-0. Once the fall ended, Skene ran point guard for the girls basketball team and was effective in all facets of the game. She was especially disruptive in the opposing teams’ passing lanes, stealing the ball and creating fastbreak opportunities for the Indians on a consistent basis. She was also set to play softball in the spring before the season was cancelled. “Playing soccer, basketball, and softball for PV is something I will never forget, [as well as] all the friendships and memories I have made over the years,” Skene said. “My senior seasons went very well and I am glad we were able to accomplish what we did.”
Photo by EVIE HIGGINS
June 2020
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Senior Awards Senior Awards Night is a yearly event for the district, where seniors are celebrated by earning awards and scholarships. Due to the coronavirus, this year’s ceremony was conducted virtually. Each reciepnt was able to join a group Zoom call followed by personal phone calls from a donor or member of the faculty. Listed below are all the award recipients.
SENIOR AWARD RECIPIENTS Valedictorian Recognition: Alex Belgiovine Salutatorian Recognition: Olivia Jones President, Executive Student Council Recognition: Anna Urrea President, PVHS Senior Class 2020 Recognition: Emily Kennedy President, National Honor Society Recognition: Isabella Tjan Alex Albert Memorial: Stephen Begen Ann Blanche Smith PTA: Abigail Considine Anne Vaccaro Memorial: Rachel Mannasse Anthony DeNorchia: Brianna Osenbruck Anthony Sylvestri Memorial Award: Jake Lutz Arsenal Soccer Award: Ashley McKenna & Nicolas Londono B&M Market Nutrition/Culinary Arts: Reid Lauber Bergen County Coaches Association: Stephen Begen & Paige Skene Bergen County Director of Guidance: Gillian Feder & Rachel Lee Carol Goodell-Cyr Service Award: Emma Wentland Dr. Barbara Sapienza Memorial: Emily Kennedy & Isabella Tjan Dr. Joseph Poli Memorial: Olivia Jones Dr. M.Robert Gomberg Memorial: Anna Urrea Dr. Michael Weinthal Memorial: Joshua Shiffman Gail Blumenthal Memorial: Sean Deady George G. White FFA Awards: Hailey Juillet & Estefania Chinchilla Greater Bergen County Realtors: Meredith Tipping Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce: Kaitlyn Thorn & Abigail Perini Greater Pascack Valley Woman’s Club: Emily Rabinowitz & Abigail Perini H. Besse Heale Memorial Award: Alex Belgiovine Health Profession Award by Bergen Oral Maxillofacial: Melissa Jennings Hillsdale Baseball & Softball Association: Isabel Van Gyzen & Chris McGrath Hillsdale Hawks Association Football & Cheer: Carly Borges & Sean Deady Hillsdale PBA: Nicolas Londono Institute of Management Accountants: Anna Urrea Joan & Danielle Mingione Memorial: Caroline McDermott Joseph (Joey) Buldo Licciardi Memorial: Edward Mercurio Joseph Buldo Licciardi JPA Memorial: James Holland & Kristen McCarthy Joseph Jones Community Service: Jimmy Berlamino Joseph P. Chiaradio: Yee Ying Cheng Kearny Federal Savings: Jillian Wong Ken Harrison Memorial: Paige Skene Kohan Family Future Nurse: Jessica Flatley & Christa Dimitry Lakeland Bank: Dallas O’Connor Lucia Drake Memorial: Sidney Desmangles Martin Schaefer Award by the Hillsdale FD: Lauren Perini Meadowbrook FFA: Georgia Curcurato & Ryan Thomas Melanie Fraiman Memorial: Luke Fiorino Michael Ratner Memorial: Maria LoPiccolo Min Soo Choi Memorial: Hannah Epstein & Jaiden Price Morning Announcers Recognition: Estefania Chinchilla & Gus Koeniges NVE Bank: Jean Jabouin Pascack Lacrosse Association Sr. Leadership: Melanie Brentnall & Jake Ciocca Pascack Pi-oneers/Dave Tedesco: Brian Buckley Pascack Valley Class of 1988: Casey Stewart Pascack Valley Rotary Club: Bari Hayden Phil Goodyear Memorial: Nick Dobre
Designed by KATIE MULLANEY
PV “Warrior” Yearbook: Noah Joroff PV Character: Ali Belgiovine & Lily Glastein PV International Thespian Society: Gus Koeniges PV Scholar Athlete: Miranda Rack PV Scholar Award: Alex Belgiovine PV Youth Soccer League Award in memory of Rich Harada: Oren Roznitsky & RJ O’Reilly RBH Math & Science Education: Isabel Liguori Renee L. Galdi Memorial Photography: Victoria Donofrio Reverence For Life: Amanda Vetterlein River Vale Baseball/Softftball Assoc in memory of Bobby Smith: Andrew Martinez & Olivia Jones River Vale Basketball Association Award: John Greco & Sofia Battista River Vale Education Association: Justin Narlinger River Vale Educational Fund: Dylan Schnur & Olivia Greco River Vale Fire Dept. Community Service: Blake Rosenbach & James Berlamino River Vale PTA: Emma Wentland, Hope Buzzelli, Jessica Forcellati & Rachel Cohen River Vale Rockers: Julia Mattessich, Kelsey Hagen, & Sarah Viceconte Russell Berg Memorial: Jake Ciocca & Sarah Viceconte Sabrina Ferrara Resilience Memorial: Alex Vargas Sarah, Mark & Jordan Wile Memorial: John Noone Smoke Signal: Rachel Cohen Steven P. Marchiano Memorial: Kriselle Bellini The Melting Pot: Julianna Tsokanos Vincent Kovar Memorial: Fiona O’Flynn William Buttino Memorial: Oren Roznitsky Zack Latteri Memorial: Oren Roznitsky, Sophie Ward, Ali Belgiovine, Chloe Schnur, Ellen An, Emily Rabinowitz, Joshua Shiffman, & Justine Tarabocchia PFO SUBJECT AWARD RECIPIENTS English Award: Isabella Tjan, Joshua Shiffman, & Meredith Tipping Social Studies Award: Rachel Cohen, Isabella Tjan, & Ashley Shaaf Engineering Award: Maddie Rosenthal Graphic Design Award: Bari Hayden Video Production Award: Sienna Orlando & Chris McGrath Computer Science Award: Brian Buckley & Tanner Marshall Physical Education: Hailey Schnur, Olivia Jones, Erica Masseria, Andrew Martinez, Ryan Thomas, & James Della Pesca Olympian Award: Damon Gynegrowski & Lauren Smith Nobility Award: Matthew Ingenito PV Spirit Award: James Della Pesca Academic Excellence Award: Dallas O’Connor & Jillian Wong Math Award: Rachel Lee, Alex Belgiovine, & Olivia Jones Science Award: Justine Tarabacchia, Emily Rabinowitz, & Nicole Criscuolo World Language Award: Chinese - Jonathan Fan, French - Estefana Chinchilla, Spanish - Olivia Jones, Italian Cynthia Atkinson Arts Award: Visual - Kelsey Hagen, Photography - Sophia Lange, Ceramics - Miranda Rack Business Award: Ashley McKenna & Lauren Bonanno FACS Award: Early Childhood - Georgia Curcurato Culinary Arts - Hailey Schnur, Interior Design - Julia Cascio Band: Sophia Lange & Matthew Kim Choir: Isabella Tjan & Antonio Fyfe Determination Award: Ashley Shaaf & Kathleen Gifford Perserverence Award: Molly Kimball
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June 2020
Some of our favorite photos this year
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