The Fanscotian - June 2016 - Volume 80, Issue VI

| Volume 80 | Issue VI | Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | 667 Westfield Road | Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 | (908) 889-8600 |

SPFHS bids farewell to retiring educators EDUCATORS REFLECT ON THEIR EXPERIENCES AT SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD HIGH SCHOOL “[I’ve enjoyed] getting students to appreciate physical activity and seeing students grow and mature into young adults.”

-Laurie Call artwork by Peter Warren [3] photo courtesy of Lauren Tropper

photo courtesy of Vincent Turturiello

photo by Ian MacPherson

by Ian MacPherson

As senior graduation draws near, so does the time for retiring educators to depart from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.

Five members of the SPFHS community will be embarking on an exciting new stage of their lives: teachers Laurie Call, Suzanne Doliber, Janet Ramos and Mary Kate Schiller, and supervisor Vincent Turturiello.

Laurie Call

An opportunity to teach and coach led Call to SPFHS. Twenty-nine years later, Call is retiring from her job as a physical education teacher.

Call will use her retirement as a chance to spend more time with her family and to enjoy her home in Ocean City, Maryland.

Though she will not miss her two-hour-long commute, Mrs. Call will miss her colleagues and students. “[I’ve enjoyed] getting students to appreciate physical activity and seeing students grow and mature into young adults,” said Call.

Suzanne Doliber

Doliber’s experience at the High School has been the challenge she hoped for after transferring from Terrill Middle School 12 years ago.

“The most rewarding part of teaching has been working with students and seeing them succeed here and beyond,” said Doliber.

She will not miss “standardized testing and not being in an air-conditioned room in 90 degree heat,” said Doliber.

Doliber looks forward to spending more time with her family and on her hobbies. A lover of the outdoors, she is excited to hike and travel.

Janet Ramos

“An ‘open mind’ led me to SPFHS,” said Ramos.

Thirty-one years later, it proved the best decision she made.

Building personal connections with students has made her experience great.

“My primary goal has been to help students become aware of their strengths when overcoming academic difficulties,” said Ramos.

Ramos will be slowing down her pace in retirement.

“I will have flexibility to visit the YMCA, the yoga center and friends for lunch,” said Ramos.

Ramos will miss the positive energy her students and colleagues bring to her day. What she will not miss: “The 130 plus decibel ring of our fire alarm.”

Mary Kate Schiller

After teaching nearby, Schiller “came full circle” back to her home district of SPF. Her passion carried through her 13 years of teaching here.

“Knowing I have touched a student who may not have initially liked PE and made a difference

The theme of this year’s senior section is pop art. This issue incorporates aspects of this theme through pictures, headlines and more.

“The most rewarding part of teaching is working with students and seeing them succeed here and beyond.”

-Suzanne Doliber

From left to right: Janet Ramos, Laurie Call, Mary Kate Schiller and Suzanne Doliber. The teachers announced their retirement this year.

makes it all worthwhile,” said Schiller.

When she retires, Schiller will miss seeing friendly faces every day. On the other hand, she will not miss getting the A.E.D. from the boys locker room to lug to the tennis courts.

Schiller often shares this saying with her students: “It is not about where you start but how and where you finish.”

She would like to thank the SPF community for a terrific finish.

artwork by Rachel Lambert

“My primary goal as a special education teacher has been to help students become aware of their strengths when overcoming academic difficulties.”

-Janet Ramos

Vincent Turturiello

Before he came to the SPF, Turturiello taught elsewhere and had a private business called “Music On Wheels.”

For the 37 years that followed, Turturiello has been supervisor of the Fine Arts department and director of the Moonglowers.

Outside of the musical sphere, Turturiello coached girls basketball, softball and tennis at the high school and for AAU program.

“I was able to combine my coaching/athletic background to the music arena, and it paid off,” said Turturiello.

He plans to spend time with his family. He imparts the following words of wisdom: “Remember, if you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life.”

artwork by Ian MacPherson

“It is not about where you start but how and where you finish.”

- Mary Kate Schiller

artwork by Ian MacPherson

“Remember, if you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life.”

- Vincent Turturiello

See the full interviews at the fanscotian.com artwork by Gabriela MacPherson

Inside the Senior Section

Senior Section....................... 3-5, 8-9 Senior List.....................................6-8

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Penelope Makes her final decision

Penelope’s hard work pays off after long college Application Process form and say goodbye to SPFHS and all the memories that “I want to see that I have a clear vision of what I want to

by Alyssa Cordero

“You can’t be in high school forever,” said senior Penelope. “I’m excited that I get to go to a school that I really like and know that I’ll learn and have good time at.”

Over the course of the year, The Fanscotian has followed Penelope through her senior year, specifically through her college application process. It is time to reveal Penelope’s identity: senior Samiksha Vittalraj.

The Fanscotian has documented all of her applications, acceptances and final decisions. As her senior year comes to a close, Vittalraj is ready to walk on the graduation plat-

artwork by Rachel Lambert

she has made.

Vittalraj has also decided to reveal the school that she has committed to: the University of Rochester.

In the last few days before she had to make her decision, Vittalraj was stuck between Case Western University and the University of Rochester. Despite both schools having great medical programs, the size and the community of the school were the ultimate factors.

“I wanted more of a community and collegiate feel,” said Vittalraj. “I felt really good about my decision.”

Attending an accepted-students day also played a huge role in her decision. On this day, Vittalraj was able to meet professors and speak to a student who was on a pre-med track.

Vittalraj is excited about all that her new school has to offer both academically and socially. Since she wants to eventually apply to medical school, Vittalraj was excited to know that the University of Rochester offered a public health major. This allows Vittalraj to explore different majors atypical of a usual pre-med student.

She also hopes to become involved in many extracurriculars in her new school. Vittalraj has previously said that she hopes to volunteer and dance at college. Rochester’s smaller setting will also allow Vittalraj to play a large role on campus.

“I think I’ll have a better opportunity to be a leader,” said Vittalraj. “I definitely want that for myself in terms of a health club or a volunteering club where I can project my voice.”

Despite the extracurriculars she hopes to pursue at school, Vittalraj hopes to remain as determined and focused as ever. “[Medical school] is what I hope to do,” said Vittalraj.

do in the future.”

Although Vittalraj looks forward to her time at college, she will miss the familiarity of SPFHS. “I’ll definitely miss my friends and the teachers that I have gotten to know and become close to,” said Vittalraj.

As Vittalraj prepares to leave SPF and begin her new life at the University of Rochester, she leaves incoming seniors with advice: “Definitely don’t stress out. Things work out at the end for you,” said Vittalraj. “If you know that you worked hard throughout high school and put all of your effort into your college application, it’s definitely going to work in your favor.”

Visit our website, thefanscotian.com, to learn more about Hudson, the second senior we followed through the college application and acceptance process.

artwork by Gabriela MacPherson

junior pursues culinary career early

by Alexa-Jada Nelson

Juniors are currently preparing for the infamous senior year: the last year at high school and the most nerve-wracking. Junior Rachel Horn, however, is already set for college and plans to spend her senior year at Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island to pursue her culinary career early.

Horn was accepted into the Early Enrollment Program at Johnson and Wales University in April. According to the university’s website, accepted applicants become full-time college students during their senior year of high school. The program offers many benefits such as cutting the tuition in half for the first year, providing scholarships, and allowing students to graduate a year early.

Horn first discovered the program in her sophomore year and

was ineligible to apply. However, she kept the program at the back of her mind.

“When I went to Johnson and Wales for the first time in the beginning of March,” said Horn, “I asked the admissions officer about it and she said I should apply as soon as possible.”

The admissions process for the EEP Program is very different from the regular admissions process most seniors endure.

“The first thing I got was an online application- there was no fee. I just had to fill out a basic application saying if I was in any sports or clubs, if I had any leadership roles, and basic information with my transcript and approval from Dr. Heisey and my guidance counselor,” said Horn.

No essays, standardized test scores, or recommendation letters were required either. Just an interview, over the phone or in

artwork by Ciara Nicdao-Richardson

person, was necessary.

“It wasn’t like an audition where I had to cook something for them, but I did put together a portfolio of all the things I made as an extra step and to set myself apart from everyone else,” said Horn.

Coming from a family of Italian descent, cooking has always been an integral part of Horn’s life but it was not until freshman year that she really developed her passion for the culinary arts. “I’ve always loved cooking since I was a kid, with my family and everything, but I knew I wanted to do it for the rest of my life when I started working at Classic Thyme in Westfield,” said Horn.

She has been working at Classic Thyme since sophomore year and has honed her skills and displayed her talents.

“She’s grown tremendously and you could see the interest in the very beginning,” said David Martone, executive chef and owner of Classic Thyme. “It’s been exciting to see her grow and flourish and really take to a career and her latest accomplishment.”

Attending the rigorous culinary program at the Union County Vocational-Technical School has also played a major role in preparing her for her culinary career.

The leap from being a junior to being a college freshman may seem intimidating, but Horn is ready to advance towards her culinary career. “I am not nervous at all because I know my friend in Vo-tech, who is a senior now, is going too, so I plan on rooming with her,” said Horn. She also plans to spend as much time as she can with friends and family before she heads off to Johnson and Wales in September.

infographic by Haley Nakonechny

The SPFHS Class of 2016 Really POPS!

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fanscotian Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School 667 Westfield Road Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 Serving the students, faculty and communities of Scotch Plains and Fanwood since 1936.

Editors-in-Chief: Alyssa Cordero McKella Sylvester Peter Warren Copy Editor: Ian MacPherson Technology Director: Alexa-Jada Nelson Opinion & Entertainment Editor: Kevin Rohman Feature Editor: Majeda Mohammed Head of Sports: Robert Fallo Layout Editor: Reina Makimura Managing Director: Haley Nakonechny Art/Graphics Editor: Stephanie Colinders Advisers: Heidi Novik Elizabeth Tessi Got something to say?

Letters to the editor are encouraged. The Fanscotian reserves the right to contact writers or edit submissions for reasons of space and clarity. The Fanscotian will not publish any writing that is libelous, obscene, or an invasion of privacy. Anonymous letters will not be published.

All letters will be published on a space-available basis.

Letters to the editor may be submitted by: (1) emailing thefanscotian@gmail.com (2) mailing to The Fanscotian at Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s address: 667 Westfield Road, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 (3) delivering them to The Fanscotian in room 215, or (4) placing them in adviser Heidi Novik’s mailbox in the main office

dr. Heisey’s Letter to seniors I am pleased to congratulate the members of the class of 2016 on completing their formal education at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.

The members of the class of 2016 have experienced three decades, two centuries, and two millennias, something that few graduating classes can claim. Generation Y, as you are often referred to, is expected to become the most highly educated generation in the history of our nation.

Being born around the years of 1997/1998, you have grown up in the post 9/11 world, and the members of your class can’t remember a time when the War in Afghanistan was not being fought. Despite growing up in turbulent times, a recent Pew Research Poll indicates that your age group is very optimistic regarding the future. You are also the most racially and ethnically diverse generation, making you some of the most tolerant and open-minded individuals of our time.

When we met for the first time as a group, I advised you that everything counts and to take advantage of the many opportunities available at SPFHS. That advice will continue to be relevant as you leave SPFHS. Unlike previous generations and classes, you will hold many jobs in various work environments and even change careers often throughout your life. Your ability to adapt, learn on the job, and continually re-tool your skills will determine your success. The class of 2016 will be an integral component in how the future of our nation will be shaped as you vote for the first time in a presidential election.

I have had the opportunity to know, quite well, many members of the class of 2016. I am also optimistic about your future and the future of our nation given your desire and ability to succeed and make a difference. I wish all of you well as you pursue your dreams and aspirations.

David Heisey Principal

artwork by Gabriela MacPherson

Teachers answer: WHAT MAKES Class of ‘16 Pop?

by Caroline Gutierrez

Jeffrey Gutterman

Mission Statement The Fanscotian is a publication of the Journalism II class at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. Its goal is to educate and inform, accurately and impartially, students, staff and community members about relevant issues and events and to serve as a forum for authentic student expression.

Marjorie Fitzgibbon The class of 2016 is a strong-willed, more opinionated, tough bunch.

They say what they mean, and they don’t really care about the response it receives — in a good way.

The class of 2016 is LOUD. They are boisterous, and they have overthe-top personalities. artwork by Jonathan Kriney

Jeffrey Koegel

artwork by Gabriela MacPherson

Marc Fabiano

Editorial Policy The staff editorial represents the opinion of The Fanscotian, its advisers, or Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.

Advertisement Policy The Fanscotian reserves the right to refuse to publish advertisements it finds salacious or inappropriate.

june 2016

I had an enjoyable time with this class — lots of exceptional students and a number of interesting characters. They were a great group of kids.

They have incredible school spirit. They take such pride in being a part of the Raider community.

artwork by Alexa-Jada Nelson artwork by Ian MacPherson

Allison Weigel This class is probably one of the nicest classes I’ve watched go through SPF. They’re always in great moods, which helps put me in a good mood, and I really appreciate how happy and pleasant they always are.

artwork by Reina Makimura

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What Makes You

artwork by Ciara Nicdao-Richardson

“Singing, because the style that I like to sing is a big part of me.”

-Janay Armbrister

artwork by Alexa-Jada Nelson

“How I encourage people.”

-Kaleb Rembert

artwork by Saleena Nival

“The fact that I can do a wall sit for four minutes and six seconds.”

-Caroline Babis

artwork by Peter Warren

“I am always energetic and walking around with a big smile.”

-Jason Wendel

artwork by Alexa-Jada Nelson

artwork by Peter Warren

“My endearing height or my love for potatoes.”

-Mark Mital

“My ability to look at the positives in any situation makes me special.”

-Bianca DeMaria

Class of 2016 Abar, Jamie Abdy, Matthew Acito, Catherine Acosta, Brianna Almonte, Dulce Almonte, Paola Ames, Rebecca Amore, Alfonso Anclien, Jennifer Annicchiarico, Joseph Annucci, Andraya Armbrister, Janay Axelrod, Joshua Babis, Caroline Bagat, Emma Baldwin, Raymond Baliko, Daniel Bamrick, Donald Banasiak, Amanda Banker, Madison Bannon, Lucas Bara, Thomas Barash, Sarah Battle, Micaiah Bebout, Madeline Becker, Brianna Becker, Molly Belford, Jordan Benavides, William Bennett, Briana Bernardo, Isabella Bernstein, Noah Besson, Michael Bianco, Joseph Blanck, Nicholas Blechinger-Slocum, Shay Blocker, Frederick Boozer, Justin Bowles, Sarah Boyle, Emily Broders, Samantha Brown, Brittany Brown, Jacob Bryant, Jalen Buckridee, Zoe Busa, Allison Buttigheri, Joseph Calabrese, Emma Canevari, Nancy Cappadoccia, Celeste Carlino, Giovanna Caro Esposito, Anthony Cassara, Nicholas Castiglia, Rebecca Castro, Steven Cerritto, Justin Charos, Laura Cheney, Nicholas Cheney, Sean Cherubini, Paul Choi, Robert Christian, Ashley Chrystal, Madeline Cicolello, Kyle Cimino, Chloe Cimring, Jordan Cimring, Zachary Cohen, Emily Condon, Logan Conti, Vincent Cook, Briana Cooper, Aaron Cornejo, Christian Costello, Shannon Coupe, Kyle Couso, Alexis Crandall, Paige Daniele, Carly Daudelin, Casey Davidman, Nicholas Davis, Sarah Dawson, Daniel De Bellis, Amanda

DeBonis, Darby

Champlain College Raritan Valley Community College James Madison University Regent University West Chester University Rutgers University – New Brunswick Tufts University Centenary College University of Denver New Jersey Prep Football Ramapo College of New Jersey University of Maryland – Eastern Shore Tulane University University of Delaware American University Raritan Valley Community College East Carolina University Employment Bowdoin College Northeastern University Employment Employment Vassar College University of Delaware The Ohio State University Raritan Valley Community College Syracuse University Kean University Penn State University Rutgers University – New Brunswick Clemson University Colgate University Syracuse University La Salle University Union County College Northeastern University Raritan Valley Community College Penn State University Union County College Lafayette College University of Pittsburgh Michigan State University Rutgers University – New Brunswick University of Pittsburgh Rutgers University – Newark Gap Year John Jay College of Criminal Justice The College of New Jersey Smith College Rutgers University – New Brunswick College of the Holy Cross Union County College New Jersey Hitmen Hockey Raritan Valley Community College Raritan Valley Community College Full Sail University Bucknell University Raritan Valley Community College Muhlenberg College University of Vermont Drexel University Rider University Loyola University Maryland East Stroudsburg University Gordon College Muhlenberg College Muhlenberg College Penn State University Raritan Valley Community College Rutgers University – Newark Employment Pace University Kean University University of Rhode Island Penn State University Montclair State University University of Delaware University of South Florida Loyola University Maryland Undecided Rutgers University – New Brunswick Old Dominion University Hartford University Seton Hall University

DeFouw, Jack Demaria, Bianca Denman, Joseph DePaola, Catherine DePaola, Edward Desantis, Margaret Devia, Julio Devine-Gelling, Mark Dieu, Madison DiFrancesco, James Diggs, Kayla DiLollo, Gabriella DiNizo, Frank DiVirgilio, Margaret Dobies, Francesca Dombrowski, Connor Downing, Taylor Dreyfus, Courtney Duffy, Christopher Duffy, Marina Duggan, Emma Duque, Maria Ehrenthal, David Ekwofia, Oghenekevwe Elseht, Abrahim Elseht, Zakary Erikson, Megan Fahrenholz, Jacqueline Fanning, Brendan Faust, Glen Ferrara, Jessica Ferrara, Samantha Florence, Angelette Flynn, Ally Foley, Kara Fortune, Daniel Fossaceca, Abigail François, Wildege Freedman, Rebecca Frier, Alexander Fuchsman, Andrew Fuimo, Zakary Gallo, Jacqueline Ganzha, Darya Gara, Allison Garber, Matthew Garyfallos, Martha Garzon, Stacy Gelfand, Adam Goeller, Heather Gordon, Ian Gorman, Samantha Gorski, Matthew Gotliboym, Ira Graham, Austin Graham, Ethan Graham, Nathaniel Grambor, Jacob Griffith, Joseph Gudowitz, Rachel Guevara, Alexander Guidi, Joseph Halma, Dakota Halma, Zachary Halpin, Matthew Hanna, Kyrollos Hardin, Guilliame Harris, David Heath, Matthew Heisey, Cameron Henkels, Patrick Hicks, Alaysia Hinojosa, Maximo Hoover, Zianne Hosmer, Alexander Howerton, Austin Hsu Obrock, Ani Hubbard, Mary Hudgins-Jones, Donald Hughes, Anthony Iacona, Isabella Isaacs, Eva Jain, Shona Janssen, Rachael

William Paterson University University of South Carolina Mansfield University University of Pennsylvania Villanova University University of Pittsburgh Employment Employment Lehigh University American University Wagner College Kean University Kean University University of South Carolina New Jersey City University Employment Bethune-Cookman University Stockton University Western New England University Middlesex County College University of Delaware Rutgers University – New Brunswick Penn State University Montclair State University Northeastern University Northeastern University University of Arizona McDaniel College University of Delaware Undecided Information Unavailable Penn State University Hampton University University of Delaware Syracuse University Raritan Valley Community College Villanova University Stevenson University Penn State University University of Maryland – College Park Cabrini University Kean University Montclair State University Rutgers University – Newark DeSales University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rutgers University – New Brunswick Montclair State University Warren Wilson College SUNY Binghamton Western New England University The College of New Jersey Employment Rutgers University – New Brunswick Employment Drexel University Emerson College United States Marine Corps Montclair State University SUNY Cortland Rutgers University – New Brunswick University of Vermont Michigan State University New Jersey Institute of Technology Quinnipiac University Montclair State University Luther College United States Navy University of Maine Union County College Syracuse University Union County College Carpentry Apprenticeship DePaul University University of Pittsburgh Union County College University of Vermont Montclair State University Coppin State University Union County College University of Wisconsin The College of New Jersey New Jersey Institute of Technology Rowan University

Jegede, Maya Jensen, Jordan Jimenez, Sofia Kaminoff, Lizabeth Kaminskas, Lauren Kargi, Selin Kaulfers, Rebecca Kearns, Annemarie Kearns, Nolan Khan, Sabrina Kieltyka, Megan Kleemeyer, Vance Koederitz, Kristen Kolasinski, Ryan Korduba, Julian Korkmaz, Nadim Korteling, Madison Kosciolek, Gayle Kosovan, Adam Kowalczyk, Emma Kraus, Gregory Kriney, Jonathan Krishan, Rasheka Krishna-Kumar, Kaavya Kronsteiner, Lea Kussner, Liza Lambert, Rachel LaPenna, Lauren Lapidus, Jillian Laucik, Jessica Lee, Aaron Leichtling, George Leistikow, Thomas Lesce, Grace Lesiak, Sierra Liang, Xuying Litwin, Tyler Longo, Jake Lorusso, Giancarlo Lucas, Stefany MacPherson, Gabriela Magrino, Kelly Majek, Brian Malone, Brandon Manning, Emma Mannino, Caitlyn Mansilla, Chloe Marable, Addam Margaritondo, Thomas Markey, Amelia Marquardt, John Martinez, Kayla Marvosa, Michelle Mascioli, Darren Mathews, Andrew Mayerson, Brett Mayorquin, Gabriela Mccoy-Guyton, Alivia McGriff, Aaron McManus, Brian Mecca, Erin Mehorter, Rebecca Meisch, Sean Melendez, Tatiana Merlo, Tessa Michnowski, Jocelyn Miguelino, Alyssa Miguelino, Brandon Miller, Darryl Miller, Rebecca Miller, Zakary Millings, Jordan Mills, Bethany Mineo-Pankiewitz, Nina Mital, Mark Mitchell, Timothy Mohamed-Aly, Kareem Monahan, Haley Morris, Emily Mosby, Chyna Mruczinski, Jake Mujumdar, Sarika Murphy, James Murphy, Meaghan Musano, Luke Musso, Kathryn

Gap Year Union County College Fashion Institute of Technology Cornell University Rutgers University – New Brunswick University of Pittsburgh Union County College University of Rochester University of Rochester Massachusetts Institute of Technology Misericordia University Stockton University The College of New Jersey Rider University Rutgers University – New Brunswick University of Pittsburgh Monmouth University UC Tech Cosmetology Program Universal Technical Institute University of Delaware Centenary College Lehigh University Parsons – The New School of Design Rutgers University – New Brunswick Montclair State University Penn State University Susquehanna University

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising

Albright College Rutgers University – Newark Loyola University Maryland Saint Joseph’s University Grinnell College Marymount University Marist College Rutgers University – New Brunswick Elon University Rutgers University – New Brunswick Drexel University Union County College The College of William and Mary Stockton University Mercer College Union County College Spring Hill College Marist College Susquehanna University Penn State University – Hazleton Rutgers University – New Brunswick Messiah College Towson University Union County College Montclair State University University of Pittsburgh New Jersey Institute of Technology Ithaca College Union County College Undecided Gap Year Saint Joseph’s University Employment Ithaca College University of Vermont University of Rhode Island Raritan Valley Community College Penn State University University of Pittsburgh United States Navy Employment Princeton University Union County College Universal Technical Institute University of Alabama Seton Hall University Purdue University University of Rhode Island University of Massachusetts – Boston University of Scranton Union County College Delaware State University Montclair State University Northeastern University Professional Soccer Team Union County College Union County College University of Miami

Ni, Amenda Nicdao-Richardson, Ciara Nival, Saleena Nizolak, Scott O’Brien, Tyler O’Connor, Erin O’Hara, Amanda O’Neill, Shannon Oslislo, Matthew Ostapiej, Daniel Ostrander, Madalyn Pagano, Anniston Pahountis, Nikitas Parente Mangosi, Micaela Parizeau, Tyler Patel, Sagar Peck, Faegan Perez Mendoza, Elena Petitti, Vito Phansalkar, Celia Philippe, Jashmar Pierce, Anne Powell, Benjamin Powers, Elise Provenzano, Cara Racaniello, Nadia Radice, Ryan Radice, Stephen Ramos, George Randazzo, Harry Rata, Geneva Ray, Andrew Reddington, Connor Redfield, Dylan Reis, Annarae Reiserova, Petra Rembert, Kaleb Reyes, Ulysses Rimpici, Andrew Ringel, Caroline Roberts, Olivia Robins, Nicholas Robinson, Erykah Robinson, Summer Roden, Allison Rodriguez, Zoe Rohman, Arthur Romero, Jared Rosenzweig, Ari Sadel, Samuel Saleh, Anjanette Salgado, Leila Sandin, Michelle Santo Salvo, Carolyn Sass, Mariel Sawchuk, Julianna Schuman, Matthew Schweizer, Matthew Sciara, Tori Scobee, Caroline Seeney, Katherine Segulin, Nikola Seidel, Thomas Shadmi, Stav Shek, Wilson Simon, Hannah Sinanovic, Arlind Sjonell, Lauren Skanes, Benjamin Skowronski, Alexander Smeltzer, Kelly Songonuga, Aboluwarin Sonpar, Kevin Sosnowski, Matthew Spadaro, Nicholas Spector, Abby Spirko, Taylor Spitzer, Kimberly Stone, Jalen Stone, Nicholas Stovall, Mary Catherine Suresh, Rohan Sutterlin, Jacob Swaak, Kiersten Syed, Belal Szpond, Lauren

Rutgers University – New Brunswick Montclair State University Rutgers University – New Brunswick Elizabethtown College Clemson University Loyola University Maryland Syracuse University University of Arizona Rowan University Universal Technical Institute Fairleigh Dickinson University University of Rhode Island Union County College Florida Southern College Employment New Jersey Institute of Technology University of Hartford Union County College Rutgers University – New Brunswick Gap Year Kean University George Washington University The Ohio State University Ringling College of Art and Design Rutgers University – New Brunswick Ithaca College Monmouth University Penn State University – Lehigh Valley Rowan University SUNY Binghamton University of Pittsburgh Union County College Ramapo College of New Jersey University of Maryland John Jay College of Criminal Justice Rutgers University – New Brunswick Rider University Rutgers University – New Brunswick Champlain College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute University of South Carolina Centenary College Kean University The College of Wooster Rutgers University – New Brunswick University of Scranton Rutgers University – New Brunswick University of Manitoba Bucknell University Temple University James Madison University Union County College Information Unavailable Mitchell College Rutgers University – New Brunswick Raritan Valley Community College Lafayette College Clemson University Ithaca College University of South Carolina Penn State University Arcadia University Saint John’s University Union College Rutgers University – New Brunswick University of Missouri Union County College James Madison University Raritan Valley Community College DeSales University Union County College Kean University Northeastern University Fashion Institute of Technology Philadelphia University SUNY Cortland West Chester University Syracuse University William Paterson University Stockton University Tulane University University of Pittsburgh University of Delaware University of St. Andrews Rutgers University – Newark University of Rhode Island

Tannenbaum, Ryan Taylor, James Tenzer, James Thanawala, Adesh Thompson, Isaiah Toro, Alyssa Traina, Kate Triamarit, Tinnapat Tufaro, Catherine Uvino, Charles Van Natta, Bridget Velasquez, Alexandra Velez, Bella Vera, Ariel Verdiramo, Vincent Verrico, Zoe Vilbon, Dachi Villacis, Mercy Vittalraj, Samiksha Voorhees, Devin Walker, Melanie Walsh, Connor Wayman, Grace Weigel, Mariah Weigel, Mariel Weigel, Melody Weiss, Benjamin Welch, Kathleen

Kean University Delaware Valley University University of Rhode Island New Jersey Institute of Technology Rutgers University – New Brunswick Kean University Temple University Montclair State University Warren County Community College Kean University Syracuse University Union County College Union County College Employment New Jersey Institute of Technology Rutgers University – New Brunswick Union County College New York University University of Rochester Kean University Marist College University of Delaware Penn State University Bucknell University Lehigh University George Washington University Syracuse University University of Pittsburgh

Wendel, Jason Widman, Joshua Wilkes, Jasmin Williams, Amani Williams, Victoria Willis, Erik Willmott, Tyler Witkowki, Joseph Woerner, Michael Wrenn-Sheffield, Tyler Wright, Michael Yarbenet, Georganne Yessman, Caroline Yip, Kaitlyn Young, Brianna Zaborowski, Gali Zakarin, Jenni Zaksenberg, Naomi Zheng, Daniel Zhuang, Vivian Zimmerman, William Zimmermann, Natalie Zogg, Carly

Indiana University of Pennsylvania Syracuse University Undecided Undecided Pace University University of Vermont Union County College Ohio University Gap Year SUNY Stony Brook New Jersey Institute of Technology Barry University University of Mississippi Montclair State University Berkeley College Rutgers University – New Brunswick University of Rochester Towson University University of Pittsburgh Cornell University Raritan Valley Community College University of Delaware Northeastern University

On June 22, the Class of 2016 will remember Tyler Devaney as they walk across the stage during graduation. He will be missed. graphic art by Sabrina Khan

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Students take gap year, gain life experience fore going off to college.

“I’m taking a gap year because I don’t feel like I’m ready for college yet,” said Phansalkar. “I’m very dependent on my parents helping me go places, and I’m not prepared to leave the house completely and work.”

Maya Jegede will also take a gap year. She will model full time next year before attending New York University in 2017. NYU is allowing her to defer her admission with guaranteed enrollment.

“I can go to college at any point in my life,” said Jegede, “but I can’t model forever, so I wish to become successful in the industry.”

The idea isn’t a new one: students in the United Kingdom and Australia often photo courtesy of Maya Jegede Maya Jegede plans on modeling before college in 2017. wait a year before Jegede modeled part time during her senior year. starting college.

by Kevin Rohman

There are many different routes to success for seniors to take. College is the most common destination for SPFHS students, but some graduates choose less conventional ways to begin their adult lives.

Celia Phansalkar is one such person who is planning to spend a year working from home be-

Since Malia Obama, daughter of President Barack Obama, announced her intention to take a gap year, many Americans have followed suit. Usually their reason is to take a break from education in order to gain life experience or simply to make money.

“Anyone post graduation who is unsure of what they want out of life and needs a break from school could benefit from a gap year,” said Jegede.

Travel is the most popular method for gaining life experience.

Though the majority of graduates are content with studying abroad to see the world, a small group prefers to venture out with no restrictions or timeframes. These graduates take a gap year to explore and find their calling.

Others, like Phansalkar, spend their year working to pay for college while still living at home.

“I’m going to be working,” said Phansalkar. “I’m going to be helping my parents out. I’m going to be keeping my brother company.”

Jegede, on the other hand, is taking a gap year to gain experience in her dream job.

“My main goal is to become distinguished in the modeling industry, and to develop and grow in all my creative outlets, like music and writing,” said Jegede.

Phansalkar was considering Stevens Institute of Technology and Kean University as potential colleges, since both are local and reputable.

However, due to photo by Kevin Rohman Phansalkar is taking next year off to prepare for the high cost, she Celia life as an adult. She considered Stevens Institute of decided to wait just Technology and Kean University before she decided to to be sure. Phan- take a gap year. salkar plans to beyear off before starting college gin her freshman year in the fall is a smart option, and the extra of 2017, though she has not yet time can be used to discover decided which school she wants their interests. Others already to attend. know what they want to major in “You’ve got to make sure you’re and feel comfortable beginning ready for college,” said Phan- college after graduation. Resalkar. “There’s a lot of money gardless, taking a gap year can going into it. You can always be a good idea for students who change your major, but money need time to plan the rest of their builds up.” lives, or anyone who just wants a For some students, taking a break from education.

College-bound Twins and triplets stick together following high school

by McKella Sylvester

When students are in the college admissions process, many look at schools far away from their hometowns. However, twins and triplets have an extra consideration in their decision: their siblings. Some will attend the same schools; others will stay within a quick drive from one another.

The Kearns triplets will attend

the University of Rochester together. Two of the three Kearns siblings, Annemarie and Nolan, attend SPFHS while their brother, Max, attends Allied Health at The Union County Vocational-Technical School.

All three siblings will pursue careers in the STEM field.

Annemarie plans to major in neuroscience, Nolan plans to major in optical engineering and

photo courtesy of Annemarie Kearns

Pictured left to right: Nolan, Annemarie and Max Kearns are wearing their college T-shirts. All three Kearnses decided to attend the University of Rochester together.

photo courtesy of Edward DePaola

Edward and Katie DePaola are going to Villanova University and the University of Pennsylvania respectively. Both twins never imagined that they would be going to schools near each other.

Max plans to major in biomedical engineering.

“We never planned to go to school together,” said Annemarie. “Our attitude was always ‘whatever happens, happens.’ It will be nice to have the option of meeting up, but there are enough people on campus that we’ll be able to independently establish ourselves.”

Nolan shares his sister’s sentiment.

“Considering the different schools we applied to, we never really expected that all three of us would choose the same one,”

said Nolan.

Despite the fact that they triplets all swam in high school, only Nolan will continue to swim in college.

“Unlike my brother and sister, I plan on continuing my passion for competitive swimming in college at the Division 3 level,” said Nolan.

Even though they are going to the same school, the Kearnses will pursue their interests seperately..

“I love the city and going to museums more than my brothers do, so I know that the clubs we’ll

end up joining next year will reflect our individual interests,” said Annemarie.

The DePaola twins, Edward and Katie, will attend schools 10.5 miles away from each other. Edward and Katie will go to Villanova University and the University of Pennsylvania respectively.

“We aren’t going to the same college, and we never had a plan to either go to the same one or go to different ones,” said Katie.

“It just worked out this way, but I would be lying if I said that being close to Edward was not a factor in my decision process.”

Katie is on the pre-med track, and Edward will be pursuing civil engineering while concentrating on structural engineering.

“Until we both made our decisions to attend our schools, we had no clue whether or not we would go to separate colleges,” said Edward. “For the majority of our lives we have always been together, so going to different colleges is something that will be strange. The fact that our schools are close is a bonus.”

10

senior

the

fanscotian

june 2016

spf seniors gun for victory in assassin

by Majeda Mohammed

The end of the school year indicates the start of senior festivities. Arguably, the most exciting and anticipated event is the seniors’ annual game of Assassin.

Assassin is a popular game played at high schools and universities. There are many different versions of the game with different rules. However, the objective is the same across the board: track down and eliminate targets. When a team eliminates its target, it inherits the victim’s targets. When only one team remains, they are declared the winners.

Every year, mediators run everything from the target assignments to the SPF Assassin Twitter.

This year, Sean Cheney, Liza Kussner and Maddie Bebout have taken charge. In order to keep the game fair, mediators do not participate in the game.

“I wanted to be involved in the fun senior activities we do,” said Bebout, “but I thought it would be more fun to run it instead of having to hide from people for a few weeks.”

Whether it is because they are

after the winning prize or they just love the competitive atmosphere of the game, most participants go to great lengths to prepare.

Assassin doesn’t require just a water gun and a partner. Participants must have flexible schedules and plenty of time to kill.

And most importantly, as many seniors soon learned, the game requires players to think on their feet.

Senior Lauren Kaminskas received a friend as her first target. She already knew the ins and outs of

her target’s schedule, which meant she didn’t have to do any research. After one failed attempt, she decided to go in all the way.

Kaminskas, along with her part-

ner, drove to their target’s workplace and waited for him. Their target’s partner saw them before he walked out and notified him immediately. He escaped from the building and into his partner’s car using the emergency exit, setting off an alarm in the process.

After three hours of waiting for him to come back for his car, Kaminskas and her partner went home. d “They kept me am da

y

to b

pho

je Ma

She and her partners knew their target danced, so Ganzha called the dance studio the target danced at and posed as a family friend of the target.

The receptionist responded by telling her that her target was

“At first I was excited to play.

My partner and I were preparing to get our targets,” said Iacona.

“After two days, I was really tired

h

Mo

waiting for us to give up and leave, and it was just terrible,” said Kaminskas. Eventually, Kaminskas and her partner went home. Her target came back for his car shortly after they left.

Senior Darya Ganzha also suffered several failed attempts. After dodging cars, being honked at and hiding in bushes, her winning attempt took a lot more research and effort than any other.

actually there right at that moment. Knowing the time and place of her target’s dance class, Ganzha went to the studio’s website, which gave her access to the entire class schedule. Ganzha and her partner then chose a weekend morning practice, hid behind a truck, and went for the kill.

“We had all of our friends involved, so if that didn’t work out, it would have been upsetting,” said Ganzha. “But now we have new people. We were told that they were hard. But we’ll see.”

Isabella Iacona, however, did not share any of these experiences due to her disdain towards the game. Iacona was prepared going into the game but gave up a week into it.

artwork by Saleena Nival

of having to sneak around and make sure no one was following me. I realized the game was more about being paranoid than anything else.”

Many teams have prepared endlessly by memorizing schedules and hiding out for hours, but some believe that the game isn’t about strategy.

“There’s no way to predict this, because it’s just such a crap shoot,” said Cheney. “The guys who’ve been talking about Assassin since they were freshmen are going to be out week one, and the girls who paid two days late are gonna be in the top twenty, mark my words. Most of the kills aren’t through skill or strategy. It’s just plain stupid luck.”

spfhs alumni pass down advice to graduating seniors

by Michelle Cagnassola

alumni! FRIENDS!

EXAMS!

CLUBS!

goals!

Ally

“A great way to make friends on campus is to join a club, organization, sport, etc. You are guaranteed to connect with people.”

“Study, study, study. Your professors will most likely not give you anything to prepare for your exams. Be sure to dedicate a lot of time to get to know the material.”

“I joined the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Governing Council. It was a great way for me to get new friends and voice my opinions in such a large school.”

“One goal to aim for when starting school is to dedicate a lot of your time to your classes. You have to focus and seek out any help you can if you are not doing well.”

Ariana

“Get to know the people on your floor. Join clubs and organizations. You’ll meet people that you have common interests with.”

“Do not cram! Study at least one week in advance when you have a big exam. You will not get many grades in most of your classes so doing well on exams is important.”

“I joined Meor, a Jewish organization. This gave me multiple opportunities to get involved with Jewish campus life.”

“Determine what you want your GPA to be and try your hardest to achieve it.”

“Just socialize. Get involved in something, be active and friendly. Study groups with classmates are an easy way to meet people.”

“Study hard for all exams. Give yourself enough time to prepare.

Any other personal techniques or tricks you have are good too.”

“I played soccer my entire life, so going to a university and continuing to play was special to me.

I met a lot of new people, especially older kids, who showed me around and helped me adjust.”

“When you first start school, your goal should be to start off on the right foot. College is a fresh start and a new chapter in your life.”

Ryan Romaine

“Whether it is joining various clubs or something as simple as introducing yourself to people in your dorm, being outgoing is the easiest way to make friends on campus.”

“Start studying as soon as possible. Practice helped with my retention of the information and decreased stress. While it is difficult to find the time, it is 100% worth it.”

“In my opinion the most significant way I got involved at my school was attending football and basketball games. Supporting each team in the school’s athletic department is a great way to make yourself feel at home.”

“The most important goal for freshmen is to find a balance between education and socialization. While it may be stressful at first, you’ll be amazed at how fast your first year flies by!”

Zion

“I once made a friend just by walking up to someone during class and saying, ‘We’re now best friends for life’. Do something spontaneous to break the ice!”

“Notes are crucial. Always try to get through a class with some ‘must know’ topics. Also, try to find a circle of friends in your classes.”

“I looked for clubs to join as being part of the school. I met some people who would turn out to be some of my closest friends.”

“When you first start school, try to have a direction you want to see yourself working toward. Try anything that piques your interest, and if it does, stick with it.”

Cerini

Donaldson

Anthony Pares

Whitehall

the

fanscotian

sports

11

june 2016

On the Record with Renaldo Nehemiah

by Peter Warren

Renaldo Nehemiah is one of the best athletes in SPFHS history.

He is a world-renowned hurdler, having broken the world record in the 110 meter hurdles in 1979, and was the favorite for the event at the 1980 Summer Olympics before the United States boycotted. Nehemiah went on to to win a Super Bowl with the San Fransisco 49ers. After retiring from his athletic career, Nehemiah became a sports agent. He has many clients, most notably Olympic gold medalists Justin Gatlin and Kirani James, who will be competing in Brazil during the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Q: What is your greatest accomplishment in athletics?

A: I actually have two great accomplishments: as a high school senior, I broke the National Scholastic record being the first man to run under 13 seconds in the hurdles. However, I ran 13.1 and 13.0 in the trials and semis without using starting blocks. Then when they gave us blocks for the finals, I ran 12.9. In August of 1981, I became the first man to break the 13-second barrier on the Senior/Professional level.

Q: When the United States boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympics, what was your reaction?

A: I was devastated by the boycott. I was the best hurdler in the world and was being denied the opportunity to show the world.

I’d worked so hard to gain my stature. No one was going to see those results.

Q: Looking back, do you wish you could have participated in the 1980 Olympics?

A: Looking back, at that time, yes. Today, I realize that one race didn’t define my career. Actually, due to all I accomplished, most people just assume that I won the gold medal until I inform them that I never went.

Q: How did you get into a career in the sports agent world?

A: I was a partner in a brokerage firm doing investments for corporate executives and I had a niche market for professional athletes.

After a while, the athletes in track and field asked if I’d manage them because I knew their sport and they felt more comfortable around me. So, I did both the investment and management for a time. Over time, it became taxing for me to be traveling around the

the love of the sport. Today’s athletes run for money. Money is their king. My era was about national pride. Today’s athletes are motivated by winning. It’s not always about winning. However, there are a few exceptions.

photo courtesy of Culmen

Renaldo Nehemiah’s senior class photo. Nehemiah was the favorite for the 110 meter hurdle event at the 1980 Olympics.

world, still trying to manage my other clients’ investment portfolios while in another time zone.

So, I relinquished my partner role and went exclusively into client management.

Q: How has your view on sports changed from your days as an athlete to your days as an agent?

A: I grew up in the amateur world of track and field. Today’s athletes are born into the professionalism of the sport. I ran for

Q: What athletes do you represent? Which ones have a chance of participating in Rio this year?

A: I have represented many Olympic and World Champions.

I won’t disclose everyone, but names like Justin Gatlin, Aaron Brown, Levi Cadogan and Greggmar Swift are a few of the athletes that will be in Rio. Q: What do you think is the biggest storyline heading into the Olympics?

A: There are a few big storylines.

Gatlin vs. Bolt: who will be the world’s fastest man? Can Bolt be beaten? Allyson Felix doubling in the 200 & 400, and the men’s 400 meters.

Q: What are your plans for the Olympics?

A: My only plans for the Olympics are to be in attendance and to lend support to my clients when necessary. Hopefully, my family

will enjoy their experience there as well.

Q: Do you think Justin Gatlin can defeat Usain Bolt in the 100 meters?

A: I do think Gatlin can defeat Bolt, but words don’t run the races. Until Bolt is defeated, he hasn’t been defeated.

Q: What do you think are Kirani James´ chances of repeating as gold medalist in the 400 meters?

A: Kirani James has a good chance to repeat. However, there’s a South African, Wayde Van Niekerk, and an American, LaShawn Merritt, standing in his way.

Q: What are you most proud of in your career as an agent?

A: That I’ve always been transparent and honest with all of my clients. That my personal experience provides factual value to my ability to manage via experience. That I don’t tell my clients what they want to hear. I tell them what they need to know.

student trainers work with ms. b to prepare for future

by Haley Nakonechny

To all athletes, Laura Friedman, more commonly known as “Ms. B,” is a staple, an important figure in this school who has been helping students for the last 25 years. Most athletes see Ms. B at some point during their athletic careers. Her job as an athletic trainer is crucial in aspects of all sports, with her work going as far as securing future sports careers for the athletes in our school.

Ms. B’s career choice stemmed from her own personal experience, a surprising connection to SPFHS. “I was a soccer player at East Brunswick High School and I was playing in a game against Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, at SPFHS, when I pulled my hamstring and met their athletic trainer,” said Ms. B. “Just by meeting him and seeing what he did for a living is what really made me want to be an athletic trainer.”

Ms. B does not work alone. She gives students an opportunity to

have first-hand job experience edge and experience for her fu- a great way to introduce me to with working with their peers. ture career. the material I will be learning in Each year, anywhere from three “I am studying exercise science college.” to six students work with her to in college,” said O’Hara. “So Dietze is working alongside treat athletes. [working as a student trainer] is both O’Hara and Ms. B for the This year’s trainfirst time this ers include seniors year. To him, Caroline Babis, being a stuAmanda O’Hara, dent trainer is and Andrew Ray; both educajuniors Sebastian tional and fun.

Chinchilla and “My expeMadeline Weber; rience here and sophomore Jowill help me seph Dietze. The because in the jobs these students future I would take on are not like to go into easy ones. Their college athletwork entails high ic training,” levels of maturity said Dietze. and seriousness in “My favorite order to fulfill their part about beduties. ing a student O’Hara has been trainer would working with Ms. be learning B since the fall of about all the last year. Her time body parts and photo by Haley Nakonechny as a student trainer muscles and last year has given Junior Maddie Weber, senior Caroline Babis, sophomore Joe Dietze, senior getting front O’Hara, senior Andrew Ray and junior Sebastian Chinchilla pose for a her crucial knowl- Amanda row seats to group picture. The six have been student trainers for multiple seasons.

all the sporting events.”

Being a student trainer is more than just the front row seats though. It requires being ready to face any challenges that may come their way.

“Some of the most memorable experiences [of being a trainer] are the ones that were urgent,” said O’Hara. “People getting broken ankles on the field, dislocating shoulders, etc. are the times when we need to put our brains together and really help the person in pain. It’s a really intense experience when people are in an emergency situation and are in need of our help.”

Besides the fun and games that may occur, helping to rehabilitate athletes to full health is the main job these students face.

“All I know is that I want to help other people,” said O’Hara.

“The best way to do so is to have a career in the medical field,” said O’Hara.

Raiders move on to play college sports Amanda Banasiak - Swimming - Bowdoin Polar Bears Jordan Belford - Lacrosse - Kean Cougars Joseph Bianco - Soccer - La Salle Explorers Jordan Cimring - Soccer -Muhlenberg Mules Zachary Cimring - Soccer - Muhlenberg Mules Sarah Davis - Swimming - Rutgers Scarlet Knights Jack DeFouw - Baseball - William Patterson Pioneers Christopher Duffy - Lacrosse - Western New England Golden Bears Kayla Diggs - Soccer - Wagner Seahawks Jacqueline Farenholtz - Soccer - McDaniel Green Terror Zachary Halma - Soccer - NJIT Higlanders Jillian Lapidus - Soccer - Albright Lions

Jake Longo - Soccer - Rutgers Scarlet Knights Nolan Kearns - Swimming - Rochester Yellowjackets Megan Kielytka - Lacrosse - Misericordia Cougars Chloe Mansilla - Lacrosse - Susquehanna River Hawks Rebecca Mehorter - Lacrosse - Ithaca Bombers Scott Nizolak - Lacrosse - Elizabethtown Blue Jays Annie Pierce - Soccer - George Washington Colonials Summer Robinson - Track and Field - Wooster Fighting Scots Ari Rozenweig - Soccer - Bucknell Bison Marquel Taylor - Football - Delaware Valley Rams Isaiah Thompson - Track and Field - Rutgers Scarlet Knights

the

fanscotian

sports

june 2016

Davis, Taylor named senior athletes of the year The Coaches’ choices announced at The 2016 senior awards banquet

by Robert Fallo and Peter Warren

Swimmer Sarah Davis and football and track athlete James Marquel Taylor have been named the 2015-16 Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Athletes of the Year. The two were selected by the school’s coaches as a result of their hard work, dedication, athletic prowess and leadership.

“Each iteration of this award brings to light the dedication and excellence of all of our athletes,” said Assistant Principal-Athletics Ryan Miller. “This year we had many outstanding senior athletes, and the decision was not an easy one; however, Sarah and Marquel are incredible recipients.”

Davis will continue her swimming career at Rutgers University and Taylor will be playing football at Delaware Valley University.

SARAH DAVIS

louder than words, Davis was able to guide Sarah Davis is the definition of dom- the girls swimming team to a state champiinant, superior, unparallelled. Most im- onship and two team county titles. Hulnik portantly, she is the definition of Scotch is a witness to Davis’ selfless attitude. “[I] loved the way she finished her racPlains-Fanwood swimming: dedicated, es,” said Hulnik. “While most swimmers hardworking and successful. immediately look up for their times, Sarah Davis has been at the pinnacle of the was looking to see where her teammates SPFHS swimming program since her were finishing, and [was] ready to give freshman year. In her four years as a them the thumbs up after a good race. The swimming sensation, Davis became the team always came most decorated first.” swimmer in school Davis’ impact history. As a sevwill last beyond en-time Union medals and troCounty Champion, phies for the 2015 Union Counswimming team. ty Swimmer of the “You cannot Year and member replace a Sarah of this year’s First Davis,” said MillTeam All-State er.

“Graduating a team, the accolades great athlete can speak for themgive rise to those selves, but swimwho have been ming coach Jessica working and comHulnik sees Davis peting. My hope is as more than a list that others will reof accolades. call her leadership “She is a true and excellence team player,” said and emulate that.”

Hulnik. “She puts photo courtesy of John Mooney The 18th best Sarah Davis poses after a race. Davis broke many her team first.” school records in her four years at SPFHS. swimmer in New With her impresJersey according sive performances to collegeswimming.com has garnered the in the pool came a responsibility outside respect of everyone throughout her illusof it. Davis was the leader for the protrious career due to being a perennial wingram. ner and showcasing a tireless work ethic.

“She swam any event asked by the “She is in the elitist of the elite for not coach,” said Miller. “[She] needed to win only our program but also the county and for the team and was a leader for her acstate,” said Miller. tions.”

In a classic case of actions speaking

MARQUEL TAYLOR

1000 yards with more than 100 yards passing and receiving as well. He was Marquel Taylor is more than an athlete.

The senior football and track and field named First Team All-Watchung Division star made a name for himself in Scotch for his efforts. His high school career culPlains, Union County and New Jersey with minated in arguably his best game ever as his playmaking, athletic skills and person- Taylor rushed for 270 yards on 24 carries with three touchdowns as al attributes. Despite a perthe Raiders defeated West sonal tragedy, Taylor has Windsor-Plainsboro South. managed to become one of Stack will not remember the best Raider athletes in Taylor most for his on-therecent years. field actions but for his per“I think his best charsonality. acteristic is being able to “I think any coach that deal with adversity and has worked with Marquel walk with his head up, not will remember that little be depressed and still be a sly, smirky smile that he guy that can still lead peogives when he is busting ple when things are going your chops and makes bad in his life,” said Richthose little quiet comments ard McGriff, who coached and then that smile comes Taylor in football and out,” said Stack. track.

In track and field, he was On the football field, just as successful. While Taylor is dynamic. While participating in the high playing three different pojump and long jump, Taysitions on offense for three lor managed to be one of varsity seasons, Taylor the county’s best in both managed to be a menace to events.

He was the Conopposing defenses. ference champion in the “I think what made long jump in 2015 and the Marquel a little bit more Union County champion in dynamic [than other playthe relay indoor high jump. ers] is that the threat could photo courtesy of Culmen “He’s just a tremendous come from multiple poMarquel Taylor celebrates after kid,” said Stack. “Some sitions,” said Jonathan a touchdown. Taylor scored 26 kids are never tested in Stack, varsity football touchdowns in his varsity career. their life and to see a kid head coach. “We could tested and respond and not be bitter and hear from the sideline, teams were trying angry and just look at the world with a to identify where he was at all times.” smile.

I think that’s a big deal.

I think This past fall, Taylor was unstoppable on there is not enough of that these days.” the football field. He rushed for more than

Athletes of the Year by the Numbers

23.10

52% 21-5.5

6

Davis’ time as an an- Number of school records chor in the 2016 Meet Davis holds: four individof Champions record ual and two in relay.

200-yard medley relay.

Taylor’s percentage of Taylor’s personal record points accounted for the for the high jump, from football team during the the Union Conference 2015 season.

County finals in January 2016.

photo courtesy of NJ.com

photo courtesy of Culmen