Ms. Benedetti’s Period 7 AP Lit class represents their future schools. Photo by Ms. Benedetti.

Compiled by Armando Martinez ’19 and Janessa Mejias ‘19

Which teacher made the BIGGEST impact on you? Why?

“Christopher Rusca. He pushed me to work hard and learn how to handle certain stressful situations”– Irais Vazquez
“Mrs. Weston made the BIGGEST impact on me because she believed in me. Mrs. Weston never gave up on me and made me realize my capacity and intelligence.”– Rosalva Restituyo
“Ms. Bulson taught me how to never give up, and to always keep going. She was the only teacher who handled me whenever I got mad, the one teacher who calmed me down, and always had something positive to say.”– Ivan Salas
“Ms. Kowalewski taught us about real life consequences and trials. She introduced a new aura to us, that fortunately I was able to adapt to.”– Aijona Dawson
“Ms. Zeidan made a big impact on me as she definitely prepared me for what college would be like, and how hard I have to work. She’s also helped me see the realities of the world and what a person can do to change it.”– Saria Saenz
“Mr. Harmon was able to inspire me to go for a career in TV, and helped me achieve my most potential in that.”– Fatima Sugeili Resendiz Alvarez
“Ms. Ament has made the greatest impact on me because I see how much work she goes through for her classes and how much she fights for her students. It is very inspiring to see a teacher actually care about her students and not teach just for paycheck.”– Jackie Cruz
“The teacher who made the biggest impact would be tied between my freshmen English teacher Mr. Caufield and Club adviser Mr. Meltzer. These teachers have made me realize a dream I’ve always had but never realized could become a reality. Mr. Caufield was the teacher who introduced me to Mr. Meltzer, who had a club named Interact. From then on I stuck to this club for the rest of my high school career. This club specifically focused on tutoring the kids in an after school program, and I’ve always loved small children. Look at me now, wanting to major in Early Childhood Education at my dream school. Thanks to these two I have aimed for a dream that I love so much.”– Ashley Deita
“The teacher that made the biggest impact on me was Mr. Mombrun because he always made me laugh but always made sure I was focused. He really showed that he cared for his students.”– Leslie Casiano
“Mr. Rusca has pushed me to be the best person I can possibly be. He has helped me in so many ways and I cannot begin to explain how grateful I am for him. He continuously goes above and beyond for all of his students, and shows that he really does care for us.”– Jocelyn Rodriguez
“Ms. Cho, an APUSH teacher who pushed me to pursue computer science (my major) in my sophomore year of high school.”– Michelle Andrea Bautista
“Mr. Rusca, because he both inspired and motivated me to change my outlook and personality within PHS.”– Juan Antonio Vidals
“Mr. Galan, because he has inspired me to be a better person and be motivated. He has taught me how to work out and taught me that I should do everything at 100 percent. I really look up to him, he gives great advice and will help you in any way possible.”– Bryan Ramirez
“A couple of teachers impacted my life in one way or another, some of them being Mr. Mombrun, Ms. Bohomolec, Mr. Nyabeta and Ms. Yildirim.”– Arleny López
“Mr. Martinez had a huge impact on me for making me realizing I wasn’t working at my full potential and that I should always put in 100 percent, or else what’s really the point of being at school.”– Bruce Vaquero
“Ms. Cornwell, because she motivates her students to do their work and to always have a good day no matter what, and she’s always there for her students for anything.”– Edwin Martinez
“Mrs. Lourenco. I loved her, she was a really good teacher. Thanks to her my English is way better. I loved her way of teaching, and she was a really good adviser. She is a role model.”– Nayeli Pichardo
“The teacher who made the biggest impact on me was Mr. Bonilla because he’s an excellent teacher and his teaching is the best. He is always helping every student to do the best and be someone successful. I’m very thankful for all the things he taught me.”– Estephany Polanco
“Mr. Harmon, because he made me appreciate movies more than ever.”– Jason Medina
“Ms. Carter has made one of the biggest impacts on me these last three years I’ve been here. When I first met Ms. Carter she was shading my Radio Production skills, and when she first started we weren’t on the best of terms. As the year went on, she become a role model for me. She always taught me to do my best and never let anyone tell me I can’t do anything.”– Ashley Leslie
“Mario Pena because he made me challenge myself and have confident in myself when it comes to art.”– Adrianna Martinez
“Mr. Iturrino had way more than just an impact on me. He is someone so selfless and caring, very genuine. He helped me in every aspect I was lacking.”– Kiara Lopez
“Ms. Zeidan because she is just very real and straight to the point but she is also understanding and open minded.”– Pamela Cordero
“The teacher that made the biggest impact on me was Ms. Bang. She was my Algebra II teacher, and going into that class, I had a bad experience with my geometry teacher so I was hoping that Ms. Bang would be a better teacher. Her enthusiasm and energy was contagious and my attitude towards math had changed. I loved her class and eventually thought about majoring in mathematics. Junior year I also needed help with improving my SAT scores for math, and she helped a lot! Over the course of a month I had improved my SAT math score by nearly 100 points.”– Mark Rodriguez
“Mr. Terranova made the biggest impact on me because he really got me to grow mentally with the smallest things one won’t probably know, to be ready for the real world.”– Christian Tejeda
“Mr. Nyabeta, because he taught me that everything you do in life has a purpose.”– Massiel Tavarez
“Mr. Schmidt, because his artistic views helped me find my way through high school and art.”– Di’amonique Dotson
“Ms. Bang made the biggest impact on me because she has supported me with personal problems as well as academic situations.”– Kaori Takase
“Mr. Galan really changed my life and made a big impact on me. He made me grow as a person, worked with me to get out of my comfort zone and he is just the best friend you could ever have.”– Niurka Pelaez
“Mr. Caufield because he always kept it real and listened to whatever you had to say.”– Julie Almonte
“Mr. Martinez, he helped me with my college search and helped me find scholarships.”– Nayeli Gutierrez
“The teacher that made the biggest impact was Mr. Martinez (Sergio Martinez). He helped me throughout my whole college application process and is still helping me prepare for college next year. He is a great teacher to go to if a student ever wanted advice.”– Ashley Quirino
“Mr. Barbara, because he showed up everyday with a smile, loving what he does.”– Christian Michael Torres
“She isn’t really a teacher but Ms. Merced definitely made an impact on me because she was always there for me when I needed her and she’s always there when I need some advice.”– Gibelly Cruceta
“The teacher who made the biggest impact on me this year would be Thomas Galan, as he continuously supports me as well as other Teen PEP members. During Teen PEP or even on a regular basis, he’ll give us advice on life, and how we should strive every single day to become a better version of ourselves.”– Ariday Benitez
“Mr. Lockwood, because he was the one who inspired me to major in Chemistry and having Ms. Kush just further extended my love and passion for Chemistry.”– Darijah Caesar-Wright
“Mr. Nyabeta has made a great impact on me because he encouraged me to apply to colleges and helped me throughout my school year. He’s an amazing teacher and I respect him for everything he has done for me.”– Evelyn Guerra
“Mr. Martinez (Sergio) was the greatest teacher I ever had. He would stay until 6 p.m. helping me in pre-calculus for a couple of weeks. I ended up failing the class, but I learned so much more than just pre-calculus. I learned about school, I learned about myself, I learned about my surroundings, I learned about my future, and I learned about life. I’m very thankful to come across him, because I’ve never had an adult that is not my family seem to care so much about me. He is someone I will never forget, and those long after school afternoons with him, are memories I will never forget. Thank you Mr. Martinez!”– Omar Lopez
“Mr. Rusca made the biggest impact on my life because I’ve known him for many years and he helped me become a responsible young adult when I was in marching band.”– Erwin Guerrero
“I have three: Mr. Caufield, Mr. Nyabeta, and Mr. S. Martinez. All of them individually have definitely shaped me to be the person that I am today and I seize to surprise myself everyday on how appreciative and grateful I am for all of them. Mr. Caufield has basically been my second father since freshman year while Mr. Nyabeta has not only been my advisor but my mentor. As for Mr. S. Martinez, he has been able to encourage me and push me to go forward when I couldn’t find anything left within myself to fight for.”– Johana Lastor
“Mr. Caufield made the greatest impact on me since freshman year. Mr. Caufield would always give my class and I multiple chances to improve our grades. He inspired many students to pursue their dreams and achieve their ultimate goal. He would always make sure that his students were never down. When he saw a students head down he would tell them to raise their head and be confident. He showed that he truly cares about his students. Whenever there is a problem, I run to Mr. Caufield for help. When I’m upset, Mr. Caufield somehow knows how to calm me down. For Mr. Caufield I am very grateful because he made me realize the beauty in life and when I fail, he motivates me to get up and try again.”– Kitana Desiree Vidal
“Ms. Bolton because when I was at a point of giving up, she helped me through it.”– Michelle Baez
“Ms. Bolton made the biggest impact on me because she always has words of wisdom, that makes you think about things that you can change or do better in. She makes you see that if you try, you can get things done.”– Danaysha Nofs
“I became a better student in math because of all the tutoring that I did with Ms. Gonzalo. Also having Ms. Shelly Williams was a great honor because she helped me a lot, and I became a better student with my English.”– Julio Rafael
“Ms. Williams made the biggest impact on me because she helped me so much throughout my sophomore year. She helped me to become a better person and helped me a lot in class. I really appreciate that.”– Yetty Marte
“The teacher that made the biggest impact on me was Mrs. Gonzalo because she never gave up on me with my struggles on math. She would stay with me after school everyday and did not leave me alone. That’s why she is very special to me.”– Fernanda Felipe

Seniors at career week. Photo by Ms. Benedetti.

Best Friends: Who was with you through it all?

“I’d have to say it was Keni’a Powell! She’s the bomb diggity.”– Destiny Jiminian-Santos
“BJuana Parraguirre, Ulysses Miranda, and the whole Varsity team.”– Ivan Salas
“Mariana Ovalles and Susan Fong are my girls and have been with me through my toughest and brightest times.”– Saria Saenz
“My TV class in general was like family.”– Fatima Sugeili Resendiz Alvarez
“My best friends Angie Zamora, Rosalia Pagan and Andrea Hernandez were with me throughout these four years even when we had no class together.”– Ashley Deita
“Gloria Falcon has always been by my side. I met her in band, and we have been inseparable since.”– Jocelyn Rodriguez
“Monica Hernandez! We used to study, do our homework, and play soccer together.”– Arleny López
“My best friend through all this was Nayeli Pichardo. She has being there for me since the first day, and this is forever.”– Estephany Polanco
“Tiffany and Jocelyn were with me through it all, since the seventh grade.”– Kaori Takase
“My best friend Reka was with me through it all, since my freshman year she has always been there for me–in and out of school–and I am grateful for that.”– Anonymous
“Julissa Compres was definitely with me through it all, and I am forever grateful.”– Gibelly Cruceta
“Adrian, he has been there for me all the time.”– Laisa Fernandez
“My closest friends through all of this were Odalys Ayala and Nicole Flores.”– Erwin Guerrero
“Nidhi Rana, my best friend, and Vaishnavi Rana, my sister, the one who stood by me on my hard times.”– Ayush Rana
“My one and only best friend: Keni’a Powell!”– Danaysha Nofs

Who/What will you miss the most about PHS?

“I will miss my friends, and certain teachers the most from PHS.”– Irais Vazquez
“I will miss Mrs. Weston and a lot of other teachers who I built a friendship through my high school career.”– Rosalva Restituyo
“Varsity Soccer… started freshman year and to see it end, man, I’ll miss that field, it was home.”– Ivan Salas
“I will miss my club members (Korean Culture Club); they are honestly the best! I am the founder of the club so I feel like I am leaving my little babies behind. I love you, my marshmallows!”– Marlene R.
“One of the things I will miss are the clubs and the sports, where you would create a bond with different people and have the best of times with them.”– Saria Saenz
“I will miss everything! I will miss being able to walk around hallways ,have my own locker, be released early, and play in gym with friends.”– Fatima Sugeili Resendiz Alvarez
“What I will miss the most about PHS is weight room because I got to meet people who shared the same interest as me. I also had the pleasure of meeting a teacher so passionate about getting his students in shape, Mr Galan.”– Anonymous
“I think I am going to miss the ridiculous fragments of conversations someone can overhear in the hallways that just make no sense to someone and just have them erupt into laughter. I will also miss being in such a familiar environment for these past four years.”– Jackie Cruz
“I will definitely miss band the most, as hard as it is at times, It brought me out of my comfort zone and that’s where most of my closest friends are from.”– Jocelyn Rodriguez
“Being able to leisurely enjoy the company of those that I have attended, left, and graduated PHS with, every day.”– Juan Antonio Vidals
“I will miss going on the bus rides with my teammates, whether it was to a soccer game or a track meet.”– Arleny López
“I’m gonna miss everything, even the hallway traffic that we always got stuck in. I’m gonna miss my friends.”– Nayeli Pichardo
“The only thing I am going to miss about PHS is all the funny moments I had in my classes with my friends and some teachers.”– Estephany Polanco
“Anybody who I met in the three years that I was here who helped me get to my graduation day.”– Ashley Leslie
“I will miss the activities, the opportunities and all the friends and teachers.”– Adrian Salas
“I will really miss the band room, choir room, and the stage, as well as Mr. Rusca and Ms. Gauthier, who changed me to the fun, bubbly person that I am today.”– Anonymous
“The thrill of never knowing what’s going to happen next.”– Kiara Lopez
“My underclassmen friends and walking around the overcrowded hallways.”– Christian Tejeda
“I will miss seeing some of the people I was with for years, and the teachers that supported me and helped me through it all.”– Kaori Takase
“I’m going to miss the water fountain by the library. (The best water in this school.)”– Nayeli Gutierrez
“I’ll miss the laughs and jokes we make everyday in class.”– Ashley Quirino
“I will miss all the instructors of Naval Science.”– Laisa Fernandez
“The free education.”– Steven Zuniga
“I’m gonna miss seeing all of my friends and going to drill team early in the morning.”– Lynda Arbelo
“Honestly not much, just most of my teachers the I’ve had throughout the years of being in PHS.”– Erwin Guerrero
“What I will miss the most about PHS is my cheer team. I learned to cheer others on even when they are down and to always bring school spirit.”– Nicole Rosario
“My clubs (HOSA + LFD) along with the e-board that I have grown so close with, and have established a foundation within each club. I take so much pride in both because my team and I have turned into what people believed to be nothing to more than something! I will also miss my group of friends in my English class because without them senior year wouldn’t have been the same.”– Johana Lastor
“I will miss the laughs and walks through the hallway with friends and some of the teachers who helped me become a better person.”– Danaysha Nofs

Which staff member will you miss the most?

“There’s not just one teacher I will miss the most, there are many that I will miss! Mr. Stowe, Mrs. Roach, Mr. Walker, Mrs. Benedetti, Ms. Bulson, and Mrs. Gonzalo!”– Destiny Jiminian-Santos
“All of them. Especially my coaches, and the security guard Phil.”– Yetty Marte
“I will miss Mrs. Cawthern, Ms. Kucharyk, and Mr. Ruys”–Nai’ajah Rivera
“Ms. Merced, Ms. Bolton, Ms. Cawthern, Mr. Walker, Mr. Mitchell, Ms. Bulson, Mr. I , Mr. Barbara, Ms. Moogan , Ms. Lepold, P.O. Nuyen.”– Jennifer Pimentel
“Ms. Bulson.”–Julissa Compres
“Mr. Nyabeta.”– Evelyn Guerra
“My coaches.”– Willy Acencion
“Mr. Brubaker.”–Bryant Perez
“My counselor and coach, Ms. Merced.”– Chelsea Ceron
“I will miss Mr. Caufield the most since he has inspired me and made me realize that giving up is never an option.”– Kitana Desiree Vidal
“Mr. Galan.”– Bryan Ramirez
“Mr. Barbara.”– Christian Michael Torres
“Richardson, the security guard.” – Di’Amonique Dotson
“P.O. Nuyen.”– Alexander Aquino
“Ms. Bulson, Ms. Merced and Mr. Kleiman. These two counselors have changed my life in a way I will always be thankful for. They have helped me a lot with personal issues I had throughout high school.” – Nicole Rosario
“Mr. Pena. He was fun but serious and passionate with what he does.”– Pamela Cordero
“Mr. Iturrino and Mr. Dudek.”– Kiara Lopez
“Coach Lauricella.”– Jennifer Calixto
“Gus, the janitor.”– Juan Antonio Vidals
“Mr. Rusca.”– Jocelyn Rodriguez
“I’ll miss seeing Mr. Blath. Although he is rather quiet, he was an amazing teacher who I wished I could have had as a teacher again. “– Ashley Deita
“I will miss Ms. Ament and Mr. Graham the most.”–Jackie Cruz
“Mr. Harmon.”– Fatima Alvarez
“Mr. Mitchell. He made my mornings with his sarcasm.”–Saria Saenz
“Ms. Carter and Ms. Bolton, because they are real, encouraging and fun.”– Natalie Probst
“Trainer Jess.”– Anderson Aguilar
“Mrs. Weston.”– Rosalva Restituyo
“Ms. Zeidan.”– Adrian Escamilla

What was your most memorable moment at PHS?

“Prom is definitely the most memorable moment for me at PHS.”– Destiny Jiminian-Santos
“2017 Pep Rally.”– Rosalva Restituyo
“Playing at the Passaic County Finals and being able to see City of Passaic support us!”– Anderson Aguilar
“My most memorable moment at PHS is when I met the most amazing people on earth. William Salas and Natalie Probst <3 I love you guys!”–Marlene R.
“My most memorable moments are the friendships I have made. Shoutout to Marlene Rodriguez, Lizbeth Barrera, and others that I have grown close with. Love y’all!!”– Natalie Probst
“A football game against Tech. There were people who I’ve known since elementary and friends that I’ve known since freshman year all together and it crazy how you’ve basically grown with everyone but gone in different directions.”– Saria Saenz
“When I was master of ceremony for the Hispanic heritage assembly.”–Sebastian Plasencia
“My most memorable moment at PHS was meeting my friends in Algebra class, in my first year of school. “ –Anonymous
“Competing and performing with the marching band. Band has been a major part of my life since third grade and I’m so grateful for the opportunities that have come from it.”– Jocelyn Rodriguez
“2017 US Bands National Championships.”–Michelle Andrea Bautista
“Not giving up.”– Ashley Medel
“When we had drills and ordered pizza since it took a long time.”– Edwin Martinez
“Being able to participate in school events with friends.”– Jennifer Calixto
“All moments were memorable.”–Adrian Salas
“Joining the marching band and making many memories there.”– Anonymous
“Going on class field trips for my Sociology and AP Environmental class.”– Anonymous
“My most memorable moment was finally facing my stage fright and singing in the winter concert my sophomore year.”– Anonymous
“Being a part of the homecoming court.”– Rosa Rodriguez
“Military Ball.”– Alexander Aquino
“Being accepted into National Honors Society.”– Massiel Tavarez
“The most memorable moment at PHS was getting awards at the beginning for volleyball.”– Kaori Takase

The funniest thing a teacher said was…

“I don’t have one specific example, but Mr. Walker is hilarious!”– Destiny Jiminian-Santos
“I look like Marilyn Monroe because I am becoming blonder everyday.”– Rosalva Restituyo
“Study with your boyfriend or girlfriend so they could be useful.”–Adrian Escamilla
“No homework!”– Anderson Aguilar
“76 absences in lunch?!?!!?! BOY! I hope you don’t fail Lunch.”– Fatima Sugeili Resendiz Alvarez
“The funniest thing was during a lab day my Physics teacher, Mr. Martinez, mentioned how if he were to slow down he could drop the water he held in a cup as he swinging it in a circle. After he mentioned this he ended up spilling it all over the floor; it was hilarious.”– Ashley Deita
“Hurry up and take your time.”– Arleny López
“Love isn’t real, I just live with my wife for legal reasons.”– Bruce Vaquero
“What do you call a bear without an ear? The answer is B.”– Edwin Martinez
“‘What do you call a long legged woman?!?’ ILLENE!”– Kiara Lopez
“Time will pass, will you?”– Di’Amonique Dotson
“‘They hate you because they ain’t you.” ~ Eric Nyabeta”– Jocelyn Gonzalez
“‘If I named my daughter Barbara, her name will be Barbara Barbara.’ The words of wisdom.”– Christian Michael Torres
“The funniest thing a teacher said to me was that my breath stinks, because I said ‘Something smells bad’ and he said ‘It’s you. Close your mouth.’”– Estephany Polanco
“I don’t know what goes on in this school, I just work here.”– Steven Zuniga
“Well she didn’t really say anything, but Kristen Kush’s reaction when she saw her birthday cake for this school year was memorable, as she was surprised that she got a Chem-themed birthday cake.”– Ariday Benitez
“Water is wet.”–Darijah Caesar-Wright
“I don’t remember but Mr. Barbara always said something funny. He said so many funny things that I don’t even remember.”– Yetty Marte

Ms. Zeidan’s Period 3 AP Literature class celebrates the end of AP test cramming! Photo by Ms. Zeidan.

What was the funniest excuse you gave an administrator or teacher?

“I told my piano teacher I couldn’t play because my fingers were broken. Then she caught me texting a few minutes later.” –Saria Saenz
“Someone stole my binder.”–Fatima Alvarez
“That I took a nap and woke up at 12 a.m. so I couldn’t do the homework.”–Sebastian Plasencia
“I got lost on my way to class”–Edwin Xicotencatl
“This is my class.” –Edwin Martinez
“I died and came back.”–Ashley Leslie
“My sister took my binder to school by mistake.”–Kiara Lopez
“ My cat chewed on my homework.”–Carol Tapia
“I didn’t do your homework because I dreamt that you didn’t give any. And school should help me make my dreams come true!”–Raj Rana
“I told a teacher that I was late because my alarm didn’t sound.”– Angel De Los Santos
“I wasn’t wearing my uniform pants and I told my teacher that I lost my pants.”– Kenneth Aguilar
“I did my homework but I left it at home.”– Ayush Rana
“It was an accident.”– Emmanuel Martinez

Where do you plan on going to college/trade school/military? OR where do you plan on working?

“Kean University.”– Irais Vazquez
“I plan on working at a well-known restaurant.”– Adrian Escamilla
“I will be attending Montclair State University and majoring in accounting.”– Destiny Jiminian-Santos
“After graduating I will be working for Amazon in the summer, and in the fall I will be going to Bergen Community College. Deciding what college to go to is a lot of thinking; I am not sure if I want to go away or stay home.”– Rosalva Restituyo
“New York Technical Institute.”– Anderson Aguilar
“Saint Peter’s University.”– Ivan Salas
“Montclair State University.”– Aijona Dawson
“I plan on going to Passaic County Community College for two years and then I will transfer to either William Paterson or Rutgers.”– Marlene R
“Ramapo College Of New Jersey.”– Natalie Probst
“I plan on going to Passaic County Community College for Criminal Justice.”– Saria Saenz
“I really want to go to Montclair, but if that is not possible, I will continue looking for ways to continue a TV career by another form of education.”– Fatima Sugeili Resendiz Alvarez
“Passaic County Community College.” – Sebastian Plasencia
“Montclair State University.”– Ashley Deita
“Rockland Community College.”– Mrs. Yildirim
“I plan on getting my state of mind together.”– Leslie Casiano
“William Paterson.”– Laisha Serrano
“Caldwell University.”– Jocelyn Rodriguez
“New Jersey Institute of Technology.”– Michelle Andrea Bautista
“My plan is to attend Passaic County Community College for two years and then transfer to John Jay College of Criminal Justice.”– Arleny López
“New Jersey City University.”– Elizabeth Hernandez
“Lincoln Tech.”– Edwin Martinez
“Berkeley College.”– Estephany Polanco
“Fortis Institute.”– Adrianna Martinez
“Montclair State University.”– Jennifer Calixto
“I plan to go into the military.”– Adrian Salas
“New Jersey City University.”– Pamela Cordero
“I plan on going to Pace University for the spring semester.”– Rosa Rodriguez
“Stevens Institute of Technology.”– Mark Rodriguez
“Passaic County Community College.”– Esmeily Molano
“Berkeley College.”– Di’Amonique Dotson
“I plan on going to Caldwell University and working with children in the future.”– Kaori Takase
“Montclair State University.”– Bryan Ramirez
“William Paterson University.”– Julie Almonte
“Arcadia University in Pennsylvania.”– Nayeli Gutierrez
“Montclair State University.”– Ashley Quirino
“Universal Technical Institute.”– Christian Michael Torres
“Montclair State University.”– Sheila Lopez
“William Paterson University.”– Gibelly Cruceta
“I plan on joining the United States Airforce and attending Fairleigh Dickinson.”– Lency Santos–Dominguez
“Rutgers University, School of Nursing.”– Ariday Benitez
“Ramapo College.”–Darijah Caesar-Wright
“Rutgers University.”– Raj Rana
“I plan on doing my two years at Passaic County Community College and then will go to John Jay University.”– Evelyn Guerra
“I am going to follow my father’s steps as a mechanic and hopefully one day open my very own business.”– Anonymous
“Montclair State University.”– Erwin Guerrero
“William Paterson University.”– Nicole Rosario
“New Jersey City University.”– Johana Lastor
“The College of New Jersey.”– Mariana Ovalles
“Montclair State University.”– Kitana Desiree Vidal
“I am attending Passaic County Community College for Accounting.”– Angelica Maria Castillo
“Fairleigh Dickinson University.”– Chelsea Ceron
“I am attending Passaic County Community College and a Cosmetology school.”– Michelle Baez
“I plan on joining the United States Marine Corps.”– Bryant Perez
“The American Institute or Passaic County Community College.”– Danaysha Nofs
“Berkeley College.”– Juan Ramirez
“William Paterson.”– Ruben Martinez
“I plan on attending Fortis Institute, focusing on Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning.”– Christopher Santana
“Camden County College.”– Julio Rafael
“Rowan College.”– Jhericson Taveras
“I plan on going to a trade school, but I’m really undecided on where to go. I will seek to work in a place that involves something to do with my career. As a career, I want to become a professional cake artist, so probably like a bakery and cake shop.”– Nai’ajah Rivera
“I’m planning on going to Fairleigh Dickinson University, playing volleyball there and majoring in Criminal Justice or Theatre Arts.”– Yetty Marte

Where do you see yourself in five years?

“In five years I see myself with my masters degree in accounting from MSU, looking for a job, hopefully with a place I’ve interned for.”– Destiny Jiminian-Santos
“In five years I see myself graduating from college and finding a job in business.”–Rosalva Restituyo
“In five years I see myself as a certified architect.”– Anderson Aguilar
“Graduated from school and working in the Mecca for fashion (New York City).”–Aijona Dawson
“I see myself working in the television industry as an apprentice.”– Fatima Alvarez
“Living by myself with a good job and traveling every once in a while.”– Sebastian Plasencia
“I see myself having four years of experience in my trade and have gone back to school for business so I can have my own business and have my family support me through it.”– Jackie Cruz
“Majoring in History from Rutgers University.”– Jean Corral
“Rich and famous.”– Leslie Casiano
“In five years I see myself graduating college and looking into med school.”– Jocelyn Rodriguez
“I see myself owning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, having experience in the field and vacationing overseas.”– Michelle Andrea Bautista
“Teaching and hopefully have traveled to two different countries.”– Elizabeth Hernandez
“Hopefully working in the field I’m studying and working on writing a book or comic.”–Bruce Vaquero
“Playing at a higher level in soccer or training little ones and having a career in athletic training.”–Jennifer Calixto
“Kean alumni, and holding a stable job in my career.”– Kiara Lopez
“Working / having an internship at NASA or SpaceX.”– Mark Rodriguez
“Finishing college and starting my FBI career.”– Alexander Aquino
“Hopefully working in an ICU as a nurse.”– Lynda Arbelo
“I see myself working in the family business, called Santana’s Heating and Air Conditioning, with my cousin.”– Christopher Santana
“Traveling and in the olympics.”– Angel De Los Santos
“Doing what I love to do.”– Nai’ajah Rivera

My biggest regret is…

“My biggest regret was not playing the sports I wanted to or joining the clubs I wanted to! I wish I was more involved in extracurricular activities (volleyball, track, art club, etc.).”– Destiny Jiminian-Santos
“Coming to school late so many times.” – Adrian Escamilla
“I regret focusing on boys instead of giving a hundred percent on my education. I have realized that men are temporary.”– Rosalva Restituyo
“Not getting involved in extracurricular activities.”– Anderson Aguilar
“Having my greatest downfall during senior year.”– Ivan Salas
“Being rude to people.”– Aijona Dawson
“Wasting my time on people who were just bringing me down.”– Marlene R
“ Being silent. Not using my voice when I should have.”–Natalie Probst
“Not taking my junior year seriously.”– Fatima Sugeili Resendiz Alvarez
“My biggest regret was not trying out for even one sport through my four years in the same school. I always thought I would be a good cheerleader but I never had the confidence to try out.”–Jackie Cruz
“I regret not taking my freshman year seriously.”– Jean Corral
“Falling behind and surrounding myself with people who were bad influences.”– Leslie Casiano
“Letting my laziness and procrastination get in the way of learning”– Laisha Serrano
“Not joining band sooner”– Juan Antonio Vidals
“Not joining more sports or taking more AP classes”– Arleny Lopez
“Thinking I could make up work later.”– Bruce Vaquero
“Sleeping through class and not being able to make up the work.”–Nayeli Pichardo
“Never saying no to my parents when they told me to stop being in Marching Band, stop cheering, and not accept a position in basketball.” – Anonymous
“Not taking my classes more seriously.”– Pamela Cordero
“Slacking off senior year.”– Mark Rodriguez
“Getting too close to too many people.”– Kaori Takase
“Allowing people to take me out of my own character.”– Julie Almonte
“Not making more memorable moments.”–Ashley Quirino
“Not choosing my friends wisely.”– Sheila Lopez
“Deciding to work about 20-35 hours a week my senior year, instead of focusing on college applications and scholarships.”– Ariday Benitez
“Taking too many AP classes and stressing over college.”– Raj Rana
“Focusing too much on sports rather than being more of a ‘student’ in the word ‘student athlete.’ ”– Nicole Rosario
“Allowing my GPA to drop.”– Mariana Ovalles

How have you changed in four years at PHS?

“I’ve matured and learned that I can’t please everyone. I won’t agree or share the same opinions with people and we can still share a friendship. I’ve learned that people will come and go and life will go on just fine. And that heartbreaks will heal sooner than you think.”– Irais Vazquez
“I’ve grown into a more responsible and goal-oriented person throughout my time in PHS.”– Destiny Jiminian -Santos
“I became more open with my friends outside of school, more motivated in other areas.”– Adrian Escamilla
“In four years at PHS I have grown stronger than I ever imagine. I see my reflection in the freshmen and realize how much I have grown. Now, I realize the importance of an education and every year I have more responsibilities. I have gained and lost friends, but the real ones have always been here for me.”– Rosalva Restituyo
“My attitude, my way of thinking and education became my priority.”– Ivan Salas
“I think I have grown as a person and due to certain experiences I have learned to value myself. I also have become more involved in my studies and FINALLY understood the importance of education.”– Natalie Probst
“As I entered through freshman year, I was insecure about myself and focused on what others thought about me. But as the years go by, I learned that whatever people thought about me wouldn’t affect the kind of person that I am.”– Anonymous
“I’ve learned to be more social and come out of my shell more and I’ve gained/ lost friends but I’ve grown and I feel like I’ve become wiser throughout these four years.”– Saria Saenz
“I have strangely become more social during my years here, and going up ranks in my club.”– Fatima Sugeili Resendiz Alvarez
“I’ve become more mature and I’ve learned that somethings are supposed to happen no matter how hard you try to change them.”– Sebastian Plasencia
“I learned to be patient with people but also not to take people’s nonsense.”– Jackie Cruz
“I’ve become a more open person. I’ve learned to manage time and to try on different stuff and make the best out of it.”– Arleny López
“I have changed a lot at PHS. I learned lots of positive things from my teachers and learned a lot of life lessons from everything I when through during my school years.”– Estephany Polanco
“I would say I’ve become a lot more open and lively rather than quiet and shy. I’ve learned to perform and treat everything as if it was my chance to make it big.”– Adrian Salas
“In freshman year I was a very shy person. I would never talk or participate…. Now I am this bubbly, talkative, and fun leader that has a passion for the arts.”– Anonymous
“I grew up and learned how to accept other people changing.”– Rosa Rodriguez
“When I first came to PHS as a freshman, I was chunky and by mid sophomore year, I lost about 32 pounds.”– Christian Tejeda
“I learned that you can’t leave everything last minute because it will only make you stress more.”– Massiel Tavarez
“Over the four years in PHS I changed emotionally and mentally. I feel like I learned to be on my own.”– Kaori Takase
“I started to change and grown mentally when I got involved into clubs, sports and Teen PEP. Now, I am confident and respect myself and others all the time.”– Niurka Pelaez
“I feel like I have slacked on my school work over the years, but I have grown as a person. I’ve learned how to treat people better and help those around me who need it.”– Bryan Ramirez
“After four years at PHS, I have grown to a mature, responsible young lady, who only focuses on being successful. I have grown out of my old habits and I have also become a much more confident person.”– Ashley Quirino
“I have become more aware, Aware of my surroundings and of the people around me.”– Sheila Lopez
“Throughout my years at PHS, I became extremely independent. I learned that everyone has a different point of view and perspective about anything and everything. I realized that our society, community, and childhood shape us, and it is OUR choice to figure out whether we’ll allow negative interventions affect us or bring change.”– Ariday Benitez
“I have changed in so many ways. At the beginning of my high school experience, I was a very shy and weird person, now I am more open and can keep a conversation going.”– Evelyn Guerra
“When I first entered high school I didn’t care much for it, I would just try to do the minimum. As school went on, I took a big step forward and decided to take AP classes, and along the way I decided to try harder in school.”– Omar Lopez
“I learned to be manage my time with school and sports and also how to be more confident with myself and to always have a plan B.”– Nicole Rosario
“Besides my hair color *knee slap*, I am proud of the self-confidence that I have gained over the years. I started off being a transfer student from a similar setting as Passaic but with no courage to do anything for myself. Instead, I was doing stuff for the wrong reasons. Now, I am proud of everything that I have accomplished and I have gained a voice within myself. If you were to tell me four years ago that I were to become the person I am today, I would’ve laughed.”– Johana Lastor
“I matured and came to a realization that high school isn’t a place to play around and that it is so important. Also, I stopped hanging out with people who were a bad influence and made me do things I didn’t want to.”– Danaysh

What advice would you give to a freshman?

“Earn for prom because it’s expensive.”– Jorge
“Make sure you have good studying habits.”– Pamela Cordero
“Never rely too much on friends; learn to be happy with yourself. “ – Rosa Rodriguez
“Don’t let people affect your goals.” – Alexander Aquino
“Don’t spend the next years hanging with the wrong people” – Esmeily Molano
“Don’t wait until last minute to do work and stay out of trouble.” – Massiel Tavarez
“Don’t take these four years for granted.”– Jocelyn Gonzalez
“Get involved with clubs and any other thing you can! Start thinking about your future and take every opportunity you’re given.” – Niurka Pelaez
“Don’t slack, and choose your friends wisely.” – Julie Almonte
“Live your four years of high school to the fullest because those four years may seem like a lot but they will go by so fast.”– Gibelly Cruceta
“Do not procrastinate on work, it piles up.”– Steven Zuniga
“Be yourself. Don’t follow the crowd. Don’t let someone or your significant other control your life.” – Ariday Benitez
“Don’t mess up during your freshman year. It’ll come back and hurt you.” – Darijah Caesar-Wright
“Do stuff that you’re comfortable with, not stuff that people want you to do.”– Raj Rana
“Every year is important and what you do today will affect you your senior year. Always do your work and aim high no matter what that looks to others, and of course, stay out of cliques and trouble.”– Nicole Rosario
“Just do your work man.”– Grace Sanchez
“Choose your friends wisely.”– Richard Linares
“Don’t act like a fool and don’t treat highschool like it’s a joke.” – Angel Lozada
“Just mind your business.”– Emmanuel Martinez
“The friends you came in with will not stay with you through it all.” – Chelsea Ceron
“Try to survive and don’t follow your friends.” – Ruben Martinez
“ You only have to worry about yourself.”– Julissa Compres

Congratulations, Seniors!