WEST MILFORD — It's a big world out there and on Monday evening, June 20, 300 West Milford High School seniors will embark on their futures.
They've spent 13 years building a foundation, an educational foundation that will serve as a springboard to their dreams.
Graduation is a proud moment, for those graduating as well as their parents and families. Teachers and staff members, too, share in the joy of seeing these young adults accomplish such a milestone.
Many are off to college, some locally, some to other areas of the state, country and even around the world. Students are heading to trade schools to start their careers. Some graduates will trade in their backpacks for a job or the military. Whatever the future holds, it's a new beginning for these students. The next chapter opens up and they are excited, maybe a bit nervous, to greet it.
The West Milford Messenger is introducing readers to the West Milford High School Class of 2016 top 10 students. They've achieved so much academically, but these students are also artists, musicians, athletes, volunteers. They are part of the fabric of the community in which they've grown up. They have bright futures and big plans.
Continue reading as they share their thoughts about those who have helped them most along this journey.
1. Matthew Ventrella
"Throughout high school, I’ve been successful, largely because of the determination, work ethic, and passion for learning that was instilled into me. I want to thank my mom for always being there for me and for sparking my intellectual curiosity. Along the path of my high school career, I have been fortunate to have had some fantastic teachers whose own charismas greatly influenced me. They have shown me what it's like to pursue an academic passion and have undoubtedly helped me to find mine for government and politics. Furthermore, my faith has been a large part of my life over the last few years. It has taught me the virtues of service and discipline and it has kept me going during many late nights of studying. Today, I see that there are many problems facing our nation and I am eager to lead the effort to solve them. I was very involved in many of West Milford’s extracurricular activities that involve government, history, and service."Matthew is the student council president, student representative to the board of education and president/founder of Model Congress. He as a delegate at American Legion jersey Boys State in 2015, giving a speech to more than 950 kids. He also attended the National Student Leadership Conference in Political Action and Public Policy during the summer of 2015 at American University in Washington D.C. He is a member of the school’s new history bowl team that went to nationals in D.C., a member of NHS, vice president of Spanish Honor Society, and a member of Peers As Leaders (PALs). He is also a track and cross country athlete, being named the West Milford High School's Scholar Athlete of the Year for 2016. He won a $500 scholarship at the scholar athlete luncheon. Matthew is also active in his church, St. Joseph's Catholic church, where he is a member of the youth ministry and serve as a lector. He volunteers with the Juvenile Conference Committee, a local panel of the Passaic County Court which helps juveniles work through conflicts and focuses on the rehabilitation aspects of the justice system.
In the fall, Matthew will attend Boston College, where he will study political science and economics in the school’s honors program. His dream is to become a constitutional lawyer and to serve as a congressman.
2. Laura Freedman
"I would like to thank my parents, sister, and teachers for my academic successes. My parents have always supported me — pushing me to pursue my goals no matter how big or small they may be. I will always remember (and be grateful for) all of the times they read and reread my favorite books to me, the nights before a big test or quiz when they would quiz me on my notes or textbook, and for the reminders they would give me that receiving a bad grade isn’t the end of the world."My sister has been one of my role models ever since I was little. Her determination to do her best on whatever she sets out to do is one of the many values she has instilled in me. I am also very grateful for all of the times she reminded me to go out and have fun every now and then instead of spending every hour of every day consumed by school.
Finally, I would like to thank all of my teachers for helping me grow as a student. They have helped me develop a love for learning and have also taught me various important life lessons over the years."
Laura was a varsity member of the field hockey team for three years and was captain senior year, winning the coach's award and being named to the second team all conference this year. She is a tam captain for Relay for Life for three years, creating a team in honor of her grandfather. She is also a member of the French Honor Society, serving as president this year. She is a member of the National Honor Society, vice president of the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and received an achievement award from Berkeley College for outstanding achievement in a business course.
In the fall, Laura will be attending the University of Scranton to majoring communications and minor in business, French and philosophy. She received the Dean's Scholarship from the university and was accepted into its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, which is offered to the top 60 applicants to the school. She hopes to study abroad.
3. Liam L. Hiester
"My innate need to learn stems from my childhood, where my parents fostered my interest in the academic world. When I was little I remember sitting on my bed with my mother every night, reading stories, developing my analytical skills, preparing me for my future academic endeavors. Without all the support my parents provided me as a child I would have never been able to be as successful as I was during my high school career. My parents may have encouraged my academic success, but without my motivated teachers I would have never been able to embrace the world of academia and explore the unknown as much as I have during my 13 years within the West Milford school system. I would like to wholeheartedly express my thanks to my parents and teachers for always being there for me and supporting my high aspirations. I would be nowhere without all of you."Liam is a dancer with the New Jersey School of Ballet and performed in the company's production of The Nutcracker. He is the treasurer of the National Honor Society, a member of the Science National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. He won the West Milford High School English Department Award and is a member of Relay for Life. Liam won the James Dickson Carr Scholarship from Rutgers University.
Liam will attend the Honors College at Rutgers University in the fall, majoring in cell biology and neuroscience, hoping to continue on to medical school to become a neurologist or neurosurgeon.
4. Jordan Chirichella
"First and foremost, I recognize that my academic success has been the fruit of my own effort. Even if I had every possible opportunity in the world, it would have meant nothing if I did not utilize them. However, I must also thank my parents for teaching me the importance of education, and raising me to be self-motivated. My teachers also played a part in my success, as I would have learned little without them."Jordan is a member of the Cross Country team, fencing, History Club and Model UN. He is a member of the math, science, Italian and national Honor Societies.
In the fall, Jordan will be studying economics at Villanova University.
5. Andrea Hilario
"First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents, Rufino and Vicky Hilario, for my academic success. Parents are a child’s first teachers and there is no doubt that I have been blessed with two of the very best. From teaching me how to read and write at a very young age, to our family travels across the globe, my parents have given me the key to the world by simply being my world. They have never failed to provide me with the necessary resources and experiences for success. Furthermore, I would also like to thank my older sister, Victoria. She was my first friend and was also kind of like a governess to me."Andrea is president of the Interact Club, History Club, and Diplomacy Club. She served as vice president of National Honor Society and president of the Spanish National Honor Society. Andrea is a part of the Science National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society as well. She was captain of the winter and spring track teams. Andrea danced ballet and pointe growing up and studied the flute and piano. She is also a cellist for the Seton Hall University Orchestra. She is an alumni of the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Washington, D.C. and a member of the Society of Torch and Laurel. Andrea was also a New Jersey Ambassador for the political advocacy group Americans for Prosperity.
After 12 years of hard work, Andrea will be attending the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and will be leaving for basic cadet training on June 28. She will be majoring in biology on a pre-med track. "Beat Army. Sink Navy. Go Air Force!"
6. Hossain Ahmad
"I've had a successful academic career so far in my life, but I wouldn't have been able to accomplish any of it without my family. My parents always pushed me to achieve as much in the classroom, and ever since I was in first grade, they wouldn't want to see any of my tests unless there was a big 100 written on top of it. They constantly pushed me to learn as much as I can so I could be successful, which is what they dreamed for me when they moved to America. Also, my older brother has instilled an unbreakable work ethic in me over the years and I owe my academic achievements to him well. He is the hardest working person I know and he constantly tells me that I can be anything if I pursue what I love with everything I have. He is living proof for me that hard work pays off."Hossain is a member of the Chess Club, Model UN, Science Honor Society, Math Honor Society and National Honor Society. He volunteers at Relay for Life in both his junior and senior years, and tutors students in physics and math. Hossain won the math department award for West Milford which is given to one student each year.
Hossain will be attending Rutgers University in the fall to study aerospace engineering.
7. Rachel Lyons
"Thank you to my wonderful family for their unwavering support and pride over my academic accomplishments. Thank you to my mother who cultivated my passion for learning, holding intellectual conversations with me from a young age, proof-reading my homework in elementary school, and (while I rebelled at the time) buying workbooks for me to complete over the summer. Most of all, thank you for encouraging my inquisitive personality, never coining the colloquial phrase, “you’ll understand when you’re older,” but instead attempting to explain the complexity of the world to my restless, curious mind. Thank you to the family I found at school, composed of my teachers and friends who fueled academic debates and jokes, and who embraced our individuality, but also recognized our similarities as loud, obstinate, passionate 'nerds.'”Rachel is a member of Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), the Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, PALS and DECA. She has trained in martial arts for 15 years and played high school soccer. Rachel is a therapy dog volunteer and received the Girl Scout Gold Award. Rachel has received the dean's scholarship from American University.
Rachel plans to major in finance and double minor in Spanish and international affairs at American University this fall. She aspires to be a financial adviser for a Fortune 500 company someday.
8. Ryan Hoffman
"First and foremost, I thank my parents for my academic success because they have always supported me in anything that I do. They also gave me life. They encouraged me to want to be the best person that I can be and helped provide me with the ability to do so. They taught me to put education first, but also made sure I was involved and had other responsibilities that provided me with the ability to manage my time. When I was young, my parents motivated me to learn more and fostered the curiosity that has inspired me to excel. I also thank all of my teachers that have provided me with an amazing education, especially those that instilled in me a love for math and science. Finally, I wish to thank all the men and women that have fought and died for our country so that I have the freedom and safety to be able to focus on my studies."Ryan played lacrosse for four years, ran cross country for two years, volunteered to do yard work and handyman chores for neighbors, works at The Chelsea, volunteers for Relay for Life and participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run since fourth grade. Ryan plays guitar and alto saxophone in the school band from fifth through 11 grade. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Italian Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Meadowbrook Rifle and Pistol Club, and is a peer tutor.
He has received a four-year Army ROTC scholarship, and full academic tuition at Boston University with a stipend for books; He also received the Passaic County 200 Club Scholarship and the PBA Local 600 Scholarship.
After graduation, Ryan will be attending Boston University to study electrical engineering and will be enrolled in the ROTC program. He plans to serve as an active duty officer in the Army after college, then work as a civilian electrical engineer and attend graduate school.
9. Kristen Agostinelli
"I would like to thank my parents for encouraging me to be the best I can be, which inspired me to be successful, not just to make them proud, but also for myself. I would also like to thank my older brother for helping me whenever I needed assistance and teaching me that applying myself in school is not only rewarding, but can also be enjoyable. My teachers and friends contributed to my strong support system too, making my academic success possible, entertaining, and unforgettable."Kristen is the statistician for the girls varsity lacrosse team for the past three years; she has been a Peers As Leaders volunteer for two years. She is president of Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) and a member of the National Honor Society and National Science Honor Society. As a junior, she won the RIT Computing Award. She works as a waitress at Oasis Diner.
In the fall, Kristen will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology majoring in applied mathematics and minoring in American Sign Language.
10. Dylan Pirro
“Academic success is a personal achievement facilitated by outside sources of inspiration. My inspiration comes from many sources. My brothers allowed me to see how far they took their educations, (both are engineers) and set examples for me to follow. I have inspired myself with the desire to succeed in the future with knowledge that I have learned each and every day. Above all else, my academic successes stem from my parents, who have greatly motivated me in the best way possible: always showing how proud they are of my achievements, and allowing me to work on my own to achieve my goals.”Dylan has excelled in many sports and participated in the chess club in high school. He has been a four-year varsity athlete in both indoor track and lacrosse where he received all county honors in both sports. He is the senior class president and a member of several national honor societies, serving as president of the National Honor Society. He has volunteered in various youth PAL programs and the Relay for Life program. He has undertaken honors classes as an underclassman and is currently in Advanced Placement classes, maintaining a GPA over 4 throughout high school.
Dylan has been offered several scholarships and has decided to attend Georgia Tech University in the fall where he will pursue a technology business based degree at the university.
Congratulations to West Milford's class of 2016. The future awaits.