Lana Yasiji is an outstanding student in the PCTI Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, focusing on Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) studies. Her interest in the human body and its functions, especially when it comes to children, led her to pursue this field. Reflecting on her choice of CTE, Lana shared, “I’ve always wanted to get to know the human body and how it works, especially for kids. I wanted to help them, as sometimes kids feel they don’t have a voice because their parents are always answering for them.”
Being named Student of the Month came as a surprise to Lana. She said, “I was surprised. I thought, ‘This is a mistake; this is not me.’ But then I was really proud of myself because my hard work actually led to something.” Her academic dedication is evident in her impressive GPA of 4.2.
Lana is an active member of several clubs, including serving as Secretary of the Class of 2025. She is also a member of HOSA, the Gifted and Talented program, and the National Honor Society (NHS) and World Language Honor Society.
Outside of school, Lana enjoys helping her sisters with their homework and assisting her mother around the house. She also values spending time with her friends and family.
After high school, Lana plans to attend a four-year college to study nursing, with the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. She is interested in pursuing her education at Rutgers Newark for nursing.
Lana’s advice to incoming freshmen or classmates is straightforward yet thoughtful: “Don’t worry about other people. Focus on yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others because everything will happen the way it’s supposed to happen for you.”
Lana credits her time at PCTI with providing invaluable opportunities that shaped her future. “I feel like it gave me a big boost. If I hadn’t come to PCTI, I don’t think I would have had the opportunities I do now, like becoming EMT certified and gaining all the medical knowledge I have. It’s been really helpful.”
Congratulations, Lana! We look forward to all the great things you will accomplish in the future
Leo Matias is a dedicated student in the School of Automotive Technology at PCTI. His curiosity about vehicles, especially how they work and what parts contribute to their functions, has driven his interest in this field. Reflecting on his choice of CTE, Leo shared, “I’ve always been curious about vehicles that let us travel far and wide, like how they work and what parts do what. My CTE helps me better understand them by working hands-on.”
Being named Student of the Month is an honor for Leo. He expressed, “I feel honored. I have been working hard in everything I do, and now it’s being recognized. It’s just an honor.” His dedication to his studies is reflected in his strong GPA of 3.6.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Leo is a member of the Chess Club. Outside of school, he enjoys walking, spending time with his family and friends, and playing video games. He values his relaxation time and believes in taking care of his well-being.
Looking ahead, Leo plans to attend college and eventually transfer. While his future path is still being shaped, he has been considering a major in technology, recognizing its growing influence. However, he acknowledges the value of maintaining his mechanical skills as a backup.
His advice to incoming freshmen is both motivational and reflective: “Keep pushing forward, and don’t give up. It may get difficult, but don’t let that stop you because, in the end, it’ll all be worth it. Enjoy the time you have with your family and friends and enjoy the little things in life because you never know when it’ll all go away.”
Reflecting on his time at PCTI, Leo shared how the experience has helped him personally: “It has helped me with my social status. I was a nervous kid at first, but thanks to PCTI, I was able to fix that issue. Now I don’t feel nervous when talking to new people, and I’ve met great people.”
Congratulations, Leo! We look forward to seeing all the great things you will accomplish in the future.
Melanie Burgers is an exemplary student in the PCTI STEM Academy of Engineering. Her passion for creative problem-solving and design began at an early age, where she loved drawing buildings and bringing them to life digitally. Reflecting on her choice of CTE, Melanie shared, “I knew going into my senior year I would go into the civil engineering and architecture program, which allowed me to combine both my artistic and creative side with STEM. It also allowed me to explore both pathways to determine which of the two I wanted to pursue in the future.”
Being named Student of the Month was a surprise and an honor for Melanie. She remarked, “I’m surrounded by so many hard working and dedicated students but I’m also really proud and excited that my hard work from these past four years in both my academics and extracurricular have been recognized by the school.” Her strong academic performance is demonstrated in her impressive GPA of 4.2.
In addition to her academic excellence, Melanie is actively involved in several clubs and extracurricular activities. She is a member of the National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, and the Engineering Club, where she participated in the STEAM Tank competition. She is also a Student Ambassador, Peer Mentor, and plays the flute for the Concert Band. Additionally, Melanie serves as a class representative and participates in the LEAP program.
Outside of school, Melanie enjoys drawing, ice skating, and playing golf, finding time to unwind and pursue her hobbies.
Looking ahead, Melanie plans to pursue an architecture degree in college, with the goal of becoming a professional architect focused on creating sustainable residential and commercial buildings.
Her advice to freshmen is both practical and thoughtful: “Work hard, try new things, but also prioritize your mental health and well-being.”
Looking back on her time at PCTI STEM, Melanie shared how the experience has shaped her. “My experience at PCTI has helped me stay motivated and disciplined. The classes I took and the support I received from my teachers have positively impacted my journey. I’m excited for the future in architecture, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities here.”
Congratulations Melanie! We look forward to your continued success in the future.