Phoebe Nguyen is an outstanding student of PCTI STEM Academy of Biomedical Life Sciences, where she has combined academic excellence with a clear passion for the medical field. She chose the program because of her longtime interest in medicine and science. “I chose this program because I have always had a love for medicine and science, and I want to pursue a medical career in the future,” Phoebe shared. Her commitment to her studies is reflected in her exceptional 4.4 GPA.
Being named Student of the Month has been a meaningful honor for Phoebe. “It feels really great to be named Student of the Month,” she said. “I am very grateful for the recognition and would like to thank everyone who helped me get here.”
Phoebe is highly involved in the school community and has taken on an impressive range of leadership roles and extracurricular commitments. She serves as president of the National Honor Society, captain of the tennis team, and is also a member of the World Language Honor Society, HOSA, FBLA, and SkillsUSA. In addition, she represents her peers as a delegate for Girls State.
Outside of school, Phoebe remains deeply engaged in service and leadership. She works closely with the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey and serves as a youth leader and teacher in her church, demonstrating her dedication to giving back to her community.
After high school, Phoebe plans to study biochemistry before continuing to medical school. With her drive, discipline, and strong academic foundation, she is already well on her way toward achieving those goals.
When asked what advice she would offer to incoming freshmen and classmates, Phoebe shared thoughtful and grounded guidance: “Focus on the things you can control rather than the things you cannot. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, focus on how you can build yourself up from where you are.”
Reflecting on her experience in PCTI STEM, Phoebe credits the program with helping prepare her for the future. “Being part of PCTI STEM has taught me the core of biomedicine and introduced me to various aspects of the field that I will need in the medical profession,” she said. “I am forever grateful for that.”
Congratulations, Phoebe! You are an exceptional member of the PCTI STEM community, and we look forward to seeing all that you accomplish ahead.
Renan Briones Pinto is an exceptional student in PCTI’s School of Business Careers, where he is part of the Global Management program. His interest in global business began at a young age, inspired by a toy card collection that introduced him to international brands and sparked his curiosity about the world of business. That early fascination eventually led him to this field of study. Renan’s strong work ethic and commitment to excellence are reflected in his impressive 4.4 GPA.
Being named Student of the Month is a meaningful achievement for Renan. Reflecting on his accomplishment he says, “Being named Student of the Month is a great honor. I attribute all of my success and this recognition especially to my friends and family, who have helped me along the way.”
Renan is actively involved in school life and has taken on several academic and leadership roles. He serves as president of the Rho Kappa Honor Society and is also involved in National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, the Gifted and Talented program, and FBLA. His involvement across multiple organizations highlights both his leadership and his dedication to making the most of his high school experience.
Renan is building valuable real-world experience as a co-op student at a law firm, where he works as a legal assistant. In his free time, he enjoys watching sports and spending quality time with friends and family.
After high school, Renan plans to attend college and major in finance or economics. Looking ahead, he hopes to build a career in investment banking or consulting. A meaningful fact about Renan is that he was born in Ecuador, and he takes great pride in his Hispanic heritage, culture, and Ecuadorian roots, which continue to inspire and motivate him.
When asked what advice he would offer to incoming freshmen and classmates, Renan shared a thoughtful message, “take pride in everything you do, whether that is making connections, talking with friends, or even late-night studying. Have pride and do not forget where you come from.”
Reflecting on his time at PCTI, Renan credits the people around him with shaping who he is today. Through the friendships he has built and the teachers who have supported and inspired him, he says PCTI has had a lasting impact on his growth.
Congratulations, Renan! Your academic achievement, leadership, and pride in your journey make you an outstanding member of the PCTI community, and we are excited to see where your future takes you.
Mirella Matias is an exceptional student in PCTI’s Academy of Finance, where she has developed a strong academic record and gained skills that will serve her well in the future. She chose the program because of her love for numbers and the opportunity to build practical knowledge that could apply to many paths ahead. “I chose Finance because, as someone who did not know exactly what I wanted to do, I have always loved numbers,” Mirella shared. “I associated finance with numbers, and I felt the skills I would learn in the program would really help me in the future.” Her hard work and dedication are reflected in her outstanding 4.4 GPA.
Being named Student of the Month has been a rewarding achievement for Mirella. “It feels great to be named Student of the Month,” she said. “I feel like all the dedication and hard work I have put into this school has really paid off.”
Mirella is actively involved in school life and contributes to the PCTI community through several clubs and organizations. She is a member of Consumer Bowl, the World Language Honor Society, Gifted and Talented, and Sign Language Club, showing both her academic drive and her willingness to stay engaged beyond the classroom.
Outside of school, Mirella enjoys staying active. In her free time, she loves dancing, exercising, and doing anything that involves physical activity. She also enjoys spending time with her family, which remains an important part of her life.
After high school, Mirella plans to attend college and earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Looking ahead, she is open to where that path may lead and is excited for what the future holds.
When asked what advice she would give to incoming freshmen, Mirella offered a thoughtful reminder to find balance. “Try to get your work done, but also have fun, because high school is only four years and you have to make the most of it,” she said.
Reflecting on her experience, Mirella shared that being part of PCTI has helped her grow both personally and socially. “Through the classes and extracurricular activities available to me, I think I have become much more social and have discovered new interests and more about myself that I did not know before,” she said.
Congratulations, Mirella! Your commitment to academics, involvement, and personal growth make you an outstanding part of the PCTI community, and we are excited to see all you accomplish next.

