Volume LVIV, Issue 3 June 2023 thelancenews.

com, @thelancenvot

Good Knight and Good Luck

Dr. Sabatini Reflects On His Decade As NVOT Principal
“I believe students really listen
By Charlie Dippolito, when they hear ‘we’, not ‘you’,
Editor-in Chief have to do something.”

P
During his tenure, Sabatini
rincipal Bruce Sabatini has most valued character. “I
began his career as an think what’s really important
bilingual social studies to understand, there’s no
teacher at Memorial High School standardized test that can measure
in West New York, New Jersey, in determination, creativity,
September of 1976. Since then, fortitude, or being able to
Sabatini has dedicated 47 years to persevere,” he explained. “That
working in education— instilling comes from within.”
the ideas of effort, perseverance, Sabatini’s main goal has
perspective, integrity, and been to help students find their
respect. passion no matter the hurdles in
Over the past decade, their way. “I still think the most
Sabatini has ingrained these important thing of our main
values within the minds and hearts jobs is to help students find their
of Golden Knights. Sabatini, who passion, whether it’s to become an
took over the role of principal architect, a writer, an electrician,
of NVOT in 2013 after his a welder, an attorney, a physician,
predecessor Fred Hessler retired, a teacher, by exposing students
previously worked as principal of to so many things ” he said.
NVD for eight years. On May 12, Northern Valley principal Sabatini on the Old Tappan campus. Photo by John Housley “Motivation is the key to life,” he
Sabatini announced via email that said. Keeping students motivated
he would be returning to NVD in the community. “Whether it’s and that includes everything sporting his iconic “Control
and highly involved in the
for the 2023-2024 school year, in the corridors or, even more from student government, music, What You Can Control” bracelet
community helps us achieve our
effective July 1. importantly, in the classrooms, theater, or athletics.” No matter and greeting students as they
goals no matter what.
As our principal, Sabatini not just formally observing but what event, Sabatini makes sure pass by his office. However,
While we learn, Sabatini
wanted to make sure that he informally seeing students and to cheer on every Golden Knight. Sabatini does not see himself as
learns with us. “I’ve also learned
made himself visible. He didn’t staff,” said Sabatini. “I think it’s Sabatini has become the the singular entity that makes the
the value of listening to students,
want to be a figure behind a desk, critically important is to show face of NVOT—often seen in community—“I go out of my way
but a person actively involved tangible interest in all activities, the hallways between classes, to use the pronoun ‘we’,” he said. (continued on page 3)

Language Learning Goes Both Ways

Spanish 5 seniors serve and support English Language Learners
of students where they really have
By Lara Areiqat and limited English. So [a question]
Caroline Tharakan
just came to my mind: how can we

W
serve these kids?”
hen World Language After consulting with Dr. Marc
teacher Lisa Veit’s Cicchino, the NVRHS Director of
Newcomers Basic Special Projects & Innovation, to
Skills class quadrupled in size find out how she could incorporate
this school year, she saw an helping the ELs in her Spanish 5
opportunity to give her students class, she decided “to do problem-
more real-world Spanish skills. based learning [PBL] for two out of
In addition to navigating the the four units.” With PBL, students
traditional challenges of high can explore different ways to help
school, English Learners (ELs) ELs from making instructional
are doing so in their non-native videos to putting magnets across
language. Recognizing a need in the school.
the building, Veit’s Spanish 5 class Veit’s students learned that the
transformed its curriculum to aid ELs would be more comfortable if
these students as they adapt to they knew more people across the Spanish 5 and ELs visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Courtesy of Lisa Veit
NVOT. building who could speak Spanish,
There are 26 ELs in the so they decided to survey the staff. guards have a copy, the cafeteria To further help these students, comfortable,” Maryott said.
building this year, identified From the survey, they discovered [staff] have a copy. And it’s just the class created magnets that Students were also instructed
through a standardized test that 16 different languages so when a new student comes in represent the language staff speaks to interview the Newcomers Basic
known as the ACCESS English are spoken among the NVOT and says they say they only speak in that room, for classroom and Skills class for a class assignment.
Proficiency test. Out of the 26 in staff. Spanish 5 students Grant Arabic we can say ‘Okay, we have office doors. “The ELs students “My Spanish 5 students are
the building, nine belong to Veit’s Maryott and Hannah Lee turned three teachers that speak Arabic. could know where they could go forced to communicate in Spanish
Newcomers Basic Skills Class. “I the survey results into pamphlets Let’s see if they can help’,” Veit for help and know where they because the other group can’t
had never taught this population they distributed to staff. “Security said. could go to feel a little bit more
(continued on page 3)

Inside
OPINION FEATURES NEWS SPORTS SPORTS
Not The Setting New Built The Record
Forgotten Comeback Kids Roots Different Breakers
(p. 2) (p. 4-5) (p. 6) (p. 7) (p. 8)

Art byAudrey Hansen

 Opinion Features

Not Forgotten Good Knight and Good Luck (cont.)

(continued from page 1) process and rational thinking infestations to, most recently, optimum things and challenges
I forgot how excited I was went into decision making.” ominous orange skies. Perhaps that occur in our lives.”
By Audrey Hansen, hearing them out, speaking to Although he’s known for the worst of them was the Sabatini hopes he can leave
to become friends with one of
Managing Editor students about their thought his “Control What You Can COVID-19 pandemic. Sabatini a long-lasting legacy. He’s
my now best friends Charlie—
our first conversation being little process, whether it’s a Control” mindset, Sabatini’s worked in coordination with most proud when he hears from
Dear Class of 2023, dialogue and instead senseless decision that was made career has been defined by things now incoming NVOT principal parents and alumni that “they
laughter during an activity in or a decision that he cannot control—from mold Timothy Gouraige and local law still rely and recall the lifetime
During the pandemic, I started world history last year. will be made,” he

“That’s the best way I can look at it. To model and

writing down the highlight of I forgot how happy I was to said. “I believe
my day, every single day. I [students] know
just be in my kitchen with my
made it a rule that it could be that I’m sincere
parents and two sisters, doing
anything, from acing a test, to nothing but poking fun at each
and even when
an agreement is
not on the same
control what we, or in this case, I can control”
Dr. Sabatini
making days
page, they
know that
some thought enforcement to organize a late- skills we’ve always talked about:

count instead graduation ceremony for the

Class of 2020. No matter the
challenge, Sabatini steps up to
effort, work ethic, perseverance,
our own personal integrity, [and]
having good perspective” when

of counting support the community. Through

each hurdle, he controls what he
can control.
challenges inevitably come our
way.
Diving head first into his
them down “I remember walking up that
hill after graduation feeling very
transition to NVD, Sabatini
highlights the interpersonal
relationships he’s made over
pleased and proud,” he said. Not
having a good lunch or, if the Editor in Chief Charlie Dippolito (left) with Managing Editor Audrey Hansen Photo by John Housley
knowing what was going to come his tenure at NVOT. “It’s the
other.
day was so bad, the best part I forgot how much I loved next, Sabatini helped lead the relationships you miss most,
could be when it ended. It was the tediousness of gluing fake highlights are the streams next person we are destined to stories. But in order to do that, rest of the Northern Valley into but, in life, you have to move on
a necessary practice for me to dollar bills onto dresses during of light that break through become. We want to leap, soar, you have to know them, and feel the 2020-2021 school year with sometimes,” he said. “So that’s
appreciate dull days, a way of the fallen shades of this past jump…instead of step. I don’t them. Don’t neglect them and perseverance. what I’m modeling. I have to
the late hours of tech week in
making days count instead of chapter. They remind us that fault us for it, it’s the way we run from them and simply move “I think I learned to do that reestablish those relationships at
musical season.
counting them down. there is always good in the bad grew up. on. Moving on is dangerous, better over time as a leader and our sister school at NVD and that
I forget how much those
As I reached the end of that has probably facilitated the can be reinvigorating.”
respect factor,” he said. “We don’t “That’s the best way I can
my senior year and published
control what happens to us, but look at it. To model and control
my final issue of The Lance, I
what we, or in this case, I can

I forget how much

we do control our response and
sat with the book that sheltered
our approach to some less than control,” he said.
those moments. I flipped the
pages and read through the
moments that mattered to me

those moments meant Language Learning Goes Both Ways (cont.)

on that day, that I had since
forgotten about.
I forgot about my three best
friends, Holly, Nikki and Kyra,
hugging me in the middle of (continued from page 1) It’s not the easiest transition. And
A-hallway before they left for a I didn’t really realize that at first
vacation I couldn’t make. But on moments meant. and the tough and the seemingly But in these next steps, I moving with what you know, the speak any English. So they had until I heard a couple of stories
that day, I remembered it meant In your final months with impossible, and they guide us think we should step back for people you knew, the stories and to communicate ‘what are the from a couple of these kids.”
everything to me. Now, I think the people who have watched to the next tough thing that will a minute and turn around, and chapters and pages you wrote, is things you need when you walk in When Veit’s students found
about that sincerity and genuine you grow up, try to remember inevitably come. look over our shoulders. Look at the way to go. this room; if you walked into the out that another challenge for the
love all the time. Our next chapters are all the past versions of yourself So when you’re packing up United States for the first time or EL students was having difficulty
for college in two months, and you came into this building?’” Veit buying things in the cafeteria and
you look around at your empty said. the vending machine, they decided

Grant the past some dignity room, make sure it’s really
empty. Take everything with
you, even the things you can’t
Veit’s students also got a
glimpse of the challenges ELs
face on a daily basis navigating a
to create instructional videos in
Spanish as their next project. In
addition to creating the videos,
quite touch. Carry the people predominantly-English speaking the students created and placed
school. Spanish 5 student Shane QR codes that led to those videos
your highlights. The small parts you knew and the moments
Sedano realized the challenges go around the school, including the
I forgot about my after- of mundane days that brought approaching so fast, and our first and the things that made that you made, that made you the
beyond the physical journey to the cafeteria and vending machines.
lunch escapades with Nikki as you joy—that made you grateful instinct, having been conditioned person happy. Hear them. Grant you sitting here now. Bring the
United States. “It’s not just a plane For next year, the QR codes will
we lapped B-hallway as many for ending up here, and having to an academically challenging the past some dignity. stories with you. [ride],” Sedano said. “It’s really be included in bookmarks that will
times as we could before the met the people you met. and competitive high school, You get to pick from I think you should slow not easy to be a student over here. be distributed to each EL student.
bell rang, delirious with joy for These small, microscopic is to run towards it—our next your own personal handmade down, just for a moment. You’ll
absolutely no reason. step, the next challenge, the scrapbook of moments and thank yourself later.
Senior Alex Kranzler points out QR codes across the school. Photos Courtesy of Lisa Veit

Creating the videos was how working with the students ed rules for the EL students. For
a challenge for Veit’s students helped him hone his Spanish Veit, these seniors’ work is only
Editorial Statement
since it required them to explain skills beyond a classroom setting. the beginning and she plans to
The Lance is a student-run publication representing the voices of the students of Northern processes entirely in Spanish. “If “Learning about cultures and continue PBL with future classes.
Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan. As a publication, The Lance aims to express the
100 Central Avenue, Old Tappan, NJ 07675 views and opinions of the entirety of the student body and to cover any and all news relevant to
you’re trying to learn Spanish getting more hands-on experience Veit hopes that working with
the school community. We value the many perspectives on the issues we cover, and we intend by speaking to a partner in class, allowed me to learn at a higher level the EL students also prepares the
Editor in Chief ------------------------- Charlie Dippolito, Caroline Tharakan
Managing Editors ---------------------- Audrey Hansen, Lara Areiqat, Olivia Connell to represent the values of the diverse opinions of our school community. and you both just agree to speak and be able to speak confidently seniors for real world exchanges
News Editor ---------------------------- Ina Rhee Spanish, you could just throw in an in a different language,” Maryott after high school. “When they go
The Lance strives for impartiality, accountability, honesty, and objectivity; the core principles
Sports Editor --------------------------- Antonio Campagna, Justin Garber, Samantha Tate
of journalism. Our goal is to provide a platform where open discussion is encouraged and
English word here and there and said. to college, they’ll be looking for
Arts Editor ----------------------------- Amir Attal, Olivia Connell
Lifestyle Editor ------------------------ Erin Yoon freedom of expression is protected. they understand but you can’t do Veit shared how another how to help. They’ll understand
Social Media Editor --------------- Christine Kim that with these kids,” Sedano said. student especially connected with more if someone doesn’t speak
Associate Editors ---------------------- Kevin Ju, Hyunyung Kim, Annabelle Lee, Sofia Mangano, Any editorials written by our staff may, but do not necessarily represent the views of the faculty “You really have to just do your the projects they were doing: English, because in college,
Jahnavi Vaghasia or administration.
best, go into the depths of your “[The student] goes, ‘this is so they’re coming from all over the
Letter Policy Spanish vocabulary and just figure gratifying.’ He knows that it’s for world. They might have kids that
Staff Writers ------------------------------ Charlotte Atalla, Erin Cho, Alexander Cleary, Sam Cruz,
Addison Gioffre, Kiran Gurunathan, Madison Kosmark, Olivia Lombardo, Maria Silva The Lance welcomes all letters. If the editorial board choses to publish a letter, The Lance out how to explain certain things.” the common good, as opposed to have limited English skills, and it
reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and brevity, but not for content. Letters can be Despite the challenges, the it’s just for him to get an A.” can be in any language. It doesn’t
Advisors --------------------------------- Kelley Kulick, John Housley submitted by emailing [email protected]. experience was rewarding for The class’s work continues as have to be just Spanish, but at
Maryott and Lee show the pamphelet they created. Photo Courtesy of Lisa Veit
Veit’s students. Maryott shared they plan to make a video on phys least they understand.”

2 3
 1987 1988 1989 1992 1993 1995 1997 1998 1999

[
[

[
[
Jennifer Dee John Housley Louis Angioletti Amy Luby Kerri Hubbard Dawn D’Ercole Daniella Ashbahian Craig Ferraro Debra Smith Megan Langan Erica Sposa

What was your mindset leaving NVOT? How has working as a teacher been

The
different from your times as a student here?
“I will never ever ever be back here again.” — Jennifer Dee
“I find that I have more pride in NVOT now as a teacher
because I get to see more of it.” — Maia Levenshus

COMEBACK
“I was sad, but I was looking forward to, you know,
my future.” — Daniella Ashbahian “Students are much more tolerant and kinder of one
another as opposed to when I was here. I think there was a lot
“It was bittersweet—on one hand I was ready to more bullying prevalent and some other things that are not as
embark on the next chapter of my life (college) but

KIDS
accepted.” — Louis Angioletti
I also was not ready to leave all of my amazing
“My perspective is so different. I don’t see the drama as
friends.” — Kerri Hubbard much as being a student. I only see what goes on in a math
classroom.” — Lisa Leo
What inspired you to The Lance dusts off the archives to “Working I got to know the teachers and the staff in a
come back? find staff who returned to OT’s halls different light. As a student it’s different as I’m friendlier
with the staff when I work here and I saw a different side
“I loved my HS days, I think that’s why I love working “I see myself in many of the students. I hope that of the staff when I worked here.” — Dawn D’Ercole
here.” — Amy Luby
“I had fantastic teachers—teachers I still
helps me to be better at my job—I understand “I find students now are quickly looking for answers and the
easy way out where when we grew up, there wasn’t the
think about to this day who made a big impact what it’s like to be a Northern Valley student” internet. We didn’t have a choice to find quick answers like
on me” — Jeffrey Krapels we knew we had to work for things sometimes.” — Debra Smith
— Courtney Reinfried

2000 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2012 2016

[

[
[

Helena Gliatta Christine Massaro Jeffrey Krapels Courtney Reinfried Thomas Walsh Kathleen Wehmann Jordan Sheehan Lisa Leo James Goetschius Maia Levenshus
4 5
 News Sports

Setting New Roots cognitive benefits, such as

mental health and general
emotional well-being,” Kim
explained.
Ahad added that “the
smiles from colleagues feeling
the gesture of appreciation was
moving,” only demonstrating
Built Different
Work-Based Learning adds green to the blue and gold Ahad stresses the the positive effect the garden Standout pitcher Alex Kranzler’s journey to success
importance of plants in has.
manmade environments — Additionally, the long and injuries throughout his high the right offer, Kranzler would no
By Addison Gioffre and school years. longer attend Vanderbilt and instead
“working with nature outside life of the newly planted Jahnavi Vaghasia This work ethic is seen by all focus on growing his professional
of structured walls and screens trees ensures their ability to
those around him, including baseball career. At this point, though, there
is healthy for the mind, body, bring comfort and continue
98 season strikeouts. A 0.58 Coach Tim Byron. “[Kranzler] doesn’t isn’t any pressure to go straight to
and soul.” positively impacting NVOT’s take a day off. He’s determined, he’s the minor leagues; “As long as I get
Earned Run Average. A 96 mile per
With the help of the community for a long time. committed, and as a coach there’s an opportunity at some point [to play
hour fastball, and a slider
garden, people in the For example, Ahad says the that breaks 20 inches. nothing better than having a kid who professionally], I really don’t care,”
community can help spread new trees were added to the Senior pitcher Alex wants it as much as he does,” Byron Kranzler said.
wellness throughout the courtyard in the hope that Kranzler makes it said.
school. For example, Ahad they’ll “be a part of [the] look easy. Not only does this dedication aid
said the flowers were planted school’s landscape for a long His dedication to the in his personal development, but
“as a gesture of appreciation” time,” especially since “trees sport started off as a typical it motivates those around
to teachers as flowers are “a survive generations of us.” childhood activity. Coming him. “He brings a
sign of love and respect.” On top of the longevity from a family of baseball fans, he
This means that the garden of the trees in the courtyard, was constantly exposed to the sport.
doesn’t just have the potential the colorful bushes of roses “My dad and I watched baseball a lot
growing up,” Kranzler said. This led certain
to improve well-being through will continue to be a part of
him to participate in town recreational energy and
their green appearances but the school garden for a long competitiveness that
T-ball at the age of five, starting off
can also spread positivity time. Kim said the bushes fuels his teammates and is
his career with the sole intention of
through actions like these. are young and “have quite a easy to feed off of,” said co-captain
having fun. As he got older, however,
For the past few weeks, bit of growing to do through it became less of a hobby and more of Alex Gioffre. As a major figure on
Park has also been “creating the next few years” and will a lifestyle. “Eighth grade is when it got the team, Kranzler has helped lead the
Plants WBL seniors cultivated over the last 5 weeks. Photos by John Housley beautiful bouquets” from the hopefully make the courtyard Knights to a Division title as well as
real for me,” he said, “I just found love
roses in the garden and “has “a more beautiful place for for it.” strong finishes in both the county and
the fields outside the school of the NVOT community can state tournaments.
By Ina Rhee, been giving [them] out to the future students” and continue After realizing his potential and
to take a break from school improve their well-being. Despite being a confident young
News Editor teachers and staff throughout to positively influence the love for the sport, he started to give
work. “Everybody is sitting “Spending time in nature is up other activities and shift his focus player, his path was never crystal
the building.” school’s environment.
inside all day and looking at even often linked to multiple to baseball. “[Baseball] was pretty clear. Kranzler received multiple
During the week of May 15, computer screens, and I think Division One offers from schools
much all I did,” Kranzler said. He
members of science teacher that having some biodiversity like Georgia Institute of Technology
started playing travel baseball at nine
Steve Ahad’s Work-Based and nature to look at that isn’t years old for Southern Squeeze, and and Duke University, originally
Learning group replanted the just trees and grass is really his commitment to the sport only committing to the University of
courtyard garden, adding trees nice for everybody,” said grew with his age. “I traveled pretty Missouri his sophomore year. He later
for the first time in four years Katie Park, a member of the much all over the country,” Kranzler decided to switch due to changes in
with plants from Lupardi’s said, competing in tournaments and their pitching program. “They had
Work-Based Learning group
Nursery in Demarest. Adding showcases in California, Florida, and four different pitching coaches during
that helped plant the garden.
a little more green to NVOT Louisiana. the time I was committed,” Kranzler
“Nature throughout the
doesn’t just improve the Soon, Kranzler’s love for the said. Now, as a senior in his last few
school grounds provides a weeks of the school year, Kranzler
look of the courtyard but sport reached beyond the baseball
pleasing environment to eat has secured himself a spot on one of
also improves the school’s field, now affecting his whole
lunch in, complete school lifestyle. “I try to find any way that I the top collegiate baseball teams in
environment for all members work in, or even just as a cool can better myself in baseball, whether the country, the Vanderbilt University
of the community. place to hang out,” said Sean Commodores. “I’m excited to have
it’s eating healthy, sleeping, not going
Students can look into Kim, another senior service the opportunity to be a part of a power-
out, lifting, throwing, or mobility,”
the garden and admire the member. Kranzler said. This attitude is what house program in the SEC,” he said.
colorful flowers and new Not only that but by carried him through any challenges he Even now, Kranzler’s future
plants compared to just looking at and immersing faced, starting from a young age and isn’t set. “At some point I would
looking out the window and WBL Seniors at work in the courtyard. Photo by Charlie Dippolito
continuing through various setbacks definitely like to get drafted,” he said.
oneself in the garden, members
Photo by Nico DiMaria If he were to get drafted and receive Photo by Ryan Sullivan

Spring Arts Recap Spring Sports Recap

Celebrating another season of exceptional Golden Knights arts Wrapping up spring sports at the end of the season
By Emma Mor,
Arts Editor
Percussion Ensemble at TriM Induction Fine Arts Festival Baseball Boys Golf Boys Lacrosse Boys Tennis
April 27, 2023 Week of May 16, 2023 Record: 17-10 Record: 11-5 Record: 4-13 Record: 16-8
William Patterson 21 NVOT students were inducted The Fine Arts Festival began as
Information printed is accurate April 1, 2023 into the Tri-Music Honor Society for a showcase on the night of May
as of June 15; For updated arts NVOT’s Percussion Ensemble their commitment and contributions 16, and continued throughout the
information, visit thelancenews. performed their show “Mechanize” to the NVOT music department. school week. Art students shared Won league championship,
com at the NJ Percussive Arts Society The induction ceremony included their favorite art from the school reached the semi-final round Won sectional championship, Qualified for the state tournament Won the sectional championship,
Percussion Festival. performances from current TriM year with their peers. of the county tournament, and reached the state championship, and placed sixth in the Curcio competed in the group semifinals,
members. competed in the second round of and placed second in leagues. league. and placed second in leagues.
the state playoffs.

Senior Showcase End of Year Concert Girls Golf Girls Lacrosse Softball
May 18, 2023
Matthew Scott Fundraiser May 24, 2023 Boys & Girls Track
April 28, 2023 The NVOT instrumental and vocal Record: 8-4 Record: 8-11 Record: 17-9
The theater department said
The Golden Arts Department held music students concluded their school By Antonio Campagna,
their goodbyes and thank yous Sports Editor
a concert and VIP reception with year and celebrated all of their hard work
to the Class of 2023 at the
alumnus Matthew Scott to raise money during their end of year concert. The Won sectional championship,
Senior Showcase, where students
for the all-school musical and theater concert included performances from the competed in the Group 3 Won league championship,
performed their work from the Qualified for the state tournament
program. The fundraiser included Combined Bands, Encore Chorus, String championship, placed second in Placed third in leagues and reached quarterfinals of the Information printed is accurate
STANJ competition and the and placed fourth in the American
performances from Scott, current, and Orchestra, Jazz Band, Ragazzi, Valley county relays, second in leagues, competed in the state tournament. county tournament, and qualified as of June 15; For updated sports
seniors were honored for their North league.
past students. Voices, Percussion Ensemble, Concert and second in counties. for the state playoffs.
contributions to the program. information, visit thelancenews.
Choir, Wind Ensemble, and Choirs.
com

6 7
 Sports

The Record Breakers

A trio of elite track athletes have been making and breaking history
By Justin Garber and
Samantha Tate

The Golden Knights

Spring Track and Field
season has been highlighted
by broken records and a deep
run into the postseason. As
of publication, they’ve won
the State Sectional title and
are competing for the Group
III title. In the midst of all
the teams’ successes, three
athletes stand out even more.
Jack Small, Abigail Dennis,
and Layla Giordano do more
than demonstrate qualities
of a positive teammate and a
tough athlete: they are record
breakers over and over.

Abigail Dennis
Dennis has found many ways to contribute to the team with her great athleticism and speed. She
regularly competes in the 100 hurdle, 100M, 200M, and 400M races. Motivation from both her dad and
Coach David Burns has recently pushed her to compete in 400 hurdles. Dennis has also added the long
jump: “I tried it in the indoor season and that was successful, so I added it to my outdoor,” she said.
You may have seen the viral video of Dennis’s remarkable comeback in a 100M hurdle event from
last year’s spring season. Her performance gained the attention of many sports media outlets such as
ESPN and was even reacted to by two-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin. “The video got
my name out there in a positive way and I’m thankful and happy it inspired so many people,” Dennis
said.
Dennis has regularly seen her name atop leaderboards and record books and owns Old Tappan’s
record for the long jump at 19 ‘0”. Between her jaw-dropping achievements and quick rise to fame,
Dennis has obtained a great reputation among college scouts and holds interest from over twenty
prestigious Division I schools including Harvard, Cornell, Columbia, Notre Dame.

Layla Giordano Jack Small

Giordano continues to impress as A top football prospect in the
she keeps breaking her own record in state of New Jersey, the 6’6” Small
discus and shotput. With her current turns his attention to throwing
PR (157 feet) in discus and shotput every spring. He saw his hard
(45-6), Giordano has qualified for New work pay off in the Bergen County
Balance Outdoor Nationals which group meet on May 13th, when
will take place at the University of he threw a school record 56’10”
Pennsylvania mid June. in shot put. Small also added a
With less than two seasons worth discus section title to his name this
of training for discus, Giordano is spring. He was an All-County shot
approaching #1 rankings on the state put thrower, and ranked first in the
and national levels. Additionally, she is group for discus and second in the
currently 22nd in the country for discus. group for shot put. Small credits
The award Giordano was most pleased his development to Coach Peter
to receive, however, was North Jersey. Dunn. “Without him, it is hard to
com’s Athlete of the Week. “With this believe I would be in the same
award, my picture will be hung up on place I am today,” Small said.
the walls of the school which cements Small’s outlook on competing
my accomplishments into school in track and field has developed
history forever,” Giordano said. over the years. “I started doing
As records break and motivation track to get my lifting in the off-
rises, these three incredible athletes are season,” he said. ”It turned out to
reaching for more. “We’re all locked be something I was pretty good at.
in,” Giordano said. “I think going in I enjoy competing and I think that
we’re going to have the mindset of is a big reason for me still doing
we want to prove we are number one shot put, despite my successes on
and come out first in any event we’re the football field.”
doing.”

Photos by Ryan Sullivan

8