Brooke Breitweiser is a graduating senior from Millbrook prep in Millbrook New York. She enjoyed all sports and clubs, having a wonderful high school experience!  Brooke is looking forward to attending Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas

Simone Caplan, a West Essex High School graduating senior, will be attending Wake Forest University this fall where she plans to major in engineering. While at West Essex, Simone was a four-year varsity swimmer and was named captain in both her junior and senior year. In addition to being involved in numerous social and academic clubs, Simone was inducted as a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. Outside of school, Simone has worked as a teacher’s assistant at her synagogue since eighth grade and is an assistant paddle and tennis instructor at Fells Brook Club. She is a nationally ranked paddle player. Simone enjoys being a part of the community and is a junior volunteer for the Essex Fells Fire Department. She also brought the non-profit organization World of Change to Essex Fells Elementary School where they raised almost $1,500 in loose change for local charities. Before heading to Wake Forest, Simone will be down the shore, returning as an ocean lifeguard for the Avalon Beach Patrol.

Sarah Chodorcoff is a graduating senior from West Essex High School, where she played field hockey and was actively involved in many clubs and initiatives. During her time at West Essex, she was an officer for the National Honor Society and received the ShopRite STAR for academics in her senior year. She was founder and president of the West Essex Fashion Club, where she executed community service events, created a lookbook for the Dress for Success organization, and helped prepare the costumes for the Masquers of West Essex productions. Sarah is excited to attend Wake Forest University in the fall and plans to study business and enterprise management with a minor in entrepreneurship. 

 

After graduating from Essex Fells School, Daniel D’Alessandro attended Delbarton School in Morristown through his sophomore year.    For the last two years, Daniel has been living on Long Island where he attended a hockey academy to further his goal of playing NCAA D1 hockey.   He has verbally committed to continue his academics and athletics at Princeton University, and intends to matriculate in September of 2025 after a gap year playing junior hockey in Canada.  

 

Quinn DeStefano is a graduating senior from Delbarton School. Quinn has played lacrosse over the past six years, served as Student Body Vice President, and helped run the school investment club. In his spare time, Quinn ran a business where he bought and sold sneakers while helping with a COVID-19 relief charity. Quinn loves being around friends, learning about economics, and playing golf. Quinn was the first in his family to attend Delbarton. He is excited to attend Georgetown University in the fall, where he will study at the McDonough School of Business.

 

Andrew is deeply committed to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, he has dedicated himself to fostering inclusivity and understanding. Through his volunteer  experiences, he has honed skills in communication, empathy, and tailored support strategies to empower those with autism to thrive. Now, as Andrew embarks on his journey at Rowan University, he’s excited to further his education and contribute to creating a more inclusive society, where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

 

Jane Finney is a graduate of Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit, NJ.   She was editor of the school yearbook, a school ambassador and a peer leader.

Jane will be attending Providence College in the fall. Go Friars!

 

Jonas Himawan is a graduating senior from West Essex Regional High School. His hobbies include cooking, playing soccer, hanging out with friends and family, and playing with his new dog, Miso. At West Essex, Jonas was part of the varsity soccer team and varsity fencing team. He is also president of both the FBLA Club (Future Business Leaders of America) and the Computer Science Club. He is a member of the National Honors Society and West Essex Robotics Club. His achievements include being a two-time FBLA national qualifier for Entrepreneurship in 2022 and Computer Game and Simulation Programming in 2024.  Beyond the school walls, Jonas volunteered with the Essex Fells Fire Department and coached soccer at Livingston’s youth sports camp. This fall, Jonas plans to study engineering and is excited to go to Seattle where he will be attending the University of Washington. Go Huskies!

Gardner Lanning will be attending Loyola University of Maryland next year to study psychology. He played tennis for four years during high school and is now one of the captains. He loves photography, one of his photos  was entered into an exhibition at Drexel University. He couldn’t be more excited for the next chapter in his life to begin.

 

Reilly Marsh will be a graduate of West Essex High School. She is moving onto the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry for further studies. Reilly was a member of National Art Honors Society and a member of a myriad of clubs such as Film club and Chinese club. She has made countless portraits as a gift to kids in less fortunate countries through the Memory Project. She is participating in the Give Kids the World Charity for Make-A-Wish kids in June. She is very enthusiastic about her future of opportunities!

  

 

Declan is a graduating senior from Seton Hall Prep. At SHP Declan was a three-year varsity football player, a member of the National Honor Society, and an active participant in the Knights of Setonia and the Veterans Service Club. In addition to his academic and athletic accomplishments, Declan has also achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. In the fall, Declan will be attending Williams College where he will be continuing both his academic and football pursuits. Go Ephs!

 

Raeva will be attending the University of Pennsylvania next year as a college freshman. Throughout her time at West Essex, Raeva dedicated herself to her academics and became President of the French Club, Math League, Math Honors Society, and Tri M Honors Society. She has remained passionate about music but has grown to develop general affinity towards all subjects in high school. She loves to spend time with her friends and family and is excited to embark upon her college career. 

 

Delaney Piccoli

Delaney will be attending Lafayette College next year where she will study English and Classical History. Throughout her high school career, Delaney has been an active participant of the West Essex Masquers, performing most recently as Anne Boleyn in the Fall Drama, Queens, and The Wizard in the Spring Musical, Once Upon A Mattress. She is currently editor-in-chief of the Roundtable (West Essex’s Literary Magazine), as well as President of the Book Club and an Arts & Culture Senior Editor of the Wessex Wire (West Essex’s Newspaper). Over the past four years, she has also spent over 640 hours volunteering at Montclair Community Farms/Rutgers 4-H working to grow, provide, and distribute food to low-income communities.

 

Michael Roppatte is a senior graduating from Oratory Preparatory. In his time in high school, he engaged in independent aquatic and medical research. Where he was able to keep the most difficult fish in the world, in the requirements of their care. He also developed four new medications for complex aquatic infections. Medications that have efficiency and gentle support is almost unheard of. He also created a new molecule which could help to halt early cancers by limiting cell hypoxia along with violently killing malignant organisms present in the body. It also has properties allowing oxygen-deficient blood to return to its normal state. Following this he founded the Oratory science club where he shared his passion for science and research. But he is greatly excited to continue his education and research at Bucknell University, where he will pursue a double major in chemistry and mathematics. 

 

Riley Ruane is a West Essex High School graduating senior.  He is a captain for lacrosse and football.  He is an honor student and member of various clubs.   He is also a junior member of the Essex Fells Fire Department.   Riley is committed to play lacrosse at Quinnipiac University where he will major in finance and accounting.

 

Eric Scalici is a West Essex High School graduating senior. Over the past four years, Eric has been a varsity tennis player and team captain.   In addition, he has been an active participant in WE athletics, including playing for the European Mission intramural basketball team. Eric enjoys his free time with friends and family, playing golf, and embracing all the fun that comes along with being a senior. Eric committed to Endicott College for tennis and is excited to continue his sport as a collegiate athlete while pursuing a major in accounting.

 

Madeline Shih is a West Essex High School graduating Senior.  Over the past four years, Madeline been a President of the Chinese Club, member of the National, Art, Foreign Language, English, Math, and Science Honor Societies and a player on the West Essex Volleyball team.  In addition, she has spent time volunteering at the Essex Fells Junior Fire Department program as well as working part time at the Montclair Country Club.  Madeline enjoys shopping, traveling, the Jersey Shore, and spending time with friends and family.  She is very excited to be joining the honors program at Northeastern University in Boston this fall.

 

Abby Woods is a graduating senior at West Essex High School. During her four years there, she was a member of the tennis team, golf team, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, SADD Club, and Women’s Empowerment Club. In town, she has spent time volunteering at the fire department and the elementary school. When she is not in school, she enjoys skiing, watching movies, traveling, and spending time with her dog Charlie. She is excited to be attending the University of Vermont in the fall where she will be majoring in business. Abby is looking forward to her bright future in Burlington, Vermont!

 

 ***************************************

Dream big and dare to fail.

Kid, you'll move mountains.

Leave the world more interesting for you being here. 

Every person you meet knows something you don’t; learn from them.

There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.

You can never be overdressed or overeducated.