Richard Pitts, a sophomore at Nutley High School, seems far older than he looks. On Tuesday, March 6, 2018, he visited the Nutley High School Journalism class and spoke about foreign policy, politics, and his writing background. “My political leanings are left wing,” said Pitts. “And I advocate for the expansion of healthcare and an overhaul to our educational system. I also have quite the interest in foreign policy.”
There were many new clubs formed at NHS in the past two years, but amidst them all one of them that is particularly in the spotlight right now is the United Club. The United Club was founded in September 2017 by NHS junior Zawar Ahmed.
On Friday, February 9, 2018 the Nutley High School journalism class had the opportunity to interview TAP Into Nutley’s editor and publisher, John Lee. TAP Into Nutley is an online news outlet for the town of Nutley, where people are able to read about upcoming events and recent, community news.
NHS Freshmen Experience Life as a High School Student
For the 2017-2018 school year, Nutley High School offered more electives than in previous years due to the new Rotating Drop Schedule. Amongst these newly-introduced classes is the Creative Writing course, taught by English teacher, Mrs. Jenifer Rainone.
Nutley High School houses approximately 1,220 students and 120 staff members. The NHS staff is led by one principal and two vice principals: Principal Denis Williams, Vice Principal Joseph Materia, and Vice Principal Jacquelyn Devore. They lead and manage the school. Mr. Williams has been the principal of Nutley High School since September of 2012. Prior to that, he was a vice principal. Mrs. Devore and Mr. Materia have been vice principals since 2016.
Nutley High School Senior Takes Part in Research Program at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Grace Pula, 16, is currently a junior in Nutley High School and the Student Council Treasurer for the Class of 2019. The treasurer is responsible for keeping school events, such as Junior Formal, Prom, and the Fashion Show, cost friendly. The treasurer also collaborates with other officers to think of new ideas for fundraisers, new events and different themes. As a result of being part of the Student Council, Grace is very involved in NHS and its events.
For the past three years, Mr. Michael Gurrieri has been teaching at Nutley High School. Prior to Nutley High School, he worked in a performing arts school which was part of the New York City Department of Education. After being there for one year, he changed schools and for the following three years, he worked in the Freehold Regional High School District, located in central New Jersey. Throughout those seven years, Mr. Gurrieri taught ninth grade English and various theater art classes. During that time, he also had the opportunity to direct several plays and musicals.
Eric Sebek Takes on Pippin
Eric Sebek, 17, is a junior at Nutley High School and stars in this year’s spring musical, Pippin. Eric isn’t new to singing and acting though. His father, Christian Sebek, sang opera around the world, and was even in the broadway play, Phantom of the Opera, for five years. Eric’s brother, Zach Sebek, also sings opera and plays the saxophone.
A Look at One of Nutley High School’s Finest Raiders
Jennifer Ariola, a senior at Nutley High School, is not a girl to be overlooked. She is a teammate and leader on the winter track and spring crew team. Among her teammates and coaches, she is better known as Jen, a hardworking, and supportive athlete. Jen will graduate in June 2018, taking with her the memories, maturity, and growth from her time as a student athlete in the Nutley High School athletics program.
Armani Calvo, 14, is taking on theater one play at a time. Calvo has been interested in plays since he started singing when he was only one year old. Calvo has been in four plays through Nutley Parks and Recreation and one at the Nutley High School this year. Calvo has participated in Annie Jr., Seussical Jr., Elf Jr., and can soon be seen in the NHS production of Pippin.
When not in the halls of Nutley High School, you can find sophomore Maddie Peters stretching or practicing her dances at the Dancers in Motion studio in Nutley. She has been training and advancing her skill level since she was 11 years old. Over the course of the past five years Maddie has dedicated the majority of her free time into dancing. In addition to the hard work that comes with dancing, the sport also plays a large part in her social life. “One of my favorite things about dance is how close I am with everyone,” Maddie states.
