unlaw- OFFICIA L NEWSPA PER OF NORTH PL A INFIEL D HIGH SCHOOL -

VOLUME 90, ISSUE 4 34 Wilson Avenue North Plainfield, NJ 07060

Inside this issue:

TROTC Officers...............................2

Tunlaw's 90th Year.........................2

Lessons Learned............................3

Mentee to Mentor..........................4

Teacher Feature..............................5

Creative Writing Show...................6

New Head Football Coach.............7

Senior Athletes...............................8

Tunlaw Editors

Editor-In-Chief: Victoria Kisling

News: Victoria Kisling

Features: Kayla Arguello & Alveiry Zarate

Opinion/Editor ial: Jessie Corchado & Heather Hernandez

Spor ts: Amaiana Sajjad

Tunlaw Staff:

Aniyha Gaddis

Olivia Molenaar

Jordan Sample

Katrina Bavosa

Diana Orozco

Jasmine Muhando

Sebastian Villacis

Nermeen Girgis

Emely Alphonse

David Michael Kenny

Sabriya Zafar

Joseph Leon

Kimberly Perez

Shafaq Shahzad

Stephanie Havrilla

Alex Novillo

Samantha Merendino

Myles Pacla

Elisa Peregrina

Audrey Urmaza

Courtney Thomas

Christian Wieczorek

Faculty Advisor:

Mrs. Lake

The 2017 Top Ten Dinner took place on Thursday, April 20th at 7 p.m. in the North Plainfield High School cafeteria. There, the top ten students of the senior class gathered with a teacher that was inspirational to them in their high school career, their family, administrators, and members of the North Plainfield Board of Education.

The Top Ten students of the class of 2017 include: Yanqing Liang, Kevin Andrade, Joselynne Castellanos, Emely Velastegui, Karen Gordon, Victoria Kisling, Kenny Navas, Nikita Forrester, Johan Agudelo, and Matthew Cabrera.

The teachers selected by students include: Mr. Risoli, Mr. Graubard, Mrs. Hawker-Daniel, Ms. Russo, Ms. Brain, Mrs. Lake, Ms. Dasgupta, Ms. Pereira, Ms. Beard, and Mr. Della Rosa.

High school principal, Dr. Stephenson, started the night with a welcome speech. Then, district Superintendent, Dr. McLaughlin, greeted everyone before tables were invited to begin dinner with a plate from the buffet station. Once everyone was settled and eating their dinner, a member from the top ten was selected at random by Dr. Stephenson to come up to the stage, along with their selected teacher, to explain why they invited the teacher they did. They also explained why that teacher, in particular, has been such an inspiration to them during their high school career. The teacher then shared why that student was significant as well. Dr. Stephenson then awarded both the teacher and the student a paperweight with a plaque on it that is engraved with their name and ?NPHS 2017 TOP 10.?

?The dinner was definitely unforgettable. Listening to all the stories of the relationships between my peers and their teachers was very touching. I?m glad I could celebrate our achievements together," said Castellanos.

As soon as all the speeches were done, the night was concluded when Dr. Stephenson shared closing remarks that combined pieces of everyone's speech and that highlighted the many strengths of the students who were honored for the evening. The guests were then free to have coffee and cookies and take pictures with everyone.

?It was a wonderful event. I enjoyed sharing the honorable moment with my hardworking peers and celebrating our achievements together,? said Liang.

The Top TenVictoria Kisling

The Top Ten and the invited teachers pose for the camera at the conclusion of the dinner.

A group of North Plainfield High School students traveled across the globe to enjoy a trip to Italy and Spain. The length of the trip lasted nine days and included travel to two countries. The students took a nine-hour f light on Berlin Airlines to Italy. The trip included travel to six major towns and cities in Europe and stays at four-star hotels. The locations visited were Rome, Florence, Assisi, Lucca, Pisa, and Barcelona. The students were able to see the Coliseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.The trip also included breakfast, dinners, and tours around the cities. The students crossed the Mediterranean Sea on a cruise ship from Italy to Spain. This tour was lead by high school teachers, Patrick Wallace, Alexandra Pereira, and Alex Giardina. The students were able to visit multiple churches, monuments, and beautiful and unforgettable views. The estimated cost of this trip was $3,500 per student.

Mediter ranean JourneyJoseph Leon

Students and teachers that attended the trip pose for the camera in front of the famous Colosseum.

Notifications of acceptance for most Ivy League colleges and universities came this year on March 30 and among the lucky few granted admission into the school of their choice was North Plainfield High School senior Kevin Andrade.

Andrade, who was accepted into Princeton University with the full cost of tuition covered by the school, quickly committed to the university. ?It was almost surreal that I got into a school with such a low acceptance rate and a school that I?ve always wanted to go to,? said Andrade, adding, ?But, at the same time, I think it shows that hard work really does pay off.?

At Princeton, Andrade plans to study aerospace engineering and, after his undergraduate degree, hopes to work for a large aerospace engineering company. He would also like to travel to a different country with a developing space program.

?I think that my ultimate goal would be to open an aerospace engineering company of my own and be an entrepreneur in that way,? said Andrade. ?I think that I would also want to accelerate the process of space exploration.?

During his high school career, Andrade has been involved in many clubs and activities, including the Canuck Mentors, Heroes and Cool Kids, Debate Club, Jazz Band, Math League, Science League, and Interact Club. Additionally, he is a member of both the National Honor and the Italian Honor Societies. Andrade is also a two-year varsity soccer player and a four-year varsity tennis

player.

Despite all that he is involved with, Andrade never strayed from his academics. He stayed in the top 10 of his class all four years and will graduate in June ranked number 2 in his class of 238 students.

Andrade said he owes a great deal of success to his parents, calling them his ?role models.? ?I?ve seen them sacrifice so much so that I could succeed and just seeing that I think drove me to never be mediocre, be less than I knew I could be and always try to reach my potential,? said Andrade, whose advice for students trying to get into Ivy League schools is ?don?t be hopeless? and ?don?t look at only the numbers.?

?The numbers are going to tell you that you?re not going to get into the school because you?re so low...I think that takes away a lot of hope for students because when you see that, you think there?s no way you?re going to be part of that low percentage, but it comes down to way more than just the numbers,? he said.

In the end, said Andrade, it?s not about the school you go to but rather about ?how hard you work, how dedicated you are, and how much you really want it.?

?Don?t be obsessed over getting into an Ivy League [school] because there?s so many other ways of getting where you want to be,? said Andrade. ?It?s not really about how you get there, it?s about the [final] destination...You can really get anywhere you want if you work hard.?

Andrade to Attend Pr inceton in the FallVictoria Kisling

On Friday, April 29th, an announcement was made reading the names of the students selected to take leadership roles next year in North Plainfield High School's NJROTC program. The titles of new officers include the CO (Cadet Commander/ Commanding Officer), XO (Cadet Lieutenant Commander), and OPS(Cadet Lieutenant).

Chosen to be OPS was, junior, Crispreet Kaur. As OPS, Kaur will plan and record all events and make sure attendance is taken at all events and given to the administrative officer. She will also have to attend and supervise almost all NJROTC events. This school year, Kaur has been acting as the administrative officer, making her in charge of all the paperwork events and the attendance of cadets.

?I feel really excited, that's the main feeling so far but I'm kind of nervous I'm going to be one of the top three leading the program,? said Kaur.

The new XO is junior, Ayah Elsais. As XO, she is responsible for looking over all the ROTC departments and making sure everything is getting done. Prior to being selected as XO, Elsais was ranked as an

ensign to the program, an entry-level officer. Her position as the recruiting officer meant that she was responsible for bringing more attention and people to the ROTC program at the high school as well as organizing informational assemblies and programs at Somerset School.

?I was really excited and shocked. I felt honored that they would entrust me with the position of XO,? said Elsais.

Selected as CO for next year is junior, Zachary Conroy. Conroy will be responsible for the company, all cadets in the North Plainfield chapter of the NJROTC program. He will be responsible for making sure that everyone is upholding the rules of the program. He will also run the staff meetings and work with the staff and instructors to make sure the program is the best it can be while making sure everyone in the program is enjoying themselves. As of now, he is still the assistant weapons officer which means he keeps track and maintains the equipment used in the program.

?I haven't officially been promoted to the rank yet, but I was very excited to learn I was picked,? said Conroy.

New In CommandSebastian Villacis

North Plainfield High School (NPHS) senior Nikita Forrester was recently granted admission ? with the full cost of tuition covered ? to Cornell University for fall 2017. Forrester, who has been enrolled in advanced placement courses since the seventh grade, is currently ranked 8th out of the 238 graduating seniors in NPHS? Class of 2017.

?I have always taken my academics seriously,? said Forrester. ?I find being self-motivated is what helped me reach my goals. [I am] always challenging myself in the extracurricular activities I?ve taken part in, along with my academics.?

In addition to excelling in the classroom, Forrester has also achieved success on the field as well. She played soccer and basketball throughout her high school career and ran track for three years. Additionally, Forrester, who served as captain of the high school?s varsity soccer and varsity basketball teams, was the recipient of an All-Skyland Conference Athlete Award for soccer and, earlier this year, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) named her one of 2017?s National Girls and Women in Sports.

?I?m not a competitive person, but I do think it's important to push my peers,? Forrester said, adding that she credits her success to being comfortable asking for help. ?I realized many times students are ashamed to ask for help, however, I think that?s a skill that has helped me a lot, not only in school, but outside of school.?

In addition to Cornell, Forrester applied to several other Ivy League universities, including Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, and Brown. Forrester said she chose Cornell because components of the university, such as the environment, the academic rigor, and the opportunity to grow, were appealing. She plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in communication and possibly a minor in business. Forrester also hopes to study abroad in Europe and gain valuable hands on experiences through internships.

?[Nikita] stands out because she is tireless, works hard, and is never content to settle,? said Carrie Johnson, Forrester's AP literature teacher. ?And also because she works so hard, she encourages others, and rallies up the class.?

Forrester to Attend Cornell in the FallAmaiana Sajjad

Tunlaw: The 90 Year EvolutionVictoria Kisling

Tunlaw, North Plainfield High School?s student-produced newspaper, is celebrating its 90th year in circulation during the 2016-2017 school year. The newspaper has continued to carry on the tradition of providing NPHS students with information on the school and community?s happenings, opinions of the Tunlaw staff, seasonal updates, and reports on the sports teams. The Tunlaw staff includes students from grades nine through twelve and they are responsible for all stages of the newspaper, from initial research and interviews to layout. All members work to create story leads, conduct interviews, gather background information, write headlines, learn layout software, edit each other's work, and shoot photos. Experienced senior staff members serve as editors and also have the opportunity to complete an internship with TAPInto.net, a local online news organization.

Tunlaw has been consistent throughout its 90 years of production. Mr. Andrew Risoli, high school English teacher, and NPHS graduate of the class of 1998, worked for the Tunlaw his freshman year of high school (1994-1995).

?Tunlaw has remained a constant at NPHS. Though the way people receive news is changing and fewer people actually read the newspaper anymore, Tunlaw is a tradition at NPHS that helps to unite the school community," said Risoli.

Tunlaw, too, has changed and adapted to remain current. With technology taking over every aspect of everyday life, the newspaper has worked to evolve with the times. Just recently, the Tunlaw has launched a Twitter account, where articles that NPHS students write and updates on the school's newspaper and school events are shared. The account is still in its early stages, but Jennifer Lake, Tunlaw?s advisor for the past nine years, plans to continue the growth and development.

"The idea for Twitter was inspired by the students. They felt that it was another way to reach the student body as well as the community to share their ideas and their work," said Lake.

Tunlaw continues to remain relevant, as it evolves with the students and the school.

"Having been an editor for three years, I got to see the small changes that Tunlaw made in terms of the way we advertise ourselves, our interaction, and our interviewing skills grew stronger. We have a great reputation among people that have been in our school for a long time and with incoming students too," said senior Amaiana Sajjad.

Meet the Senior Prom King and QueenAlveiry Zarate

The Senior Class got together for one last dance on Friday, May 12, 2017. This year?s Senior Prom theme was Rio Carnival. The prom court included Noe Ayala, Sefa Kolubah,Nyzir Jeffries, Rukiya Billups, Dennise Valencia, and Anastasia Thomas. When all the votes were in, Kolubah and Billups were announced as the winners of the night. Below they share their ref lections on the evening.

Q: Were you surprised that you won?

A: Kolubah: "Yeah I was surprised I won and I?m grateful to all the people that voted for me and thought I should become prom king."

Billups: "Actually yeah I was because I didn't think people listened to me when I asked for them to vote for me."

Q: How did you feel when your name was announced that you won?

A: Kolubah: "I?ll admit it is a little embarrassing and awkward because for like 10 minutes everyone?s staring at you. It felt good afterwards, I was celebrating my senior class and we were having such a good time."

Billups: "It was a different experience because I wasn?t used to it. I felt very happy."

Q: Did you think you were going to win?

A: Kolubah: "Everyone nominated was a really good candidate, so I really didn?t think I would win, but I did and that?s awesome."

Billups: "I did feel like I should win because I was keeping a hopeful mindset, like I wasn?t being too cocky, just confident."

A time that is most crucial for seniors in high school is when they begin the process of applying to college. There are various opinions about this important endeavor. Seniors, Christian Wieczorek and Kaitlyn Carreras, share their experience applying for college.

SM: How many schools did you apply to and do you think there is a minimum or maximum amount of schools one can apply to?

KC: "I applied to seven schools; I believe you should apply to at least four; one reach, one safety, and two medium schools. Unless you are 100% sure about a school you want to go to and know you will be accepted and know that you?re going, be safe."

CW: "I applied to two schools. Although I only applied to two, I believe you should apply to at least three; one being a safety school, one being a reach, and one that is in a good budget and provides everything you want to study."

SM: Was the application process hard for you? Why or why not?

KC: "No? Common App [The Common Application] made things easy. I think the hardest part was making my college essay how I liked it, and good enough to submit. I believe the process wasn?t hard because I didn?t apply to any reach schools."

CW: "No, Common App was very simple and helped a lot throughout the process. I would say the hardest part was making sure the essay made sense."

SM: Do you think it is necessary to have a reach school? Why or why not?

KC:"Yes!I regret not applying to BU [Boston University] or something like that. I think it would've made things a lot better excitement wise. Applying to a bunch of schools you?re confident in getting into is nice, but the excitement of a true challenge is nice too."

Applying to College: Tips and Tr icks

CW: "I believe it is not necessary to have a reach school because if you find a college that provides a budget and provides the maximum benefits in your major then you do not need a reach school."

SM: What do you think is the most crucial part of a college application?

KC: "I think the most crucial part would be finessing your college essay. Your college essay should be something that shows your passion or shows your sincerity because sometimes, if your SAT scores are low or your grades slipped at the end of the year, your college essay could give different insight on you not only as a student, but a person. "

CW: "The most crucial part of a college application is your essay. The college essay explains you as a person based on personal experiences. Those 500 words have to be taken seriously because it basically decides if you get into a college or not. "

SM: Do you have any tips or tricks for future college applicants?

KC: "Do not wait until the last minute. Research schools, know the kind of school you like, visit the school. Do not be lazy with college applications. You need to start looking a soon as possible, because if you know the schools you want to apply to, it makes your life easier. I was going by previous seniors who applied to or got into the school. Figuring out your major is also helpful so you can look at schools with that major. It is very important not to procrastinate with this, because I submitted it to the schools the day of.

CW: "Same as Kaitlyn, do not wait until the last minute. Find what you want to major in, find the colleges that provide the best programs, and finally make sure it is in a good budget. I feel that is most important because if you go to a school where you're in debt $200,000 when you get out with no job in your major, the early years of your adulthood will be very difficult."

Sidney Muhando

Jenely Amaya - ?People come and go.?

Chr istina Truong - ?Not all the people in your life are going to stay in your life, friends come and go.?

Aurelia Polly - ?It?s more important to have a couple of good friends, not a ton of mediocre friends.?

Antoine Izaguir re - ?I learned from high school to be open towards everything. High school is where we develop in preparation for college and if we don?t learn how to interact with others or to try new things, even at the most trivial level, then we won't progress as people.?

Victor ia K isling - ?In high school you experience a lot. There?s a lot of heartache, a lot of happiness, and a lot of stress but you have to remember to always put yourself first and remember that you are living for yourself and not for anyone else, so make the best of your experience.?

Chr istian Wieczorek - ?I have learned responsibility, time management, and the importance of an education.?

Chr is Medrano - ?These people don't matter. At the end of the day you have to do it for yourself, not for others.?

Andy Wagnac - ?1. Never be afraid to seek help when you need it. 2. This year is about you, do not stress yourself about it. Think smarter not harder. 3. Naps are a necessity at this point."

Lauren Lattimore - "Be open about your worries and stresses, chances are there's a ton of other people going through exactly or something similar to you. It's comforting"

Emely Velastegui - "1. Don't let 'senioritis' affect your school work. Especially during midterms! 2. Go to as many school events as possible with your friends. 3. Don't be afraid to ask for help, you're not expected to have your life together."

Jeremiah Weaver - "1. Enjoy every minute because it goes by quick. 2. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. 3. Take a chance and don't be scared."

Sidney Hathaway - "1. Enjoy yourself 2. Don't enjoy yourself too much, do some work 3. Enjoy yourself"

Seniors: What We LearnedAlveiry Zarate & Nermeen Girgis

Aracely Pacheco - "1. Do all college applications (college essays) at the beginning of the school year. 2. Sign up for instant decision. 3. Keep track of your absences 4. Enjoy your last year-don't get caught up in drama because there will be a point when you have 30 days until graduation and you will wonder why you wasted your time on it."

Jonelle Steward - "1. Don't be lazy- it's your last year but still continue working hard. 2. Make everyday count!- Despite the work, make sure you at least have some free time to yourself. 3. Get those college applications in! - I know you think you have all the time in the world, but you don't! So get them done! Also don't be afraid!"

Olivia MolenaarGraduation

The 2016-2017 school year quickly came to an end, but that's no surprise to us. Every June we finish off the year with a realization that just yesterday felt like September. Time f lies and before we know it we are all off to start the next chapter of our lives. With graduation right around the corner, the senior class is very excited.

For as long as many can remember, graduation at NPHS has always been consistent. The ceremony proceeds as follows: The president of the class welcomes the students, class valedictorian gives a speech, the winner of the best senior essay speaks, administrators address the students, the choir sings, and the band

plays. Each student lines up to receive their long awaited diplomas to say that they've done it and go on to whatever comes next for them after high school.

Seniors here at NPHS believe that graduation is about so much more than the ceremony. It is a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements and the received knowledge these students have acquired over the years. Graduation continues to be a joyous moment for the students, faculty, and parents. Walking across the stage shows that these four years were all worth it. Walking across that stage shows that as one part of our life ends, we head

towards another.

Thomas, Valencia, and Billups pose for the camera in their gorgeous dresses.

Jeffries, Kolubah, and Ayala pose for the camera as they

wait to hear the results.

Summer is right around the corner and there are so many activities to do. Are you stuck on what to do this summer? Here are a few activities to keep you busy.

- It could be something as simple as going out with your friends for a walk on the boardwalk. You can enjoy some games and maybe some funnel cake.

- Maybe you want to do something a bit more exciting, so why not go to an amusement park like Six Flags? If you?re scared to go on a certain roller coaster, then maybe this summer is the time to overcome that fear.

- Maybe you don?t want to spend money on an amusement park, but instead you can have a gathering in your backyard. Get some fresh air, tell stories, and create memories with your close friends. Why not play manhunt in the dark? You are never too old for a game of manhunt.

- Go see your favorite artist at an outdoor concert. Bring a blanket, lay it on the grass, and just enjoy the concert. You might get an inspiration to make a summer play list. Listen to your summer play list while watching the sunset and just enjoy the view. It is summer, so why not just relax some days?

- Take a nap on a hammock outside- just don?t get a sunburn.- If you want to get really adventurous, take a last minute road trip. Explore all

the places you want to see. Take pictures and make it a memorable time. It is summer and there are no limits.Whatever you decide, make your summer stress free and create memories that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Summer ActivitiesKayla Arguello

Mandar in Orange and Salmon Salad

Ingredients:

12-18 ounce salmon fillet

1 can of mandarin orange segments

Spring salad mix

2 bell peppers

Dressing:

¼ cup of olive oil

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon of salt

¼ teaspoon of pepper

1.Heat grill and spray with non-stick spray when hot. Place salmon on grill and let it cook for 9 minutes or until f laky when taken apart with a fork.

2.Drain mandarin orange segments and reserve ¼ of the juice for dressing.

3.Dice large peppers and toss with salad; then lightly toss oranges last.

4.In small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients and reserved juice; drizzle over salads.

5. Add cooked salmon on top and serve immediately.

Strawberry-Lemonade

Zest of 1 lemon, in wide strips

2 cups sugar

2 cups chopped hulled strawberries

2 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 10 large lemons)

1/4 teaspoon salt

Lemon syrup: Bring the lemon zest, 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring, until the sugar dissolves; let cool to room temperature.

Strawberry syrup: Toss the strawberries and the remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl and let sit at room temperature until the sugar dissolves, about 45 minutes. Strain the strawberry mixture; reserve the strawberry syrup and berries separately.

Make the lemonade: Combine the lemon juice, lemon syrup, salt and 2 cups cold water in a pitcher. For each drink, put about 1 tablespoon of the strawberry syrup in a tall glass. Fill with ice, then top with the lemonade and some of the reserved strawberries.

Chr istian's CornerRecipes by Christian Wieczorek

The cold weather doesn't seem to depart completely and the seasons are still changing. Fortunately, the f lowers are starting to bloom and their colors are becoming more and more vibrant. Those colors serve as inspiration and are making their way into our wardrobe. Bright, vibrant colors have had some of the spotlight this summer season. Pink especially, has had a large inf luence. There have been a lot of new articles of clothing coming out in different shades of pink including fuchsia, baby pink, and raspberry. These pinks along with a variety of other colors, also make up the f lowers that are adorning many shirts this season. These f lower patterns are soft but make a statement. They bring out the spring and summer feel, which hopefully we see more of on our front lawns.

Many of these tops are off the shoulder styles. along with other shoulder revealing trends. The traditional button down shirt has lately been reinvented into an off the shoulder top. However, it isn't limited to the typical button down. Many dresses and other styles of shirts have also become off the shoulder. It seems this season, if it isn't off the shoulder, make it off the shoulder.

Summer fashion has gone back in time with the reappearance of the 80s, through

bright colors and patterns.

Another very popular trend for this summer and spring are the block heels. These are perfect for those who love wearing heels, but hate the feeling of actually wearing them. The block heel is not only different and innovative, but allows for longer lasting comfort. This upcoming season has incorporated new styles and different ways to wear traditional articles of clothing. This summer, be innovative with your wardrobe.

Summer FashionDiana Orozco

With summer quickly approaching, the daydreaming about days spent at the pool, the beach, and with friends rapidly increases. There?s not a thought about summer assignments because school is out and everyone can finally relax and allow their mental health to recover. Right now, it is procrastination at its finest in full force. However, there is much to do this summer and if you start soon and are efficient with it, you will be cool all summer long. As annoying as it is to hear, it is important to get going on all that needs to be done.

For soon to be graduates that are attending college next year, there is so much paperwork that must be completed before going to school in August. Despite all the stress that comes with being a first year college student, there are ways to actually keep cool and have fun before leaving for school. Get all the forms filled out, make sure financial aid is completed and taken care of, attend orientation, find a roommate, and finally get supplies to decorate your dorm with. Take on tasks bit by bit and enjoy your final summer before attending college.

For soon to be high school seniors, the college application process is the focus for the summer and the beginning of the next school year. The goal is to finish all the college applications by the first day of school. If this is achieved, then the start of senior year is a breeze. There is so much for seniors to do in the beginning of the year, that it?s almost like a tidal wave. All the deadlines are very overwhelming. If applications are completed during the summer, there is more time to take in all the activities and special senior moments with friends, rather than spending time stressing about all the college stuff that needs to be done on top of the summer assignments.

Summer is a time to relax and recuperate, but it is also a time to get to work to help you remain cool all year round. Take some time to make sure that everything that needs and can be done before the start of the next school year is done. It is essential to keeping your cool all year.

Keep'n CoolVictoria Kisling

At NPHS, the school's mentor program is known for its outstanding students who play a huge role in guiding the incoming freshman. We all begin our high school careers in a homeroom filled with familiar faces. We are suddenly introduced to these upperclassmen whose top priority is to help these high-school-newbies grasp the hang of things. Meeting one to two times a month, the mentors and mentees begin to build a strong relationship that goes past just morning meetings. These mentors stay right by their mentees beyond the classroom and longer than the course of just freshman year.

At the end of sophomore year, students have the option to become a mentor. Mentors then take freshman under their wing who are now in the same spot they once were. The transition from a mentee to mentor involves a lot of maturing and developed interest in leading others. In order to become a mentor,

one must show maturity and growth. The mentor program also allows you to continue that growth once you're in the program.

Current mentor, Trevor Sullivan said that the mentor program has provided him with growth in his life from his freshman to junior year.

Other mentors, like Destiny Cuellar, said, ?the mentor program made [her] more aware of the effects of [her] actions.?

Not only does the mentor program here at NPHS provide students with the platform to lead and connect with others, but it?s a program where students have the ability to make a difference in other's lives. As mentors, these students build a connection with their mentees that reaches farther than morning meetings, the classroom and the course of freshman year. These connections make an impact on the students. Mentors dare to lead.

Mentee to MentorOlivia Molenaar

I am a misconception

I can be stressful and forged from responsibilities

Often times, people tend to group me with Senioritis, who can be kind of a downer

But that's not all there is to me

I am a time of achievement

The time of limitless festivity

My friends Prom and Graduation can attest to that

I am the time of friendship and it's titanium bonds

I am your reminder of what you've overcome

I am the last hurrah

So take me all in while you can

Oh, and by the way, nice to meet you

My name is Senior Year of 2k17

What Seniors Will Miss Most

Senior Year: A Riddle

There are plenty of new teachers at NPHS but as students, we never have

enough time to ask them what brought them here. Or even just learn about them

in general. So the Tunlaw staff took on the task. Below is an interview with one

of the more recent teachers that started working here, Mr. Huggins.

Tunlaw: What school did you teach at before NPHS?

Mr. Huggins: ?Albuquerque High School, home of The Bulldogs.?

Tunlaw: Why did you pick NPHS?

Mr. Huggins. ?It reminded me of home.? Tunlaw: What?s different in NPHS

compared to the previous schools you've taught at?

Mr. Huggins: ?More diverse, you guys have a little bit more money. The

economic status is better.?

Tunlaw: Why did you choose to be a teacher in the first place?

Mr. Huggins: ?It?s a long story. I was working in sciences before. I didn't want

to become my boss. And my sister passed away and I realized maybe these kids

aren't that bad after all. I became a teacher around my mid-thirties.?

Tunlaw: How long have you been teaching at NPHS?

Mr. Huggins: ?I am finishing up year number two.?

Tunlaw: What subject do you teach?

Mr. Huggins: ?Mostly social studies, English too.?

Tunlaw: Do you like social studies?

Mr. Huggins: ?I think it's interesting. I like to teach the controversial topics.

Teaching this presidential

election was very

interesting.?

Tunlaw: Is there any advice

you would say to new

teachers who just began

working here?

Mr. Huggins: ?Get to know

as many people as

possible.?

Tunlaw: Lastly, do you have

any quotes that you live by?

Mr. Huggins: ?No, not

really.?

Aniyha Gaddis

Teacher Feature: Mr. Huggins

Samantha Merendino & Emely Alphonse

"I will miss the camaraderie between everyone where we push each other to succeed and celebrate each other?s achievements.? -Yanqing Liang

"What I?ll miss about high school is the times I built memories with extraordinary people who essentially shaped who I am. You live in high school once, and the people you encounter during the journey help you proceed to your destination.? -Khalil Dock

"High school has been super memorable for me but the one thing I will miss the most is being a part of a team and feeling it's dynamic. I don?t think there was ever a moment in which I felt like I wasn?t important when it came to being on a team. I got to create multiple bonds and met so many great people, which also helped me shy away from my social fear.?-Joselynne Castellanos

"What I?ll miss the most about high school is the sporting events and being there with my class. I?ve grown up with them and I?ve seen them almost every day since Somerset School and I?ve seen them grow. So I?ll definitely miss seeing familiar faces and people I talk to almost every day.?-Christina Truong

"The thing I?ll miss most about high school is the friendships I?ve built along the way. Throughout these four years, I have had so many experiences such as trying marching band for the first time and playing tennis for the school and I?m glad to say that I have found some of my best friends as a result of these experiences. I know that these are the memories I?ll treasure the most as I continue onto college.?-Karen Gordon

"I will miss the environment that encouraged students and peers to challenge each other while simultaneously allowing us to become a better community of diverse individuals.?-Nikita Forrester

Jordan Sample

Now that our time at NPHS

comes to an end, we look back at

all the good memories we had

with friends and classmates.

Jessie Corchado, senior said ?My

favorite memory from high

school was being able to travel to

Europe with my friends and

being able to be exposed to

cultures that are different from

Guatemalan and Puerto Rican.?

Jordon Sample, senior, said, ?My

favorite memory from high

school was getting college letters

from all these different schools

that wanted to recruit me for

track. It was such an amazing

feeling.?

Aniyha Gaddis, senior, said, ?My

favorite memories from high

school were all the bus rides to

cheer competitions. Bad singing

and sisterhood were the basis of

those rides and they made me

appreciate the moments in life

that are often short-lived.?

We all have things we like about

high school and things we do not

like so much, but we all have

favorite memories and things we

will miss.

Social Studies and English teacher Mr. Huggins

Senior year is the year where things change. For example, the work and the amount of homework the teachers give us changed. But what about how we?ve changed as individuals? Whether we decided to change up our looks or change the way we look at things. These are some of the students who have changed from freshman year to senior year.

Jessie Corchado: "I paid attention to my grades and cared about my education.?

Stephanie Havrilla: ?I got confident in the way I look over the years.?

Meli Ruiz: ?I have realized that I don?t need to talk to many people and think that everyone is my friend. Some people will use you but you have to show them the door because they don?t benefit your life.?

Aniyha Gaddis: ?I become more respectable. I learned to not give petty things my time. I?ve become a better person over the years.?

Jordan Sample: ?I developed self- confidence. I was an awkward little bean.?

Daniela Plata: ?I?ve learned from my experiences, learned to choose right from wrong and learned that everything has consequences. I?ve learned to push myself to continue striving and have learned to value everything and enjoy every single moment throughout our high school experience.?

Freshman to Senior Year Perspective

Heather Hernandez

High School Memor iesStephanie Havrilla

Creative Wr itingJessie Corchado

Book ReviewAntony Guerrero

I?ve always enjoyed being able to help others and the anonymous advice column of Ms. Canuck has given me the opportunity to help you as readers with problems you are facing without having bias. The Ms. and Mr. Canuck advice columns are a legacy that I was fortunate enough to have inherited for my first and last year as a writer for Tunlaw. Writing and giving advice are two things I am passionate about and hope to continue as I graduate from NPHS and start my journey as a freshman at the University of Delaware. It was a pleasure being able to help my fellow peers of NPHS. Best wishes.

Very Truly Yours,

Katrina Bavosa

Mr. and Ms. Canuck: A Farewell

The Creative Writing show has impacted many of my peers from the creative writing class. For me personally, the Creative Writing show was an emotional and mental outlet. It was a way to express myself through words and movements. I had taken all three courses, Creative Writing I, II, and Advanced Creative Writing. This prepared me for the shows to come.

My first show happened to be the first show ever, so it was pretty nerve-wracking. I remember practicing in class every day, which seemed tedious at first but in the end it was worth it. The minute I walked into the library, I nearly backed out. I had to perform almost every period, and I knew it was going to be a long day. A few periods in, I began to feel confident as the minutes went by. Once the creative writing show was over, I felt a sense of accomplishment.

?The purpose of the creative writing show is to showcase the creative talents of the class through poetry, music, and prose, ? said Mr. DeLaurentis,

the creative writing teacher and show coordinator.

He motivated many students, myself included, to continue their work after finishing his course.

?What motivated me to start this show was first because poetry is meant to be performed or read to an audience, and second I wanted more people to hear all the incredible original work that the students were writing and sharing with the class. It also gave the opportunity for others to hear content that may help or inspire them,? said DeLaurentis.

The creative writing show truly makes an impact and changed my life for the better.

You don?t fit in. You don?t have any friends.

Who are you? Why are you here? These are the

questions Aristotle asks himself, until he meets

Dante. Aristotle is an Mexican-American boy who

is an angry teen trying to find his place in the

world. Dante is a know-it-all genius who looks at

the world a little bit differently than everybody

else. These two boys are trying to find their place

in the world but instead they find each other. When

these two teenage boys meet, they might not have a

lot of things in common but they share a profound

bond, a friendship that will change their lives. It?s

through this special friendship that both of them

will discover who they really are and where they

belong in this world.

Where will this peculiar bond lead these two

adolescents, and will this friendship survive

through all their hardships?

Benjamin Alire Sáenz?s Aristotle and Dante

Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an

eye-opening coming of age novel. It will leave you

astonished at the end. This novel takes you on the

journey through the life of a confused teenager

who is trying to find his way in the world. Sáenz

has a poetic prose that is so unique, he hooks you

until the last sentence. He connects with the lives

of many high school teenagers by telling the story

through Aristotle's point of view. Aristotle and

Dante will change your view on the world and will

leave you with tears in your eyes at the end. The

novel has a way of giving you hope in the most

hopeless of situations, and shows you the

importance of friendship and how it can change

your life.

The most important theme of the book is the

idea that even

though you

might not fit in

now, that does

not mean you

will never fit in.

You just need to

find the right

place and person

to feel accepted

as you are, there

is no need to

change.

Dorm room shopping can be an exciting experience.

No matter where you are attending college, if you

are dorming there, it is essential to have what you

need to comfortably obtain your education while

also adding a taste of your own personal style as

well. As a senior, I have had the pleasure of being

accepted to and enrolled in Iona College in New

Rochelle, NY. Seeing as how I will be living on

campus, I have already started shopping for my

dorm. Here is a list of the things that I have and will

be purchasing for my dorm, along with their prices:

Whim by Martha Stewart Collection Full Moon

Reversible Bedding Collection (Only at Macy's) -

$50.00 - 240.00

Turquoise Blue Storage Basket (Found at Unique

Thrift Store) - $3

Over-the-Door Mirror Black (Found at Target) -

$14.99

Decorative 11.25" x 20" Wood Memo Board

(Found at Walmart) - $8-$8.80

Google - Chromecast - Black (Found at Walmart) -

$24.99

Violet Medium Stitched Bean Bag Chair (Found at

Target) - $34.99

Of course, some things you can bring right from

home. That way, you?ll have the supplies that you

need, save money, and have a little touch of home in

your dorm when you get homesick. The beauty

about styling your dorm yourself is just that! You

can style it to your liking and be content with the

results. Wherever your dorm shopping takes you,

you can have the satisfaction of knowing that your

room is designed specifically for you, which in

itself is something to be proud of.

Getting Ready For College Aniyha Gaddis

My first Creative Writing Show (2015)

As my final school year as a North Plainfield High student winds down, I can?t help but feel nostalgic. It?s crazy to think how many memories I?ve made here and how many friendships I?ve built. High school has had it?s ups and downs, but in my experience I can say that your time in high school is whatever you make of it. The time I?ve spent here seems so short lived now, to think that the people that I have lived my life with are going their separate ways. Some of the faces I see now I may never see for the rest of my life. So with that in mind, my last advice to whomever is reading this is to enjoy it. Enjoy every laugh, every event, every second you have in high school because one day it will all come to an end. The memories you built here, good and bad, will shape you in some way so make the best of it.

Sincerely,

Royer Alexis Brito-Eusebio.

Image at http://images.google.com

Mr. James DiPaolo, a North Plainfield High

School social studies teacher and graduate of

North Plainfield, is the new head coach of the

NPHS Varsity football, starting with the 2017 fall season. Mr. DiPaolo said that

he is extremely honored and excited to be named the Head Football Coach in

North Plainfield.

?As an alumni and lifelong Canuck, I have a tremendous amount of pride in the

football program. I take the position very seriously and will do everything in my

ability to help our student-athletes become better people and better players,? said

DiPaolo.

Coach DiPaolo played college football at Rowan University which is a Division

III school located in Glassboro, New Jersey. He played safety for four seasons,

earning 1st Team All-Conference his senior year.

"After finishing my playing career, I began my coaching career as the safeties coach at Rowan University for one season. From there, I came to North

Plainfield as the wide receivers and defensive backs coach. The following season, I moved to South Jersey and coached the wide receivers and defensive

backs at Cherry Hill West High School. My next coaching stop was at Wall High School where I again coached the wide receivers and defensive backs.

Following that, I came back to North Plainfield where I have been for the past three seasons, including the past two as Defensive Coordinator," said

DiPoalo.

Coaching alongside DiPaolo will be some old faces and some new faces. Coach Cataldo, Coach Taylor, and Coach Bannon will remain on staff as

assistant coaches. Coach Hooker will also be returning to staff. Coach Kuchar will be joining the staff as the Defensive Coordinator. Kuchar was

previously the Defensive Coordinator at North Brunswick, Immaculata, and New Providence High School. Coach Powell-Fields will also be joining the

staff. Powell-Fields played for North Plainfield, then went on to play college football at C.W. Post before playing professionally in Germany.

The coaches will begin meeting with the football players towards the end of the 2017 school year and throughout the summer.

?Our goal [all the coaches] is to teach life lessons, to compete, and to win. And of course, last but not the least, we want to win the Thanksgiving game

and keep our trophy,? said DiPaolo.

DiPaolo believes that if they teach their players honesty, accountability, teamwork, hard work, and discipline, then winning will be a byproduct of those

skills.

?As a 2005 graduate of NPHS, I played for Coach Lake who has been a mentor for me in many areas of my life. He was (and still is) extremely loyal and

would do anything for his players. He is well-organized and hard-working. He always put the best interest of the team first and held players accountable

for representing the football program with class. I hope to do the same and positively impact the lives of our players,? said DiPaolo.

New Head Football Coach Amaiana Sajjad

Matthew Bordfeld, a graduating member of the varsity

football team, said, ?Never give up. As much as it hurts or as much as you

want to quit, keep pushing. It?ll all be worth it.?

Eric Acosta, senior tennis player, said, ?Pay attention to what the coach tells you to do. Take the sport seriously and put in as much effort as you

can, because you never know how far you can go with it. Always remember that nothing is achieved without hard work and determination.?

Lauren Lattimore, a senior on

the softball team, said, ?Work hard and have faith in your abilities

but always look for areas of improvement too.?

Steffany Marroquin said, "Work

hard because at the end of all of your determination, you?ll

have success."

Kevin

Forrester said,

"Running long distance

is more mental than

physical."

Victoria

Kisling said, ?Advice to

incoming sports peeps: Don?t be shy.

talk to the upperclassmen and suck in as

much information from them as you can.

They have been in your shoes before and

they know a lot more than you do.

They will help you.?

Katrina Bavosa said, "Cheer requires

just as much mental stamina as physical endurance. Without determination and

patience, you won?t get very far."

Passing The Bat on

?My sophomore year we had a really bad snow storm and we were supposed to go out and shovel the field. We ended up having snowball fights and even though we kind of got in trouble, it was a lot of fun.? Lauren Lattimore.

?My favorite memory is probably from sophomore year when I got moved up to 3rd singles and I had no prior experience with singles but I ended up having a pretty decent season. There was a match against Voorhees, which I consider to be my hardest match of the season, and even though I didn?t win, both myself and my opponent played our best and I pushed myself beyond my limits. I used this match as a learning experience for next year.? Eric Acosta

"One of my favorite memories was definitely my sophomore year at a competition at Paramus Catholic HS and we were going against some really skilled teams and we honestly did not think it was possible for us to beat them out to place. I remember sitting in a circle on the mat with my team and they had called all of the places except first and we all kind of just def lated and then they called us for first place and I looked at Sloan and she was smiling and crying and then we all started to cry because we really weren't expecting to win, but we did. Moral of the story: never doubt yourself or your abilities." Katrina Bavosa

"During the second round of the county tournament, we lost but I learned that soccer isn't just about winning and scoring goals. Soccer is being part of a family that shares the same lesson. Soccer creates unbreakable bonds with teammates." Steffany Marroquin

Begin to work on your skills before the season. Don't get discouraged if you don't get as much playing time. Keep working hard, and just don't give up. The coach always sees that you're working hard even if you think they're not watching. So continue to always give your best effort. Your hard work will pay off! - Brandon McDuffie

"The last basketball game, because I

realized that was the end of my high

school basketball career, and I realized

everyone was ready to move on to next

year, and future athletes." - Nikita

Forrestor

My most memorable moment playing basketball was when I helped my team get a win over Montgomery. The papers wrote us off for that game and expected us to lose by at least 15 points. There was nothing like playing at home and proving everyone that doubting us was wrong. One of our key players, James Gardner, got fouled out and it put our team in a hole. With the mentality that we were not going to lose, I put up a 24 point performance to help our team get the win. Shot after shot went down for me that night, and there was nothing like it. There was nothing like doing this in front of my family, friends, and teammates. We ended up winning the game by 6, and we got a huge celebration from our coach in the locker room after the game. You knew it was special because he never does that after a win!" Ka'Ron Dock

"Work hard,play for the team, always have a positive attitude." Lesterh Betancourt-Quintanilla

Most Memorable Moments as Canuck Athletes

"It would have to be the relationship between teammates and coaches. It lasts

a lifetime." Nicholas Cheresaro