Where did the time go?

As I read what my peers or adults wrote in my year book one message is repeatedly written. That I will change the world for the good and be an amazing educator. As you all know, I am heart broken to be leaving this school. Scared to see what the next chapter in my life will bring and what comes after that. One of my biggest fears is that I will not accomplish what everyone hopes or thinks I will do. That I won’t be the teacher my students need me to be, that I won’t become an administrator, that I won’t love the educational field as much as I say I do or hope to. But, I do know that I accomplished everything and more while I was in this school. 

I walked into this school as a pompous, lost person, but who still wanted to be a leader and leave an impact. It took a lot of tribulations to do so. Before my first marking period was over I didn’t make the volleyball team or BOTC team and didn’t become president. 15 marking period laters there were more failures than accomplishments, but they outweigh the failures. What I love to look back at the most is the journey I went on to become who I am. To reflect on how I reacted in certain situations and how I grew from all of them. To remember how I thought I could never overcome the hurtle in front of me, but here I am. To look back and say thank god I met that person or wonder what I would have done without them. This school has given me so much and can truly call it a second home. In sophomore year I was able to create a club to send soldiers care packages in Georgia. It was amazing to see their smiles in pictures they sent back. In junior year I became part of Spanish honor society and started to make a real impact on my school. Senior year I joined art honor society, gave a speech in front of hundreds of eighth graders, won a scholarship, ran stang gang, and got the principals appreciation award. In between doing that, being an activist, and studying, I made it a priority to talk to the people who have helped me get to where I am today. Seeing friends in the morning to catch up or staying after to talk to educators. 

When I think of freshman year, I remember a girl once telling me that I didn’t deserve to be president. That people only said they would vote for me for candy. Though I was very bitter about it then, I agree I didn’t deserve it then. But, I made it my goal to prove her wrong. I now think back to June 7th and know I proved her wrong. On June 7th I was honored to be given the principals appreciation award. From a principal who is brand new, from a principal who also helped me grow so much. I only wish I could see him change this school for the better as a student and not as an alumni. I also think back to October, my peer leadership class made up superlatives. I of course won, to keep in contact with my teachers, but also most likely to be president of United States. The girl who said that to me in freshman year, voted for me for that superlative, yet again showing I accomplished my goal. I made it my goal to not be liked by all of my peers, because that will never happen. But, made it my goal to be respected by them. I’m the person asked about upcoming events, if they can or can’t do something, etc. I had the pleasure of tutoring/ mentoring these 2 juniors. As I got to know them, they also got to know me. One of them asked “how will this school run without you” and the other said “not like it used to”. Bringing a smile to my face, but sadness to my heart that I won’t be able to tutor them next year. That I won’t be able to yell at them to get to class, ironic I know! But, I am excited see them flourish into the intelligent, caring people they are. 

The saying is that it takes a village to raise a child and I couldn’t agree more. I told my favorite person that I think of it like this: my parents planted a seed and helped a flower start to grow, but it was my village at school that helped this flower flourish, by giving it everything and more. If it is from confidence, patience, life lessons, and love, they gave me everything I needed to flourish.  These individuals became the people who were there at my happiest moments, saddest moments, and everything in between. They were the people I confided to, but also laughed with, too. They were the people who only wanted the best for me, so at times they had to give tough love. These people are the reason that it will break my heart to graduate. 

It freaks me out to think that in September I won’t walk into a class and know every single person. It freaks me out that I won’t stop and talk to administrators. It freaks me out that I won’t be a leader of the school. For at least 4 years I have gotten to know 99% of my grade and it has been a pleasure to also see them grow into leaders and people with bright futures ahead. I only wish each and everyone of them the best of luck in their next endeavors. I know that the class of 2018 will only change this world for the good and I am so excited to watch and be part of it happen. It freaks me out that we’re now “adults”...

I only hope that I can make the difference and positive lasting impact I did in Marlboro, in Stockton. That in 4 years I’ll be giving speeches at orientations and that I lead clubs and am a voice for my peers.

I’d like to take the time to thank James for letting me run this account with him. I wouldn’t be who I am without it or him. I am forever grateful, James. I would also like to thank my “squad” as I always say. Sra. Saraceni, Ms. Popiel, Mrs. Campanero, Ms. DiLorenzo (Dizzy) Mrs. Andreacci, and the 2 most important... Mr. Uplinger, who has given the confidence to speak up and speak out. Who is the prime example of the type of teacher I want to be and my all time favorite teacher.  Finally, Wonder Woman, Mrs. Bruno. If you didn’t call me down freshman year and didn’t go out of your way to help me grow, none of this would have happened. There isn’t a way to express my gratitude, appreciation, and love for my village. I am forever grateful and have undying love for all of you. Though my students will not know any of you, they will hear of you, and be grateful for all of you, as you have all helped shape me into who will be their teacher, favorite teacher that is.  There isn’t a way for me to say good bye, because it’s see you later MHS, and next time you’ll be calling me Ms. Greenbaum...

Senior- Margo Greenbaum 

Stanggang Spotlight: Mrs. Carey

If you are not seeing this fellow mustang waiting with her students for the bus or smiling during hall duty, you’ll see her doing what she loves most, teaching! Mrs. Carey was not always a teacher, before starting her career in education she worked in television production for MTV! Though it may seem amazing to others, she was not happy with the long work hours. 

She says that what made her interested in teaching was the fact that all her roommates were in that field. Listening to their student teaching experiences and the work they were assigned fascinated her. She took one class and she was hooked! 

17 years later Mrs. Carey has taught various classes such as civics and government and math. Being a special education teacher has taught her as much as teaches. She says that it’s not the test grades she remembers, but the laughs and special moments she thinks about when she hears a students name. They’ve taught her the importance of appreciating the little things and not to take her self too seriously. She is continuously impressed by their perseverance and bravery in pursuit of their goals.

We asked her what she hopes her students learn from her and her response is one of the many reasons she got educator of the month. Mrs. Carey said, “That it’s important to try, even when things are hard. That there are always people who are willing to cheer you on and help you out. And, find happiness; in what you do and who you spend your time with. Working hard and being kind to others will serve you well.” 

From elementary to high school in 4 different districts, Mrs. Carey has done it all. Marlboro is lucky to have such a dedicated and kind teacher. 

                                                         

         Margo Greenbaum 

Teacher of the Year: Mr Nash

Proud to announce that the Teacher of the Year for the 2017-2018 school year is Mr Brian Nash. Mr Nash has been teaching for 19 years and teaches in the Social Studies department at Marlboro High School. Mr Nash currently teaches AP U.S. History and Academic U.S. History. What inspired Mr Nash to become a teacher was being very fortunate to have many good teachers and coaches in his educational career who had a significant impact on his life. Mr Nash says his students have kept him young. His students' stories have brought much laughter and many smiles. They keep him informed about youth culture, technology, and music. Their multi-cultural backgrounds have added different points of view and perspectives on global issues. And, despite his grey hairs, have helped keep him young at heart. What Mr Nash hopes his students have learned/will learn from him are of course, history and skills that help them in college and later in life, but also that they learn they are more than just a number such as a GPA or SAT score, and have unique skills, passions, and personalities that make them special!

From personal experience in Mr Nash's class, I loved his class! When I first walked into his class junior year I thought I was not going to get much out of his class. In fact, I learned a lot of information from his class that could help me in the future and a lot of great advice that will help me in college and later in life! Mr Nash is not just a great teacher.. He also coaches girls basketball and boys soccer and has coached other sports in his previous years teaching at Marlboro High School!

To a great teacher, coach, friend of many, etc. congratulations on getting Teacher of the Year for the 2017-2018 school year Mr Nash!! This was very well deserved! 

Written by: James Cernivani(Grade 12)

StangGang Spotlight: Ashley Zilenziger

Though at 8th grade orientation was the first time I had a real conversation with this person, I knew of her since freshman year. Ashley Zilenziger is well rounded person who is very worthy of this spotlight. If she’s not hitting the books getting ready for DECA she’s on the tennis court swinging away. But, most recently she became president of the grade, giving her the honor of leading over 2,000 people in the pledge every day. She stepped into the ring of student council with the soul purpose of giving back. She says that senior year has given her the perfect opportunity to give back to her fellow classmates that have given so much to her these past 3 years. She also says that she knew this position would make her a role model to underclassman. At 8th grade orientation she spoke of all of the amazing things she’s done and explained how there are so many opportunities for the incoming class. If you don’t see Ashley giving speeches you will see her selling food in the morning. Selling food in the morning has been the class of 2018’s biggest fundraiser. She continually picks up the bagels in the early morning so her peers can enjoy some food while also helping her grade. She says she now wakes up at 6 in the morning to get to school so early every day. She was asked what she has gained from being part of student council and she said time management. Having so many different roles in the school can be hard when there’s only a certain amount of hours in the day. She’s learned how to get what she needs done in the time she’s given because of how involved she is in. She recently was voted by fellow seniors as “prettiest”. Though she dresses to impress every day, her big heart and dedication to everything she does is really what makes her so pretty. I look forward to hearing her speech at graduation and how she’ll be a leader in the next chapter of her life, too. 

Margo Greenbaum 

StangGang Spotlight: Margo Greenbaum

I’ve known this girl since about sixth grade, and I am proud to announce she was nominated for a stanggang spotlight. Margo Greenbaum is a very active member of the Marlboro High School community. She shows her commitment and dedication through activities she participates in, which include running StangGang Spirit, being a part of We the People, Peer Leadership, Peer Mentorship, and Student Government. The main reason why Margo was nominated to be this week’s StangGang Student Spotlight was because she runs the social media account for the students.

Margo was asked, “Why was this activity something that interested you?” Margo’s answer to this was, “I never knew who ran the account, but I always wanted to know who did and to run the account. I also liked the idea of leading the school through social media.” It all started when she was surprised that I created the account and was eager to help when I asked her to run the account with me. It was at last year's graduation that I asked her to help me which is when our journey began to better the lives for the students of Marlboro High School and to let everyone know what is going on in the school community! Then, Margo was asked, “If you had to persuade someone to perform/participate in in your activity, what would you say to do so?” Margo answered with, “I would never persuade someone to do this. For StangGang to be successful it must be led by people who step up to the plate to do this job! But, if someone were to ask why do I love what I do, I would say because it has given me the opportunity to spread my wings. If someone wants to be a leader of the school, but really doesn’t like public speaking, it is a great job because it is all online. But, at the same time it teaches you how to communicate with your peers and adults in ways you usually wouldn’t have the opportunity to. If you want to grow as a person and a leader, StangGang will let you do exactly that. But it’s not for everyone, if you really don’t love the school or want to help the school, then don’t do it.” Margo was asked, “What were your expectations by being part of this activity?” Margo answered, “That I would lead the school and know what is going on in the school and district.” This activity has affected Margo’s daily routine in many ways! It has made her more aware of what she is doing and how she acts. With the reputation she has made through StangGang she has to make sure that she is doing the right thing and not contradicting anything she says online. Margo also goes over her data limit every month because the school has not so great WiFi and she needs to go on Twitter and keep up with what’s going on and to also post things throughout the day too. Margo is also asked all the time what is going on in the school community, so she also must remember events and things that are going on because she is asked so frequently. Margo is so thankful for what StangGang has done for her, it has made her a better person and leader! 

Anyone who meets Margo is lucky! Margo is a great leader, who hopes to one day pursue a career in education. Margo is a friendly, outgoing girl who we know will one day grow up to be a successful teacher, with students who love her, as much as we do! Margo says that many of her teachers are the reason she loves this school and why she wants to teach high school. Many of them joke around with her by saying they can't wait for her to have a student like her. For now she may be looked at a side kick to her favorite person and mentor, Mrs. Bruno, but I know she will one day earn the title of a super hero, too. She will not just rock the job of being a teacher, but will succeed as an administrator.  I would like to say that Margo has been a true friend to me. From being my homecoming escort to running StangGang Spirit with me she has been by my side through it all. I have to say, Homecoming was only great because she helped me out with many things, such as helping me have the best homecoming breakfast setup or by being my escort and walking out with me for the dance and game. That will be an experience that I will never forget, for sure! Also, I have to say I’m going to miss running StangGang Spirit or seeing her everyday next year, as we are graduating in less than 5 months. Margo should be a inspiration to anyone who wants to succeed in life and go on to achieve bigger and better things! To a one of a kind person who has helped out the Class of 2018 over the past 3-4 years in raising money for fundraisers/coming up with ideas for fundraisers, someone who has a lot of school spirit, and someone is classified as a “Teacher’s Pet” we love you Margo and will miss you next school year! 

Now a few words from some of Margo’s favorite people:

Ms. Bruno: Margo’s contributions to MHS have been numerous yet mostly behind the scenes.  She promotes the Mustang Community (@StangGang Twitter) because she is proud of it and wants others to share in her enthusiasm.  In her four years at MHS, she has not always gotten things to go ‘her way’ but she has learned from it.  This is what we as educators hope for our students.  “Fail forward” and grow from your trials and tribulations. 

Señora Saraceni & Señora Sebastiani: Combined we have known Margo for her entire high school career. We can both attest that she has grown into a fine young lady. Margo is a kind hearted young woman with sometimes a rough exterior. Once you break through the toughness you can see a gentile soul inside waiting to come out. She Is always willing to help those in need either academically or personally. We are proud to have been her teachers and seen and guided her through her journey.
We cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award. We wish her luck in the future.

Mr. Uplinger: Margo is very deserving.  Margo has been so impressive to me this year.  She came into We the People with great anxiety and fear that she would not measure up to other students in class.  Yet, as we competed last week in We the People State Competition, Margo was one of my top students and an essential member of a Unit I team that finished second in the state of New Jersey.  Margo came for extra help, over and over; selflessly encouraged her classmates;  and consistently challenged herself to take on uncomfortable tasks.  Her growth as a person has been inspiring.  She has become a leader who is as interested in her neighbors success as her own.  I could not be more proud of her.   





Written by: James Cernivani (Grade 12)

Teacher Stanggang Spotlight: Ms. Dee

After speaking with this teacher, the words kind hearted, intelligent, and humorous come to mind. Though I only spoke to Ms. Dee for about 20 minutes she made me feel as I was experiencing the events she spoke about. Well rounded, is what Ms. Dee is. From a young age she used determination to make her be the best in whatever she did. Her love for horses and her competitiveness is what made her a pro rider and could have won her some real medals. Sadly, she broke her elbow and was done riding horses for a while and was also done playing softball. If she wasn’t on a horse she was on the mound learning how to throw a windmill, by the infamous coach and family friend, Mrs. Bruno. So it was not just a heart ache for “coach” bruno when her super star got hurt, but also when she decided to not play softball. Like I said, she is filled with determination. One day she picked up a lacrosse stick and to this day never let go. With lacrosse she became a star player for Howell High School and got a full ride to Georgian Court University. 3 years later and she is now coaching the freshman girls lacrosse team. 

It was not just sports that she took a natural liking to, but also teaching. Though she once aspired to be a Vet, she was later on inspired by 2 of her professors. She spoke highly of Dr. Gallagher, a mentor and friend she still keeps in touch with 6 years later. She says it’s because of her that she realized that she was meant to be in the classroom. If anything she was destined to be because both of her parents work in education. She says her parents are what inspired her the most. She uses a skill called “backward design” to teach her students. Saying that the kids learn more and understand the topic more clearly this way. It’s an approach that not many teachers used to use, but now is becoming popular. Ms. Dee is a pro at it and is excited to help other teachers learn this teaching style. A genius she is. I could barely pass Bio, while she is qualified to teach environmental, biology, and zoology. Saying that zoology is a favorite of hers- it is very interesting to see what they dissect on twitter! She is only 2 years into teaching at Marlboro and has loved every moment of it . It is also clear that her students love being in her class as I see them coming in for extra help and just wanting to talk to her for fun. Ms. Dee says that she loves the people she works with, but loves the administration team most.  Saying that they have open doors and are open minded always willing to help. Jokingly saying that if they were to leave she would leave. Ms. Dee is very worthy of teacher of the month and I am excited to see her succeed even more as time goes by.

Margo Greenbaum

Ms. Catherine Dee

Credited to Lors Photography

First half is over, what will the second half bring?!

We left school wearing ugly sweaters so excited to not have put on an alarm, but instead sleep in. But while I was walking the halls that morning I felt like I was walking down memory lane. 

Kids of all grades were decorating doors, showing off their talent. It was extraordinary to see what wood shop kids to artistic kids made with such little time. Walking down the art wing I felt like I was in a different world as I passed each door. A week before “iron chef” took place and was a hit. The laughs and smiles that were captured in the pictures just show how big of a hit the event was and the food looked pretty good, too.  While sitting in class waiting for my classmates to arrive boys with button downs and suit pants sat down, reminding me that basketball season has officially started. Going to the games and seeing the “Stang gang” dressed up and cheering on the team with the dance team was awesome. It’s amazing how many people cheer on one of our teams. While getting my steps in I passed peers bulletin board that had the names of everyone donated money so we could give 3 families the Christmas they deserved. It was an honor to have been part of the reason children got toys and that their parents weren’t going to have to worry if they had enough food for a while. During this time CONNECT4CANCER was collecting toys as well and the amount of toys they got literally fills up a whole room. On my walk I also saw Ralph, a senior who is in the BLC program. Him and his team just won a challenge, bringing more trophies back to school. As everyone knows BOTC was a success and so much fun to be at! It’s one of the only times you get to be with so many kids in your school and is the only time I was not yelled at for screaming... I then saw Lizzy Friedman, an  old friend, and soon to be famous actress. During the play “Don’t dress for dinner” I was taken back by the amazing actors our school has and how hard working the crew is. The whole time I was laughing and falling off my seat. I then looked at my phone to see a text from my mom and I thought of parent teacher conferences. I don’t just like going to help the parents, but the work out I get from running around getting parents to the right class is a plus. It feels great when they compliment me and are so thankful just because I got them from one class to another. During this time the football team was winding down after a great season. I passed Helff, the captain of the team, who was sworn into the Marines. It was during football season that we had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bravermann, the principal at Howell, and someone who loves what our account is all about. I checked my watch and it was already 8:15 but kept on walking. I passed James and mrs. Bruno in the matter of minutes reminding me Homecoming. Reminding me of the joy I had when James won and how excited she was for the both of us. I then quickly stopped by Mr. uplinger’s room to give him my 3rd and final individual paragraph. I thought about how my first debate went in September and was so proud to think about how much I’ve grown since then. I then saw classmate, football, and basketball star Justin Marcus who was at the best football game of the season, but on the side lines. September 28, 2017 the mustangs went into over time against our rival, Colts neck. Within seconds the score went from being tied to MARLBORO IN THE LEAD, making the MUSTANGS WIN! Our amazing band starts playing and everyone is running onto that field after they won. It taught everybody a lesson, things can change in a matter of seconds and that the football team has always been good, but is now great! The bell was about to ring and I realized I didn’t do my math homework. Reminding me of the first day of my senior year hearing him say that homework is important. But it looked like I was saying oh well as the bell was ringing. As I walked to class, the very tall man was standing there with Mickey Mouse on his sweater. It feels like just yesterday was 8th grade orientation and Dr. Bleakley was on the stage introducing himself and telling everyone how happy he is that the school is finally full with students...

I yet again say that Mr. Liptzin was right. How fast high school goes is literally in the blink of an eye. I now sit here and question how did the first half of this school year already pass by, and how can I make the second half even better?

StangGang Spotlight: Alanna Flores

Our second StangGang Spotlight nominee is Alanna Flores! Alanna was nominated mostly for her involvement in student government. Alanna is currently a senior at Marlboro High School and has showed on multiple accounts #mustangpride through her three-four years here at Marlboro High School. Alanna is involved in Student Government, Marlboro High School's Business Learning Center Program, JSA, DECA, and Theater Society.

To start off, has been given many honors and accomplishments in Student Government! Alanna joined student government her freshmen year of high school. Reasons why she joined student government included wanting to help out her grade, taking part in students' experiences, and to truly make a lasting impact on Marlboro High School. Alanna felt as part of the Class of 2018 it was her responsibility to shape our school into a second home we could be proud of, a place she not only had to spend time, but actually wanted to. Alanna was previously the freshmen, sophomore, and junior class president for the Class of 2018. Alanna is now serving as the Student Council president of the school. Alanna works to enhance each students experience by running significant fundraising efforts, planning events with faculty, and bolstering school spirit. What Alanna has learned from this activity is leadership. Leading others has become a strong passion of hers. It taught her that to be a leader one must also learn to listen. Alanna says learning to compromise and understand the opinions of others is critical, perhaps even the most important component of the leadership process.

All in all, Alanna feels truly honored to represent Marlboro High School as the Student Council president and to have represented the Class of 2018 for the three years she served as class president at Marlboro High School. We know Alanna will have a bright and successful future ahead of her! We wish her the best of luck with life after high school!

Alanna Flores

Credited to Lors Photography

StangGang Spotlight: Sarah Esposito

You probably see this girl laughing in the halls or see her cheering on fellow mustangs at sporting events. Sarah Esposito is a fun, outgoing, senior in our school. As I type this she is at practice with her team working on bettering themselves for competition. Sarah is a senior who has been cheering for the past 4 years and has loved every moment of it . 

We got to speak to her and she told us why she loves cheerleading so much. 

We asked what she wanted and thought she would get out of this sport. She told us that she always liked cheer, but loved the idea of cheering for the football and basketball team. She also wanted to make friendships and bonds throughout her time on the team. 

Whenever I see Sarah she is most likely with another cheerleader, not just a fellow senior, but anyone of her teammates. She also tells us what she got out of cheerleading... because she practice past 4:30 and has practice and meets on the weekend, time management has become a skill she learned, and is mastering. Something we all know we could get better at! 

Our final and most interesting question was, “If you had to persuade someone to perform/participate in your activity, what would you say to do so? Ms. Esposito’s exact answer was, “In cheerleading, everyone performs and competes together as a team, unlike other sports where members compete individually. The teamwork involved in this sport makes close bonds with people you never thought you would meet, and teaches you how to work well with others towards a common goal.” This made me question other teams, if they’re considered a team then shouldn’t they be working as one? Working United, with the common goal to win? Now that I take the time to think of it I must agree with Sarah. When it comes to cheerleading if you do not work together the team will literally and rhetorically fall apart. Cheerleading does not just teach you rhymes, but how to rely on others and how to gain your teammates trust. Trust, something all teams need for them to succeed. 

Cheerleading is not always looked at a sport by some, but it should be. Whenever I stay after school and pass the cafeteria they are never standing still. Either they are defying gravity with their backflips or are lifting more than most can when they are throwing their teammates in the air. 

You may be wondering why I am writing about cheerleading and specifically speaking about Sarah. Sarah Esposito was nominated for Stang Gang Spotlight. Meaning that someone agreed with us that she is outstanding on and off the mat who deserved to be in the Spotlight and for her story to be told. 

Sarah Esposito

Credited to Lors Photography

If you know anyone else who you feel is deserving to be in the “spotlight” please contact us.