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The Clifton Times is delighted to introduce its newest and youngest reporters. All three are students at Clifton High School and are wonderful examples of the great things happening in our district. Thanks to CHS teachers John O'Reilly and Jaqueline Turk who helped us to connect with these impressive young people.
Stefanie Feliciano is in her junior year at CHS. She is part of the three core National Honor Societies (math, English, and science) and is a writing enthusiast who is involved in many different clubs and activities at CHS. She is a co-founder and soon-to-be Vice President of the National Social Studies Honor Society, has managed the girls’ varsity tennis team and will be managing the girls’ flag football team this spring. She is participating in the CHS spring musical, is a member of the audition-based MadCaps choir, and is active in Girls Learn International, Key Club, Heroes and Cool Kids, the Student Union, and the End Racism and Sexism Club. When she isn’t busy at school Stefanie may be found doing volunteer work around town or crocheting at home. “Ultimately,” she says, “I am hoping to leave my mark on the world, always learning and striving for more.”
Albaraa Gebril is a senior at CHS and a recent recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. He is involved in many extracurricular activities including Student Council Association, Muslim Student Association, and Key Club. In addition to school life, Albaraa is a Senior Mental Health Advocate at the New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children, where he co-founded Migrants with Migraines, a podcast highlighting the unique experiences and struggles of immigrants and their families. He is also a published author on the Medium platform. “I value critical thinking and the power of free speech. In addition, I'm fascinated with political systems, philosophical reflection, psychological research, and theological sentiments.”
Alias Ragsdale is a junior and serves as President of the Clifton Student Union, is a Superintendent’s Ambassador, a member of the CHS liaison committee, an officer on student council, and is an athlete on the varsity track and field team. Deeply interested in local government and politics, Alias was involved in successful campaigns for City Council and Board of Education candidates. He serves on the Action Clifton Committee (a committee appointed by the mayor and council, where two representatives from different sections of Clifton discuss what is going on in the city). Alias is a proud, lifelong member of the Boys and Girls Club of Clifton. “I said yes to the opportunity to write for the Clifton Times because I believe that local, reliable news sources in places like Clifton are vital to the overall social well-being of a community.”
These student writers will be covering news from Clifton High School, highlighting students for various accomplishments and talents, attending city meetings to update the community on what’s happening in City Hall, and bringing in their own ideas for stories based on their unique perspectives as teens. Keep your eyes out for their first articles in the coming week! The Clifton Times is grateful to have such talented, ambitious young people who are excited about being a part of the wider conversations in our city and who are ready to jump in and get to work. It’s a great day to be a Mustang!
