Spring 2021

The
life

of
willie
moretti

an examination
of the town’s most
notorious resident

[pilot’s log]
Hasbrouck Heights High School

Pilot’s Log Emily Condon 4
is committed to fair, accurate and Nick Valle 8
ethical reporting while embracing and 10
promoting the voice of the students. Katie Armonitis 14
It serves as a champion of First Editors in Chief 16
Amendment rights fostering public
discourse essential to democracy. The Markus Kulik 18
Pilot’s Log will not print any material Wyatt Bugge 28
that is obscene or libelous; or that News Editors 36
which substantially disrupts the school Victoria Vitelli 42
day, or invades the rights to privacy. Briana Mullins 44
The Pilot’s Log reserves the right to Feature Editors
refuse advertisements. Steven Antunez
Pilot’s Log Sports Editor
Hasbrouck Heights High School Amanda Boscarino
365 Boulevard, Alex Roseman
Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. 07604 Student Life Editor
Front Cover: Illustration by George Totonjie
Willie Moretti - the town’s most Alexa Lafaso
notorious resident George Totonjie
Back Cover: Photo by staff; Amber Barrios, ju- Leeyana Marcelo
nior, clears a hurdle during a recent track meet. Sahara Serrano
Barrios was recently named Athlete of the Week Annabella Rubiera
by the Bergen Record. Courtney Neumuller

Designers
Emily Condon

Nick Valle
Kelsey Parodi
Amanda Boscarino
Lead Photographers
William Thorne

Adviser
Lora Geftic
Special Consultant

Stock Frenzy [n] spring 2021
Heights students jump to trade stocks
[n]ews
Rutgers [n] [c]enter
[f ]eature
RU men’s basketball makes march madness tournament [s]ports

The First 100 [n]
A look at President Biden’s first 100 days in office

Curtains Closed [n]
COVID stops school play for second year in a row

Bendix Diner [n]

Local diner hosts another music video

Highlighting Artists [f]
No art show this year, so Pilot’s Log looks to highlight our artists

Mobster [c]
Notorious mobster may be the most famous resident of Heights

Teacher’s Pets [f]
Taking a look at our staff’s furry friends.

Bowling [s]

Bowling program continues to improve

Volleyball [s]
Young program wins first league title

Opinion [34]

“HODL”

THE Heights students
finding a new way to
“invest” their time

STOCK Growers, and Nokia are amongst the most
Markus Kulik, staff talked about stocks on social media.
Design by Emily Condon Gamestop, however, may be the most
visible. The video game retailer had been
An organized group, without a real widely popular for years, but recently was
leader, is taking Wall Street by considered by Wall Street to be a failing
storm. Groups like Wall Street Bets, business and its stock price represented
Small Street Bets, SuperStonk, and that. Many large investing companies whose
AMC Stock, all located within Reddit, have purpose is to invest and trade millions of
brought together amateur investors with shares of companies believed this, and
often speculative stock tactics as they invest shorted the stock - in short, they placed
in what is now know as “meme stocks”. ‘bets’ against the companies sucess through
“I have been investing for 1 year. I a process called short selling.
don’t know what a meme stock is but yes I However, Gamestop did what by
have heard of it but don’t really know what many was considered to be impossible, and
it is,” Paul Kouletas, junior, said. in 2 weeks had a 14-fold increase. Starting
The groups, coupled with millions at $20 dollars per share, with its peak being
of followers on twitter, have looked for over $400 dollars per share - a large part
companies to invest in that traditional Wall of this investing came from the amateur or
Street has tried to ‘short’ - an investing “retail” trading groups.
approach that relies on the decline of a stock “I did not expect the GameStop stock
price. In turn, they’ve created a social media to skyrocket like it did,” Kouleatas, said.
frenzy that is attracting new investors to the The groups have even changed the
stock trading market. traditional investing lexicon, using words
“I think stocks are very interesting like “hodl” instead of hold, “tendies” to
and I pay attention every once in a while. represent money earned, “hedgies” instead
I know a lot of friends who keep up with of hedge funds (the declared enemy of the
it and watch Youtube videos on it,” Robert retail investors), and praise those investors
Boscarino, junior, said. within their groups with “diamond hands”
The Reddit and Twitter crowd have - the idea that someone’s hands are so hard
picked a few stocks, seemingly unrelated, that they refuse to sell their stock. Those
to ‘work their magic on’ - Gamestop, AMC with “paper hands” are often ridiculed.
Theaters, BlackBerry, Nokia, Sundial

The amateur investors even poke fun at professional financial advisor, said.
themselves, calling themselves apes and Investing is also now easier than
dumb money - claiming that they’ve beaten ever, with commission free trading from the
the professional investors time and time comfort of your couch on your phone into
again. nearly any stock or cryptocurrency you can
In some cases they have - The name. Thanks to this, investing has reached
Gamestop frenzy cost one hedge fund, Heights students such as senior Niko
Melvin Capital, over $13B dollars in Tsiolas.
losses. The current AMC trading coupled “I had shares in both Gamestop and
with smaller interest in Black Berry and AMC theaters. I got on GME when it was
continued interest in GameStop have cost worth about $190 dollars and left at around
‘short sellers’ over $4.5B” $360. For AMC however I unfortunately
Thanks to social media, the amateur entered at $12 and left at $11 after it
trading frenzy has reached all sorts of rebounding from a steep drop. Thanks to
audiences, including Heights. While the Gamestop lots of new people looked at
movement seemingly has no true “leader”, investing more seriously and we ended
one man has risen to the top of the Wall up making a group chat where we would
Street Bets community and has even spoken discuss our “moves” for the day”
to Congress. Keith McGill, better known by Mohamed Assaf , also a senior,
his username Roaring Kitty had seen the jumped into the investing craze.
situation with Gamestop over a year ago “I knew it wasn’t a long term sort of
and purchased $50,000 dollars worth of the thing, it [AMC] was just one of those stocks
stock at a very low average price.McGill’s that rises and you sell and take the gains. It
YouTube updates and Reddit posts may was less about the money, more so as a way
have spurred the movement - he became to fight large business who want to beat
something of a “messiah” to the people down the little guy,” Assaf, said.
of the internet and in turn has made over Rocco Minichello had been investing
$30M on his initial stock purchase. for nearly 2 years, in companies like
When Gamestop began surging in Apple, Amazon, and Tesla - typically seen
price in January, it had became widespread as “safe”, long term stocks in the investing
on the website reddit, primarily one community. Rocco had been browsing
of its subforums /r/wallstreetbets, a various forums and reddit and had caught
subreddit known for its “all or nothing” Gamestop at a very cheap price compared to
investment strategies known as YOLOS in what it he sold it at.
which investors place the majority of their However investing is not without
money in one stock - bucking traditional significant risk. Unfortunately for one
investment strategies. student, that lesson was [continued ]
People began buying shares of
Gamestop for a multitude of reasons - NEWS 5
some wanted to multiply their money,
some wanted to defy the large investing Spring 2021// pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School
companies on Wall Street and prove small
investors have a say, and some just wanted
to say they were a part of it all.
To many professional investors,
the line between this sort of investing and
gambling is very fine.
“It’s not an investment, it’s a
speculation. They are speculating, which is
similar to gambling. Investing lies between
savings and speculation.” Kevin Mullins, a

was learned the hard way. For the time being, it looks like stock
“I bought 80 shares or blackberry trading has become more mainstream, even
about a few months ago. I ended up losing within the high shcool community. While
$600 in a day, but I held and now I am up the reward for picking the right stock is
$300 from my initial investment. I think great, the risk should also be considered.
it’s important for people to do research “Do your homework. Do your due
before investing and not ‘do it for the diligence, you research something before
meme’. If you do your research and make investing in it, know something about
the right investments you are pretty much it, understand what you’re doing, if you
guaranteed to make money,” Alek Blanusa, don’t have those skills get yourself a good
senior, said. financial advisor who can explain the risks
During an uncertain time like this, and rewards and you can decide from there
no one could tell you whether Gamestop if you should invest,” Mullins, said.
will maintain its colossal momentum or fall Some students are using the
flat back to its original price. Gamestop, and popularity of stock trading, the ease of the
other “meme” stocks have had a good run process through apps, and the constant buzz
over the last few months, albiet with some on social media to better understand the
ups and downs. market.
On January 30th various virtual “I’ve had some mixed results but
investing companies such as Robinhood, right now I’m more focused on learning and
WeBull, TD Ameritrade, and many more only buying a few shares at a time. I have
restricted trading on many of these popular done my research and feel confident in my
stocks. Robinhood, the app used largely decisions but they all don’t go the way you
by amateur investors faced immense expect. For example NIO was looking very
backlash as users felt tha the company was promising but it hit a dip and it’s making
unfairly giving hedge funds a chance to limit a slow recovery. However, that’s the thing
damages while the smaller investors lost about stocks. You don’t really know what’s
money and opportunities. going to happen and at this stage all the
Robinhood and its CEO Vlad Tenev money you put in you have to be willing
were put up in a congressional hearing to lose. In general I’m up from where I’ve
to find signs of market manipulation and started and I’m happy to be taking part in
in an attempt to find a reason as to why the market while also learning and making
these stocks were restricted. Regardless, some money on the side,” Gavin Kennedy,
many if not all of these stocks began to lose senior, said.
their momentum and dropped in (large
amounts). Causing many investors to fear
and pull out whatever money they invested,
for many people that were late to the craze,
this meant losing a significant amount of
money.
The events that unfolded may have
slowed some invetors but not all, as stock
talk continues to dominate social media
platforms.
“I know a huge factor to why
people don’t invest is the risk factor and
I completely agree, but there are various
ways to invest passively for your future,”
Niko Tsiolas, senior, said.

A look at
popular
“meme” stocks

company / ticker / 6 month percentage

Gamestop - GME - 1,552%

Amc theaters - AMC - 1,289%

Nokia - nok - 32.94%

blackberry ltd - bb - 85%

tilray - tlry - 137%

bed, bath, & beyond - bbby - 82% NEWS 7
microvision inc - mvis - 742%
Spring 2021// pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

RU

Entertained
Michael Amendola & Andrew Pintabona
nail-biter for fans of both teams with Rutgers narrowly
Illustration by Courtney Neumuller losing, 60-63. Although the loss was disappointing this
is a building point for Rutgers in the future. Rutgers
Design by Emily Condon was the only team from New Jersey to qualify for the
tournament.
2020 and 2021 have been years filled with the “I think they had a good run in the tournament
unexpected. Sadly, much of the unexpected especially since this is their first appearance in like 30
has been news that we’d like to forget. For the years. I think the games were pretty impressive and
Rutgers University athletic program, however, they are a really talented team,” Kelly Innis, Heights
the year brought about a welcomed change - the men’s alum and current Rutgers University student, said.
basketball program qualified for the NCAA tournament There is also the chance that we may see one of
for the first time in 30 years. the players from this tournament run in the NBA in the
“I think it’s good because last year they got next couple of months as both Ron Harper Jr and Geo
robbed of their appearance since it got canceled so I baker will enter their names into the NBA draft. Ron
think it’s good that they were able to make it again,” Harper Jr will not hire an agent which means his college
Evan Wenckus, junior, said. eligibility will still be there meaning he could return
The Scarlet Knights boasted a 16-13 record to Rutgers. Geo Baker will also enter his name into the
which was good enough in the eyes of the NCAA draft. Both players will have the opportunity to show
Selection Committee to qualify them for the tournament their skills at the NBA draft combine which takes place
as a 10 seed and set them up for a first round game from June 21 until the 27th of this year.
against Clemson University. “Seeing Rutgers not only make the tournament
“Personally I couldn’t really believe that Rutgers for the first time in 30 years but win their first game
was doing as well as they were, because we have been by upsetting Clemson was great for basketball in New
so used to them not winning anything,” Andrew Gaffney, Jersey. For years, NJ recruits wouldn’t even consider
junior, said. going to Rutgers because of the lack of success in their
To put into perspective how long it's been conference, let alone the NCAA Tournament. Their
since Rutgers was last in the NCAA tournament Michael Head Coach Steve Pikiell has done a great job of landing
Jordan was just about to win his first championship some standout NJ recruits and that’s really paved the
with the Chicago Bulls, the United States has had six way to their recent success,” Mike Cebula, Heights boys
presidents, the millennium changed, and not one single basketball coach, said.
student in our high school was alive - it’s safe to say it’s The team’s success may even attract new fans.
been a long time since the team last ‘danced’ in March “I’m gonna be honest I know they lost early in the
Madness. tournament but I didn’t watch it this year. I’m glad that
as someone who is attending the university in the fall
“I was definitely surprised by their I’m glad that the team got the chance to compete,” Sam
performance, I think being New Jersey born is the only Migrino, senior, said.
real reason for my optimism of them making it past the Others echoed the opinion.
first round. They played way better than I expected and “I haven't really kept up with college basketball,
definitely shocked the majority,” Niko Tsiolas, senior, but when I’m a student there I definitely will be more
said. active in that,” Veronica Legaspi, senior, said.
The last time Rutgers was in the tournament In a year of the unexpected, the Rutgers success
they were on the wrong side of a defeat as they lost story brought a little happiness to the local community,
79-76 to Arizona State University. This year would be
slightly different. Rutgers would beat Clemson in the
first round which earned them their first tournament
win in 38 years. The Scarlet Knights moved on to play
the 2 seed, Houston in the next round. This game was a

d? Rutgers Mens Basketball Makes the
NCAA Tournament After a Long Wait

filled with New Jersey connections.
“Earlier in the year before the NCAA
tournament, I noticed how Rutgers has become more
relevant than they have been over the years, even being
ranked in the top 25 for a few weeks. I was impressed
by their run in the tournament because as a 10 seed,
they were able to compete against 2 seed Houston, who
was one of the best teams in the tournament. Also, I
enjoyed watching them because one of their players,
Ron Harper Jr., played at Don Bosco and I watched him
live in high school a couple of times, so that was fun to
see,” Brandon Govea, senior, said.

NEWS 9

Spring 2021// pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

First
Wyatt Bugge & Kaitlyn Yang, staff
Illustration by Sahara Serrano
Design by Emily Condon

100
A look at President Biden’s
First 100 Days The Economy
Health Care
On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden was The Climate
inaugurated as the 46th President of the National Security
United States of America. As with most Human Rights
presidents, his first 100 days are often seen Foreign Policies
as a sign of the type of president that he
will become - but just what exactly has he
accomplished during his first 100 days in
office, did he deliver on his promises? What
important policies did he enact or repeal? To
make things simple, this article will be broken
down into comprehensible sections.

They are as follows:

Information contained in this article details President NEWS 11
Biden’s first 100 days in office and has been compiled
as May 1, 2021. Outcomes and information may have Spring 2021// pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School
changed since the president’s 100 days ended.

The Economy Health Care

Biden passed his $2 trillion dollar On his first day in office, Joe Biden
Covid relief bill, with many Republicans wrote a letter to the United Nations
having mixed feelings on the matter. Some Secretary general to take back Trump's
believe that the party did not do enough withdrawal from the World Health
to hinder Biden’s victory with the bill. This Organization. In the same breath, the
victory, they feel, will bolster his confidence president appointed Dr. Fauci as the head of
in future policies he puts forward. However, the United States delegation.
many Democrats see this as a ‘win’ for their The COVID vaccine was, according
party, as alongside Covid relief, the bill was to many officials, supposed to be the
also filled with other miscellaneous policies catalyst for the country returning to normal,
such as giving bailout money to blue states however, many are reporting instead that
and other progressive addons. immunizations against Covid in many states
Biden signed an executive order to are remaining stagnant, or even behind
increase the minimum wage to $15. Many schedule. Even after Biden had activated
felt that it should be increased even more the Defense Production act that increased
to make up for inflation. However, the order the production and distribution rate of
was shot down by the Senate anyways. He the vaccinations and personal protection
also ordered for an extension of the time of equipment in late January. Some believe
which student loans will be put on hold to that state officials are conserving as many
the end of September 2021. doses of the vaccine as they can and saving
The Biden administration has had them until they have enough to handle large
quite a different approach compared to swathes of people at once, such as teachers,
the Trump administration when it comes healthcare workers, etc. President Biden
to foreign policy and trade with other has met with state officials to discuss the
countries, namely China. Biden has stopped matter.
communications with China about tariffs Even though making sure America
and export controls until they address other makes a speedy recovery from the
economic issues and concerns involving coronavirus is his main focus in terms of
national security. Despite what many would healthcare, President Biden also guided $2.5
think, this actually gives the U.S. leverage billion to address the mental illness and
over China, and officials from both countries addiction crisis in America.
will be meeting in Alaska in the coming
months to discuss these concerns in greater
detail.
Many Americans are feeling an
economic crunch as we approach summer as
inflation begins to rise in the country. Prices
are surging across the country in a variety of
sectors. Democrats argue that inflation and
higher prices are a sign that Biden’s policies
are working but many Americans in both
the public and private sector are worried
about the rising cost of living the declining
strength of the dollar.

Human Rights The Climate
Early on in President Biden’s term, he
The President has rejoined began giving more funding to offshore wind
the United Nations Human Rights farms under the name of Vineyard Wind.
Council and given many executive They are large groups of wind turbines in
orders in favor of minorities the ocean. With this, the U.S. is expected to
ranging from battling xenophobia slowly close the gap in terms of renewable
due to the pandemic, ordering energy in many other European countries.
the Department of Justice to not Biden also rejoined the Paris Climate Accord
renewal contracts with private after the United States withdrew under
prisons to combat the increasing Trump. He suspended the distribution of
rate of imprisonment of black new oil drilling permits for the first 60 days
americans, revoking an abortion of his presidency and overturned numerous
policy made by Trump, and much environmental policies from the Trump
more. Administration. Including the Keystone XL
To be specific, he withdrew Pipeline.
the government’s support of a
anti-trans lawsuit that would NEWS 13
have banned transgender girls
from participating in sports and Spring 2021// pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School
reversed another transphobic ban
that disallowed trans people to
join the military. Biden recreated
a Gender Policy Council that
was ended under Donald Trump
and made an extension to fair
housing protections for LGBTQIA+
citizens. He returned labor rights
to employees of the Department of
Defense.

Immigration

President Biden has
overturned a significant number
of the policies and acts passed
under the Trump Administration.
He refortified the Deferred Actions
for Childhood arrivals and undid
the restrictions on entry into the
States from seven Muslim majority
countries. Not only that but he
terminated the national emergency
declaration Trump activated to get
federal funding for the Mexico wall.

The Show

While athletes and students
return to normalcy, actors
and actresses
miss two years of
school musical productions.

Alex Roseman, staff

The Heights Drama Club and classes had successfully performed plays in
the Keifer Auditorium for as far back as any teacher or administrator
can remember. Each spring, after months of auditions and practice,
the curtain opened for the spring musical, typically three shows, that
welcomed students, family, and the general public. Like many things, however,
COVID ended the production last year.
"Despite not attending Heights middle school and high school for the last
two years, I remember having good experiences with the theater productions I
did see before. It’s unfortunate to hear that there weren't any productions this
year." - Dylan Daves, Hasbrouck Heights resident, said.
The cast of Annie were only three weeks away from performing when the school
first closed because of COVID. The closure was particularly difficult for senior
cast members who, unlike athletes, only have one performance each year.
“It is extremely difficult to think about the students who graduated last year,
and those who are graduating this year without having the experience of being
involved in the high school play for two years in a row,” Paula Jacobs, drama
teacher and play director, said.
There are a total of seven seniors who, between last year and this year,
will have missed their final performance due to COVID closures and regulations.
In a normal year, the cast members of the play would have rehearsal for two to
three days a week for at least two hours in either the auditorium or the media
center from 6:00 to 8:00PM. Some days the cast focuses on perfecting their
places on stage and their lines, other nights they are learning the choreography
of a dance or the notes to a song. While there is a certain ‘theater crowd’ that
typically embodies the cast, the play always seems to encourage others to try
something new.
“ It taught me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things even if
those things aren’t something I'd normally be a part of,” Ashley Annacharico,
Heights alum, said.
Nick Zarillo from the class of 2020 was supposed to perform as Daddy
Warbucks in last year’s scheduled musical, Annie.
“When I first heard about the virus shut down, I thought it would only

Won’t Go On

last for about a few weeks. Then it turned to and other performing groups to visit our website
a few months, but I still kept hope. Eventually to learn more about how professional theatres
there came for the official announcement on throughout the state of New Jersey are producing
Annie’s cancellation. Of course I was left with theatre via platforms such as Zoom. While it is
disappointment when I found out that I wouldn’t devastating that much theatre has not taken place
portray an iconic character such as Warbucks in over the past year, there is light at the end of the
our production. My fellow cast members and I put tunnel! And we look forward to seeing what great
a lot of effort into getting the show right and for all work is to come.”
of the time we put into the show going nowhere There are many protocols now to make
just three weeks before the opening night. It’s been school musicals happen in high schools. According
a year since I mostly got over this ordeal. It still to the International Coalition Performing Arts
hurts. I was beyond grateful for the opportunity Aerosol Study, it stated that there are many
to have been casted as Warbucks. Especially since protocols that could be put into place to allow
it would have been my first time portraying a lead musical performances to occur. These include
character. If I had a chance to play Warbucks right rehearsal space recommendations like doing
now, I would take it. My high school days may be rehearsals outdoors or doing it indoors with air
over but hopefully there’s a chance I could play him ventilated rooms and air coolers. Like many things
in a future college production of Annie or maybe at that we’ve experienced with COVID, however,
a community theatre,” Zarillo, said. even the simplest of rules can be hard to put into
The National Federation of State High practice.
School Association, the governing body that writes “Broadway has indicated that it hopes to reopen
the rules for most high school sports and activities, by September of 2021 and I really hope that we
stated that “We are in full agreement with that can too! I would really like to speak to the school
assessment. Music activities, along with speech, community and especially students who are
debate and theatre, should be given an equal involved in the drama club about what shows
opportunity to practice, perform and compete this we might be able to do in the future, whether we
spring in cases where schools are in session.” should attempt to launch Annie as soon as we are
This, however, doesn’t mean that plays will able or if people feel we should go in a different
resume immediately. Districts have the opportunity direction. In any event. . the show must go on . .
to decide when and how to “reopen” while still .when it is safe,” Jacobs said.
maintaining the guidelines dictated by the CDC, Linda Simmons, school principal, also looks
state of New Jersey, and the NJSIAA, amongst forward to the return of performances.
other organizations. Locally, some schools, such "Our performing arts program has brought
as Becton Regional, opted to hold performances of much joy to our audiences over the years. Like
their musical in the spring, while other schools are many things during this pandemic, missing our
waiting out the year with a hope for performances Annie Show has been a disappointment to many.
to return in the 2021-2022 school year. It saddens my heart that our students have had
Deonté Griffin-Quick from the New to miss out. The best part.....Once we are through
Jersey Theater Alliance stated that, “While it this dark moment the sun will come out tomorrow
is unfortunate that many theatre shows have and performances will once again bring smiles and
not been able to perform over the past year, we laughter to our Aviator stage,” Simmons, said.
applaud the brave and talented theatremakers
who are still pressing forward with producing NEWS 15
virtual productions. We would encourage schools
Spring 2021// pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School



Written and designed by staff It’s very busy inside the diner and outside the diner with
many people in the crew,” Diakakis said.
Look at most reviews for the Bendix Diner and This shoot was different, however, with COVID
you’ll see people commenting on the good food, regulations taking precedent.
the charm, and the “old fashioned service” - it “I was not allowed in the restuarant during
even has 4 and 5 star reviews on Yelp and Google, shooting, they were trying their best to follow COVID rules
respectively. What many people don’t know, however, is and regulations. I was able to meet the artist toward the
that the diner is home to something else - entertainment. end of the shoot, though,” Diakakis said.
“We always except most shoots requested at our COVID may have also kept fans away.
diner,” Michael Diakakis, junior, whose family owns the “I can’t say if there were fans watching since we
diner, said. were outside in the car as we followed their orders and
The diner has hosted 7 feature film shoots, didn’t see anyone that looked like a fan. The one music
numerous TV and commercial spots, and most recently, the video that did have a few people watch it as fans was
music video for the band Bleachers. the James Arthur music video - Shining Like the Stars,”
“Recently, we’ve hosted James Arthur, LAUV, Diakakis, said.
Jay Nova, and Jerry Seinfeld, in addition to the Bleachers The impact of the shoots sometimes play a role
shoot,” Diakakis, said. in the diner’s popularity, although after so many years of
The diner, located on Route 17 South in Heights success it doesn’t seem to need any help.
is the quintessential NJ diner, complete with neon lights, “Some music videos hype people up and some
a tiled floor, and an aluminun exterior. Not much has might want to eat at the diner because their favorite band
changed since it opened in 1947 and all of those attributes shot a music video there,” Diakakis said.
can be seen the latest music video shot there. Overall, the NJ native left a good impression on the
Bleachers lead singer, Jack Antonoff, is a New Diakakis family’s diner.
Jersey native who grew up a few towns over in New “This experience ranked quite well for the most
Milford before settling in Woodcliff Lake. Antonoff, a part actually since they cleaned up for themselves and
Grammy winner, may be best known for producing music were prepared. I would rank the bleachers experience at
for Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana Del Ray. Third place. It was fun seeing them shoot and seeing them
When asked if he’s had listened to Bleachers prior prepare the music video,” Diakakis, said.
to the shoot, Diakakis said,
“No, I hadn’t” Photos from YouTube:
Still, that doesn’t stop the diner from being hosts. Top, left: The inside of the diner as seen in the new
“Usually it feels nice to see some artists you Bleachers music video.
know come to shoot at the diner and you get to see them Bottom, left: the diner’s famous exterior, as seen in
in person. The only drawback is the work of cooking for the video.
each member of the shoot and cleaning up after them. We Right: Antonoff dancing on one of the diner’s tables.
mostly accept these shoots because they seem like cool
people and mostly because of business, I would assume.

NEWS 17

Spring 2021// pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

speaking
through
art

artwork by heights students
introduction by Nick Valle

COVID-19 has been infamous for putting a stop to many jobs
and hobbies - but what about the ones it’s created, or the ones that it
has allowed to flourish? Since the beginning of the pandemic, many
Hasbrouck Heights High School students have begun some sort of
artistic venture while others have used their free time to hone a skill
that they’ve enjoyed since a young age.
“I’d always see different forms of artwork whether it was abstract,
realism, expressionism, etc. and I was always so inspired and interested
in it. So I started pencil drawing and using different paints to see what
fit my artwork best and how I can express myself through art in a
beautiful way,” said Claudia Degennaro, sophomore, said.
Many have taken up art as a new hobby with some even painting
or testing their hand at photography. The world of visual arts has
been no stranger to Hasbrouck Heights’ doors with an excess of talent
running through the art room every year. Annually, Heights has an
art showcase to display the pieces of it’s talented students, but due to
the pandemic this year’s showcase was halted. Many of the high school
artists have gone unnoticed, but their creating has not ended. What
follows are the amazing pieces and designs presented by the artists
of Hasbrouck Heights Highschool as well as their feelings on artistic
expression.

feature 19

spring 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School















Artists Featured:
Alexa Lafaso - Senior
George Totonjie - Junior
Courtney Neumuller - Freshman
Annabella Rubiera - Junior
Victoria Todd - Junior
Claudia Degennaro - Sophomore

Laila Katz - Senior
Sahara Serrano - Junior
Sam Lahullier - Sophomore
Leila Yankus - Sophomore
Lauren Yeswita - Junior
Andrew Gaffney - Junior
Ava Smaljaj - Sophomore
Fatema Liya - Freshman
Adrianna Mandzy - Senior

Zach Cali - Junior

The Godfather’s Hasbrouck Heights roots
with notorious mobster Willie Morietti

Brianna Mullins
Design by Alexa LaFaso & Emily Condon
Special contributions from Linda Condal
& Catherine Cassidy

Center 28
spring 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School



On February 24th, 1894 in Bari, Italy Guarino became a mentor to the young entertainer. Moretti made
(Willie) Moretti was born - shortly after, he and
his family immigrated to America. While the name sure Sinatra would be booked at better nightclubs and
might not be familiar to all of those who live in
Heights, the impact that our most notorious resident had on received kickbacks in return. The connection between
the community cannot be ignored. the two was solidified when Moretti was named Sinatra’s
“Personally as someone who is relatively well Godfather.
invested in history, it was shocking to not know Willie
Morretti even existed, let alone in Heights. I think it’s The events that would soon unfold would inspire
interesting we have something of a bit of a local legend live one of the most famous lines in The Godfather film. The up
and be mourned in our town,” Markus Kulik, senior, said. and coming Sinatra was looking to sign a more lucrative
Willie Moretti lived the life of a mobster – he was
even gunned down in an apparent mercy killing in 1951, contract but was tied to one that was limiting his exposure.
but his time in Heights and the impact and legacy that he
left within our community is profound. Moretti stepped in and ‘renegotiated’ Sinatra’s contract
“He was an underboss of the Genovese crime
family. Which is one of the “5 families” that run organized with big band leader Tommy Dorsey – by way of a gun
crimes in America. His good friend was also Frank Costello
of the Costello crime family, which is also why he is so well shoved down Dorsey’s throat. Dorsey eventually sold the
known,” Alessandro Ciminata, senior and organized crime
enthusiast, said. contract to Sinatra for $1. For those familiar with the
Moretti first came to power, like many mobster, Godfather trilogy of films, the “offer he can’t refuse” line
during prohibition. When prohibition ended, he ran a muttered by Vito Corleone, the film’s main character, is
lucrative gambling business and based his operations out almost certainly based on the real life offer that Moretti
of the basements of homes in both Hasbrouck Heights and gave to Dorsey. In the film, Corleone, helps his godson to
Deal, New Jersey. He was friends with Abner Zwellman, secure a lucrative entertainment opportunity and thus, film
“Waxey” Gordon, “Lucky” Luciano, Joe Adonis, and Frank imitates life.
Costello – some of the biggest names in organized crime. By
19 he had already been sent to prison for robbery – though “Seeing all the Godfather movies and having my
he only served a few months. His most notable connection,
however, is to another famous Heights resident – Frank family be huge fans of the Godfather, Frank Sinatra and stuff
Sinatra.
As the story goes, Moretti was the one to discover like that, it’s pretty cool knowing Willie Moretti lived here
the singer in a rundown Hoboken nightclub and soon
and had a big impact on the people living here at the time,”

Victoria Vitelli, junior, said.
Even more, the opening scene of the 1972 film is a
backyard wedding reception which was inspired by the real

life wedding of Moretti’s daughter. In fact, Frank Sinatra,

Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, and comedian Milton Berle all

performed at the wedding of Moretti’s daughter – held right

here in Heights.

Although publically Moretti is known as a ruthless

mobster, his life in Heights told a different story.

¨A couple of retired Hasbrouck Heights police
officers when they were kids would get paid to wash

Center 30 Early Moretti file - Bureau of Narcotics

Spring 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

Villa Amalfi formally Moretti’s cars. He’d also give them envelopes with money to
known as Joe’s deliver to Corpus Christi Church,” Hasbrouck Heights Police
Elbow’s Room in Chief Michael Colaneri, said.
Cliffside Park New He referred to Moretti as a ¨generous man¨ when it
Jersey. This is the came to the church.
exact location where “My father actually took Moretti’s daughter, Angie,
gangster Willie to the Hasbrouck Heights senior prom. All the boys were
Morretti was shot and afraid to take her because of her dad but he really was a
killed great guy to the kids. He gave my father a ton of money to
take all the kids out for dinner after the dance. But Willie
Photo by Steven Antunez didn’t want anybody to know it was on him so he let my
father pretend he was the one paying for everyone,” Pat
Mason, longtime Heights resident, said.
Mason continued.
“He was also was out taking care of the kids. If
they didn’t sell anything for events all you’d have to do was
go to Willies house and he’d hand you like $5,000 in cash
which was incredible for the 40s.”
And while Moretti’s exploits were well known
nationally, his home right here in Heights was also a sort of
local legend.
“There was a wall that was 3 feet high and it went
all the way over from Roosevelt to Harrison [avenues].
It was pretty cool actually. There was a huge garden back
there too [continued on next page]

center 31

Spring 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

You could just tell somebody of importance lived there. Moretti’s funeral
The house stood out like a sore thumb. It was definitely was held at Corpus
different,” Mason, said. Christi Church.

Linda and Kevin Mullins, who both grew up in

Hasbrouck Heights also knew of the house.

“It was rumored for years that there were tunnels

underneath his house located on Summit Avenue between

Harrison and Roosevelt.”

Lenny Bataglia, however, a home builder who

purchased the lot that was once the backyard to Willie

Moretti’s home believes the rumors to be untrue and
explained that he found no tunnels. “But I did find a hidden
room underground beneath the backyard cabana.”

Bataglia also shared a story told to him by the

Corso family, whose mother originally purchased the

property from Moretti . He was told that “When Moretti

sold his house to the Corso family, he made it clear that he’d
be back for flower pots. Apparently, those pots contained
thermoses filled with $100 bills buried in them.”
Chief Colaneri also mentioned that Moretti lived in

one other location in town. ¨On the corner of the Boulevard

and Belle Ave. It was rumored that while he lived on Belle,

he had security living across from him.¨

Moretti found himself involved in the Kefauver

Hearings in 1950. The hearings were an investigation,

led by the Senate, into organized crime. Moretti, ever the

character was cracking jokes and telling stories during the
hearing. When asked how long he had been in the mafia,
he famously replied “What do you mean, like do I carry a
membership that says “Mafia” on it?” Moretti, however, was
the only mobster at the hearings who didn’t use his 5th

Amendment right which provides protection from self-

incrimination. While Moretti’s testimony was entertaining,

it didn’t give up any pertinent information – his bosses,

however, were far from pleased. Moretti had been suffering
from syphilis and many in the mafia believed that this was
causing him to become mentally unstable. Moretti’s doctor,
a Dr. Morici even testified on Moretti’s behalf that, “At that
time [1943] I had to treat him because he was becoming

mentally unbalanced.” In addition to syphilis, Moretti was

treated for malaria, heart problems, hypertension, and even

almost missed his testimony due to a profuse nose bleed

that stemmed from an ongoing nasal hemorrhage.

Others argue that Moretti simply enjoyed

entertaining the committee, toying with them. Moretti

admitted to making his living legally, but explained that
he was aquainted with other oganized crime figures who
he reffered to as “not bad people” He continued, admitting

a friendship with Al Capone and explained that he was

“bipartisan” - that he associated with both criminals and

politicians. In participating in the hearings, however,
Moretti broke the mafia’s “code of silence”.
Barbara Troisi, a young adult in 1951 said “I was

living in Fort Lee when Moretti died. We all assumed he was

a rat but it turns out he never really snitched.”

Moretti’s life, like that of many involved in

organized crime came to a violent end just a few miles

Center 32

Spring 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

Flower cars lined away, at Joe’s Elbow Room in Cliffside Park. On October
the Boulevard. 4th, 1951. Moretti, who entered the restuarant and chatted
Local police had to with the waitress in Italian would soon be killed - shot in
step in to calm the the face, head, and back. The crime was never solved. The
scene. mob boss, Vito Genovese, referred to Moretti’s murder as a
“mercy killing.”
photos - Associated Press The Jersey Journal headline held no punches when
left photo: Linda Condal’s father is seen in the photo. it reported on Morretti’s death. Stating, “Willie Moretti, self-
right photo: flower cars clogged the Boulevard. admitted gambler and crony of underworld bigshots, was
shot to death today in a restuarant”. The article highlighted
that Moretti was a “witness” in a crime probe.
Moretti’s funeral service was conducted at
Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, though local
stories explained the church was outraged and upset that
they were to perform the mass on a man of his character.
Our school has a real connection to the funeral through
Catherine Cassidy and Linda Condal, Heights teachers,
whose parents both played a role in the funeral. Cassidy’s
mother performed in the Corpus Christi choir and was
present at the funeral mass. Condal’s father, a patrol officer
at the time, is present in the famous photo of Moretti’s
casket being taken out of Corpus Christi.
The funeral, much like Moretti’s life, was one of excess.
Flower cars and mourners clogged the Boulevard. Moretti
was eventually buried in St. Michael’s Cemetery, just a few
miles down the road in South Hackensack.
Over 5,000 mourners, including children attended
his funeral. This resulted in a circus-like atmosphere that
required police intervention. Vines and trellises were
torn down and gravestones were knocked over - it was
estimated to be $700 worth of damage.
A 1951 New York Times article explains that
Henry Morocco, the under-taker, found the crowd so dense
that he could not get Moretti’s $5,000 bronze coffin to the
family mausoleum, he told the crowd ¨If you people haven´t
the decency to move, I won’t bring him in. I’ll ride him
around all day if I have to. I can be stubborn too.¨
With the help of Lodi policemen, room was made for
Moretti´s family. Hundreds of mourners had already been
at the St. Michaels cemetery just moments before it opened.
Hundreds turned into thousands once the family arrived.
Moretti’s life in Heights was riddled with both his
exploits as a mobster and his generosity as the town’s most
famous resident. As time has passed, however, his impact
on the town is seemingly lost, with most students unaware
of the neighbor that once lived in our town.
“I had no idea Willie Moretti lived in our town
and even had his funeral here. The whole thing seemed like
a big spectacle for the time but now no one talks about it.
Especially in our small town where nothing really happens.
It’s crazy. What else is there to talk about but that?!,” Kaitlyn
Yang, sophomore, said.
To some, Moretti is now just a part of town lore.
“I think that knowing that someone important
from the Mafia came from our town isn’t necessarily
shocking. I don’t think it’s a bad thing and I honestly
think it’s fascinating history to an extent about our town,”
Samantha Migrino, senior, said.

center 33

Spring 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

OPINION

The following opinion pieces represent the thoughts of our writers. As
high school writers, we reserve the right to keep the names of the writer
anonymous. The writings and sntiment may not represent the sentiment of
the entire Pilot’s Log staff, school, or any affiliated body.

Moretti: Not one to be praised

Willie Moretti’s name is undoubtedly one that’s etched in the legacy of
Hasbrouck Heights, but is he to be revered? Memorialized? Commemorated? Yes, in
a sort of way the man did a lot of good in this town. However, I don’t believe he’s an
individual that should be praised. Many believe that the end justifies the means. I am not
one of those individuals. Violence is not something I believe Hasbrouck Heights stands
for, so it’s affiliation with Moretti’s mafia history and his own means to an end boggles
my mind. Mafia business is something many find on the silver screen and television
shows, but knowing a member of the mafia resided in our town brings it down to reality.
Violence, thievery and other crimes are ripe within said business, violations of respect
and individuals and their property as well. There’s not much to be said. It’s plain and
simple. Individuals and organizations such as this are not to be praised, but rather found
interesting in a light no longer found in reality.

- Nick Valle, editor

opinion 34

Spring 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

Moretti: an important part of our history

Growing up in a family where “The Godfather” would be playing on the TV every
Saturday, as it was my father’s favorite film, finding out that the man who the film was named
after — Willie Moretti — not only lived in my town, but less than one hundred yards from
my front steps was quite the information. Despite his mob involvement and engagement in
violence, Moretti was an important part of Hasbrouck Heights’ history.
From his charitable works at Corpus Christi Parish to the momentous documentation
of his funeral at the church, Moretti’s legacy in the town is shown. His name — quite literally
embezzled into our town — sits engraved on a metal leaf (part of a tree that commemorates
contributors to the parish) at the entrance of the Corpus Christi School building to the chapel,
marking his momentous contributions to the church. Despite how this money may or may
not have been obtained through mafia violence, Moretti progressed the Hasbrouck Heights
community through contributions like this which helped to give back to others. Photos of
his funeral procession on the Boulevard outside Corpus Christi are also perhaps some of the
most iconic photos taken in our town.
Although Moretti’s association with nationally historical violence, I think it is
important for the Hasbrouck Heights community to recognize and be aware of his involvement
in our town’s history. It is also important to bring light to roots of violence in our town when
historicizing periods of history such as the mafia, in order to try to prevent such violence
from repeating itself. By bringing the reality of Moretti to our community, it not only shows
how violence can still be laced with generosity (such as through his contributions to Corpus
Christi) but also how real and local that American history and violent crimes can be to each
of us individuals. Moretti’s legacy as a Hasbrouck Heights resident is one that members of
the town should be aware of, as he sits in the roots of our community and embezzled into
the leaves of Corpus Christi.”

- Emily Condon, editor-in-chief

Illustration by Leeyana Mercelo

opinion 35

Spring 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

Teacher’s
It’s been a ‘ruff ’ year for almost
Pets everyone. With the school year coming
to a close, Pilot’s Log decided to take
a look at the “real” teacher’s pets that
many of our staff will be spending
their summer with. Some of them may
have made an appearance during a
virtual class, some of them you may
have never seen before, but all special
in their own way.

Brando is the smartest dog that Ms. Monetti has
ever had - he’s even learning to count his toys.

Ms. Cassidy’s cats are named after two “Old Hollywood” Syd is named after the terrible kid from Toy Story!
actresses

Bella was adopted from the Newark Humane Society. Shea is named after the old stadium that the Mets
used to play in - she loves to go to the beach and dig
Brody and Tessa are both rescues who share a birthday - in the sand but she’s scared of the water. She’s a boxer
Cindo De Mayo! and sometimes punches people instead of hugging
them.
Pancake is a rescue from Puerto Rico - his name helps to
soften his spirit - a strong name might be too much for this Buster loves to play, eat, the sun, and to be around
dog who is filled with bravado. people - he’s a rescue who also happens to be a Mets
fan.

Max is a 110lb baby who is best Jasper the horse LOVES donuts! Chloe and Mia love going for walks
friends with his sister Mackenzie. and cuddling on the couch watching
TV

Feature 37

Spring 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

Tux is a rescue who seems to always know when it’s time Frankie was born and raised to be a lap dog.
to eat. He’s like a moody teenager who doesn’t always
want to get out of bed.

Sully did yoga poses as a puppy. Teddy is always happy to see everyone - he’s even
learning to read - just look at this picture!

Chula is a street dog from Jersey City - her name roughly Mrs. Shannon has a dog and two cats who are all
translates to sassy and pretty. rescues. Baby Cat was truly a rescue - she heard cries
and rescued the cat out of the sewer with the help of
Feature 38 the fire department. She also has a snake, turtle, and
fish.
Spring 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

Lola was found for free on Craigslist. She has a special
talent - she can’t walk forward on the kitchen tile so she
will walk backwards until she gets to her bed.

Lily the Golden Retriever is a great, lovable puppy! Mrs. Rodenberg has three dogs - the most famous might
be Louie who visits our school every Friday to see the
students and staff - he’s a trained therapy dog.

The Muskas don’t have a dog of their own but they’ve Crystal is a rescue that was adopted at Hasbrouck
spent this crazy year fostering dogs for others. The dogs Heights Town Day - Mrs. Perdomo’s was working the
came from Mississippi and Alabama event and her kids “ambushed” her about looking at a
dog.

Keaton is a rescue from Circle of Hope K9 Rescue. Fran was rescued from Alabama! She was found in the
Maximus Wulfric Medina aka Max is an alert dog - streets after Hurricane Sandy. She was named after Fran
he alerts his family of people, other dogs, or a doorbell. Drescher, “The Nanny.”

Finley looks like Toto from the Wizard of Oz. Arista loves to watch cat videos on the computer.

Milo is Mrs. Massa’s first dog. Although she was reluctant Pal is cuddly, loving, playful and puts a smile on
at first, he needed a new home and her family needed everyone’s face.
him. Now, she’s the crazy dog mom.

Feature 40

Coby and Bruh, pictured next to each other belong to Bonnie can be found snoring in Miss Coffey’s bed or
Mrs. Jacobs. Bruh is a stray cat who hangs out in the begging the family for ice cubes.
yard. Mac and Pheobe were both rescues who are best friends
Luna may be 11 but she still acts like a baby and loves to with each other.
play. Josie was adopted from Circle of Hope K9 Rescue - an
organization that Mrs. Schneeweiss helps with. We had
Holly is a lovable dog! to pick her up at a hotel from a large truck at 5 am in the
Russell was found on the side of the road, in a box. morning.
He was placed in a foster home in Tennessee but had
a rough life there. He eventually made his way to Mrs.
Gesell where he learned to eat. With love, he became a
great big brother to Mrs. Gesell’s son, Aston Bond.

A striking

season

A recap of the bowling team’s winter success

Darwin Urgiles, staff

sports 42 After having a rough season for winter sports, marred
with COVID related shutdowns and a change in the
Spring 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School traditional schedule, the bowling program was able
to look in a positive direction and be optimistic. In
fact, this season was a pleasant surprise for the young bowlers
who were able to avoid much of the seasonal troubles and
produce winning results. Even with all the new protocols it
seemed that the athletes were able to focus on their craft and
not all of the changes that surrounded them.
Dave Rispoli, head coach of the bowling program,
spoke of his team’s performance.
“I don’t think the changes affected them much. Regular
season matches never drew crowds. A few parents would
show up to the matches. Crowd excitement was never part
of the matches to get the kids pumped up. The one thing that
may affect them is bowling on a different pair of lanes than
their opponent,” Rispoli, said.
Damiano DeCandia, junior bowler, agreed.
“As far as COVID, it hasn’t really impacted how the team
played. The only things that changed was being unable to have
the JV come to watch our matches, and the parents as well.

Design by Emily Condon
Photos compliments of Marcel Studios and yearbook staff

Photo: The varsity bowling squad, (top row, left to right) Andrew Ottinger, Domiano DeCandia,
Emre Cosgun, (bottom row, left to right) Sean Reyes, Jake Rosa, and Luka Nilaj.

Despite these inconveniences, our team tried The bowling program’s four main
to just not let the pandemic get the best of us.,” varsity bowlers were Damiano DeCandia
DeCandia, said. (junior), Luka Nijla (junior), Sean Reyes
The team has been making strides (junior), and Jake Rozsa (sophomore). Sean
over the last few seasons under Rispoli Reyes and Jake Rozsa both earned first team
who has brought bowling knowledge to the all-league honors while Damiano DeCandia
program which helps the bowlers to hone their earned second team all-league. The team
technique, understand how to read the lanes, placed third out of the seven teams in the
and perfect their strategy in situations where league.
an untrained bowler may try to just throw the “Overall, it really was a successful
ball as hard as they can. season. My bowlers stayed healthy and
“Our bowling team had an incredible finished in third place. Almost all of my
season this year. Coach Rispoli has a way of bowlers ended with a higher average than last
making average bowlers great! Year after year year,” Rispoli said.
the coach is churning out all league bowlers. The team returns many of its top
Our bowling squad has been transformed into bowlers next year.
a powerhouse that is a threat to win the league “Overall, the season went pretty well
year in and year out,” Michael Scuilla, athletic and we don’t lose any varsity players for next
director, said. year. We will come back stronger and tougher,
DeCandia his new confidence in and this season we really played our very
closing out hard to reach splits and the team’s best and kept our scores as high as possible.
ability to get a ‘last wind’ of strikes late in a Here and there we had a few off days but we
match.

sports 43

Spring 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

setting
goals

Young volleyball program
wins first league title

Anna Makris, staff
Design by Anabella Rubiera & Emily Condon

The Lady Aviators Volleyball team may be one
of the newest athletic programs in the school
but they can boast something that other teams
cannot - a league championship.
“After having an undefeated season and

constantly working hard for the end goal of getting the

banner, I wasn’t surprised that we made states. The fact

that we were a 2 seed surprised me the most but also

made me feel proud of all the hard work and dedication

we put in to get where we are.” Kelsey Parodi, Senior

Caption/Setter, said.
The team finished the season 10-0 in the
division, and reached the record of 13-0 before falling Photos: (above) by Mikayla Amato: The team celebrates a point.
(left page) by Marcel Studios: Kelsey Parodi sets while Valeria
in the 3rd round of the state tournament to Lyndhurst. Dianderas bunts

The accomplishment is impressive on its own, but saw a lot of improvement from freshman Sam Russo
means even more after the team finished 12-11 just from the beginning of the year to the last game. Sam
last year. Lahullier was a pure front row net player last year,
and this year she really improved in her passing and
The team’s success, however, was not serving to make herself a more well-rounded player,”
Ferranti, said.
surprising for head coach Jackie Ferranti. The young program has welcomed back two
former players as assistant coaches, making the first
“I've been a coach for 11 years in the district. league title that much sweeter. Racheal Dallara joined
the program three years ago and has worked the last
This is my 7th season on the volleyball coaching staff. two years as a paid coach. Jenn Varga has also returned
to the court this year to assist the team after helping to
This is one of the hardest working teams I've ever had. build the program during her time in high school.
“Over the past three years the team has
I end practice and they look at me like “practice is over definitely gotten closer and more motivated on
why can't we go longer?” I think these girls would go bigger goals like being league champs. I’ve seen a lot
three hours if I let them on a daily basis,” Ferranti, said. of leadership from the upperclassmen and they’ve
become people you can rely on on the court. The
The hard work certainly paid off for the team who beat underclassmen have grown a lot over the past year
playing under pressure and being open to making
rival Wood-Ridge in both meetings this season, with improvements. They have the potential to do big things
next season.” Rachael dallara, assistant coach, said.
the second victory clinching the league title for the The team encountered a few hurdles during the
season.
Lady Aviators. “We started in June on google classroom, then
“Honestly, it feels amazing to be the first team got to practice in person for about three weeks before
to win the League title. This has been our dream for our season was delayed, then we were back on google
the longest time and we finally accomplished it. I’m so classroom for the month of February, then we were
glad that I got to end my high school volleyball career shut down for the two week quarantine in March. It just
was a roller coaster of a season. These girls prevailed
by making history for Heights.” Nicole Dallara, Senior through at all with a positive attitude and a mentality
of no matter what happens we are getting it done. We
Captain/Outside hitter. have a goal of a league title, and nothing is going to stop
us,” Ferranti, said.
The team loses six seniors for next season, and each
of them has left big shoes to fill for the following
year. Valeria and Romina Diandares finished
the season with First Team All League,
Kelsey Parodi finished Second Team All
League, and Nicole Dallara, captain,
finished First Team All League
and First Team All County. The

recent success of the program

as well as a crop of talented

underclassmen may bring

continued success for the team.

“There were several girls who were

returning from last year and they all improved as a

whole. I saw the most improvement from Samantha

Lahullier from her freshman year to this year, and also

sports 45

Spring 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School