A day in the life of Franseca Cignini and how she juggles classes, club leadership, and the school musical.

Junior Francesca Cignini spends her weekdays juggling classes, club meetings, and long rehearsals as the lead in this year’s school musical, all while maintaining her academic responsibilities and leadership roles, proving that success in high school requires more than just talent. It demands discipline and time management. Between classes, meetings, and rehearsals, Cignini’s schedule rarely slows down.

Cignini begins her day focused on academics, knowing that strong performance in the classroom is essential, especially as a member of the Academic Decathlon. The competitive team requires studying across multiple subjects, from literature to economics, and preparing for high-stakes competitions. “Academic Decathlon pushes me to stay sharp,” Cignini says. “It’s challenging, but I like being part of something that makes me think.”In addition to Decathlon, Cignini is involved in multiple AP courses that take up whatever free time she has left.  

After the final school bell rings, Cignini shifts from student to performer. Rehearsals often last several hours, especially as showcasing dates get closer. “After school, it’s basically straight to the auditorium, unless some of the cast try to book it to Wawa for some energy drinks,” Cignini said. “Some days are exhausting, but I remind myself why I love doing this. Being on stage makes all the hours worth it.”

In addition to memorizing lines, practicing vocals, and learning choreography, Cignini also participates in multiple clubs, making time management essential to her everyday life. “I plan out my week ahead of time so I don’t fall behind,” she explained. “It’s busy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Musical director Savannah Yates recognizes Cignini’s commitment and leadership. “[Francesca] is not only incredibly talented, but she’s one of the hardest-working students I’ve directed,” Yates said. “She leads by example, and the cast really looks up to her.”

Despite the demanding schedule, Cignini approaches each day with focus and enthusiasm. Her dedication both on and off the stage and in club meetings shows that success comes from preparation, perseverance, and passion. “ Honestly, I see how people might think I’m doing too much, but my biggest fear would be not doing enough.”

How Jordyn Zilocchi Excels in School Leadership and Service

Junior Jordyn Zilocchi is balancing a harsh and busy schedule of Advanced Placement classes, a part-time coaching job, volunteer work at a local hospital, and involvement in multiple school clubs, all while maintaining her commitment to academic excellence. 

Zilocchi’s academic course load alone reflects her drive. She is currently enrolled in AP Language, AP World History, AP Statistics, and AP Chemistry, along with Precalculus Honors, College Physics Honors, and Latin 3 Honors. Despite the intensity of her schedule, she remains focused and motivated in every class. 

“Jordyn is the kind of kid who doesn’t fold under pressure,” said Saloni Mittal, founder of the Ability Awareness Club. “She balances advanced academics with leadership and still has time to support others. That’s why I decided to hand off my position to Jordyn next year because I know she can continue to strengthen the club once I’m gone.”

After school, Zilocchi works at a volleyball club, coaching 7-8-year-olds and teaching them the fundamentals of the sport. The role had strengthened her leadership and communication skills while allowing her to mentor younger athletes.

“Jordyn brings maturity and responsibility to every practice,” said her boss, Ken Johnson. “She connects to the kids and creates a positive, encouraging environment, causing her to be one of their favorites. It’s obvious that she takes pride in what she does.”

In addition to her job, Zilocchi volunteers at a local hospital, supporting staff and patients. She is also active in the English Honor Society, Cancer Awareness Club, and Ability Awareness Club, consistently participating and contributing to her school community.

As she prepares for her senior year and upcoming leadership opportunities, Jordyn Zilocchi continues to demonstrate that hard work, compassion, and strong time management can help differentiate hard-working and mature students from the rest of their peers in today’s competitive world.

A day in the life of Wyatt Sisco and how he juggles honors classes, both school and club wrestling practices, and volunteer work.

Senior Wyatt Sisco spends his day balancing academics, school wrestling practice, and club training, all while he prepares for his next opponent on the mat. The 215-pound school record holder follows a demanding daily routine that all starts in the classroom and ends late at night on the wrestling mat.

Sisco’s day starts early each morning as he heads into a full schedule of challenging classes, including Honors English and Honors Precalculus. Teachers say he approaches school with the same determination he brings to competition.

 “I feel like it is easy to tell that Wyatt is someone who sets high standards for himself and takes pride in everything he does,” head coach Anthony Colabella said. “He works hard in class, he respects others, and holds himself accountable.”

After the school day ends, Sisco heads straight to the locker rooms for the team’s afternoon practice. For two hours, sometimes more, he works through conditioning drills, technique training, and live matches with teammates as he prepares for upcoming meets. “Wyatt is a captain, so he sets the tone for practice,” Colabella said. “He works hard every day, and that energizes the rest of the team.”

But his day is not over when school practice is over. Several days a week, Sisco volunteers at the Kinnelon Recreation Center, helping coach young wrestlers in the town’s youth program. There, he works with kids from first grade through sixth grade, teaching them the basics of wrestling while encouraging them to push themselves on and off the mat.“I like helping the younger kids learn the sport,” Sisco said. “When I was their age, the older wrestlers would help me out too.”

After volunteering, Sisco heads to club wrestling practice, where he continues to train against higher-level competition.“Sisco is one of those kids who you know wants it bad, and will do anything to get there. We need more kids like that nowadays,” club coach Daniel Delaney said.

By the time his day ends, Sisco has spent hours in the classroom, giving back to younger athletes, and improving his own skills on the mat. For him, the demanding schedule is normal.

A day in the life of Polina Shardakova-Scorzafava and how she juggles honors classes, along with wrestling training at the state qualifying level.

After recently placing fourth at the state wrestling tournament, Kinnelon High School standout Polina Shardakova-Scorzafava continues to balance school, training, and competition as she pushes towards the next level of her career. The dedicated wrestler has become one of the program’s rising stars to improve both in the classroom and on the mat.

Shardakova-Scorzafava begins her mornings like most students, attending her advanced placement classes like AP Government, AP Physics, and AP Statistics, all before her focus shifts to wrestling later in the day. 

    “Sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed by my school work, but I’ve gotten into the habit of staying on top of my work so it doesn’t all catch up to me,” Shardakova-Scorzafava said

Teachers, along with coaches, say she is someone you can count on to be focused and attentive on the task at hand. “Polina has an incredible work ethic,” said math teacher Jacqueline Bagarozza. “She’s always focused and knows what she needs to get done. She doesn’t complain or take the easy way out of things, which is hard to find in a high school student.”

After the school day ends, Shardakova-Scorzafava heads to the locker room to prepare for the wrestling team’s practice. But stepping into the wrestling room is nothing new for Shardakova-Scorzafava. As the only girl on the Kinnelon wrestling team, she trains alongside her male teammates every day, competing in drills, conditioning, and live matches, pushing every athlete in the room.

“At the end of the day, she’s just another wrestler, and honestly, she’s better than half the boys we have,’ Colabella said. “She puts in the same work as everyone else and never backs down from a challenge.”

Practices often begin with conditioning before moving into technique work, situational drills, and lastly, live wrestling. The intensity of the workouts helps prepare the team for the high level of competition they face throughout the season.

For Shardakova-Scorzafava, those hours of preparation paid off when she battled through the state tournament and finished fourth overall. The placement marked the biggest accomplishments of her wrestling career so far. 

“States was an amazing experience that I got to relive again this year. I went last year,  but it was my dream to place as high as I did. It feels like all the time I put into this sport is finally paying off,” Shardakova-Scorzafava said.

A day in the life of Isabella Vuturo