Seventh graders from four counties assemble with peers and high school ambassadors for day of pre-high school skill building.

 On April 15, nearly 100 of the areas finest seventh grade students attended a day-long event hosted by Paramus Catholic High School. In preparation for their high school years, this student group participated in a program designed specifically to strengthen and highlight skills student leaders use daily to excel in their high school experience and beyond.

“Leadership Day is a wonderful opportunity for seventh grade leaders to expand and fine-tune skills that serve them well going forward,” said Stella Scarano, Paramus Catholic High School assistant admissions director and a former school principal, who spearheaded the initiative along with Vice-Principal Joe Wilson and Student Activities Coordinator Kevin O’Hara.

Students from 22 feeder schools were identified as leaders and selected by their principals. Schools participating include public schools and Catholic and charter schools from Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic Counties and New York.

Throughout the day, students assembled in small and large groups, with over 30 Paramus, Catholic high school student ambassadors leading the sessions and escorting students throughout the day.

In one seminar, entitled “Knots” students learned that being a leader can be difficult at times. In “Knots,” students learned how to overcome some of the obstacles leaders face after experiencing difficulties first hand.

The day’s program also included sessions on teambuilding, where students were grouped together in small groups with students from other schools, as well as problem-solving, building, trust and critical thinking.

“We hope to empower future leaders by bringing them together with their peers in high school,” said Dr. Stephanie Macaluso, president/principal of

PCHS. “This builds a genuine expectation, and excitement for their upcoming high school experience.”

Paramus Catholic high school is a faith-based, college preparatory high school located at 425 Paramus Road in Paramus. Since 1965, PCHS has served students of all faiths from more than 20 towns and cities in several northern New Jersey counties. Graduates have attended such colleges and universities as Princeton University, Seton Hall, Columbia, Rutgers and many others nationwide.

Paramus Catholic High School will be hosting its spring open house for all prospective students on May 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event will feature an art show and spring concert as well

For more information, call 201-445–4466 or visit our website at www.paramuscatholic.com.