WINTER ISSUE 2026 Seniors Explore Meaningful Paths See page 3 From Equations to the Court See page 14 Six Must-Try Coffee Places See page 22 Photo by Millie Cho
school news Students Students Return Return to to New New Jersey Jersey Science Science League League Students compete in a statewide science competition after an eight-year hiatus. By Samantha Galarosa, School News Editor By New Jersey Science League | Practice material from a 2012 NJSL Biology II Test. With skills like analyzing organic life systems and breaking down complex chemical reactions, students are competing in the New Jersey Science League (NJSL) this year, bringing KHS back into the statewide science competition after an eight-year absence. This year, KHS is renewing its participation in NJSL to give students more opportunities for extracurricular science experiences. A total of 34 students are participating in subjects such as biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, physics, environmental science, and forensics. While science teacher Nancy Rinaldi and physics teacher Jenny George are responsible for coordinating NJSL tests at KHS, Dr. Mal Sturchio started NJSL in 1962 as a test-taking club in chemistry. Tests in the science subjects range from the regular to the Advanced Placement level, and NJSL allows students to compete with other NJ students in these specific science areas. Across New Jersey, tests for the competition are administered on the third Thursday of each month from January through April. “Each test has a varying number of multiplechoice questions and a 50-minute time limit. However, students can only compete in one subject, and it must be a class they are currently enrolled in. I’d say the [NJSL] test had similar content to my regular science tests, but it was harder because it covered a lot of curriculum in one test instead of only one unit," said junior Joseph Laborsky, who competed individually for honors physics. NJSL also offers students several ways to compete and earn recognition: students can compete individually or in a team. Individuals must take at least three of the four tests to qualify for awards, with scores determined solely on the percentage of correct answers. Teams must have a minimum of two individuals, and can have an unlimited number of individuals per team, but only the top six scores per month will be considered. Team scores are calculated by adding the sum of the highest two scores per team from all four testing months. Students can earn certificates of achievement by completing three out of the four tests and placing in the top six scores for their test that month. Individual students who meet those requirements and rank within the top ten percent of individual competitors statewide can earn plaques. Teams of students that rank in the top ten percent of team competitors are also eligible for plaques. However, for some students, success isn’t defined solely by ranking. “I’m not really focused on placing; my main goal is to gain more confidence with physics overall and get myself into the flow of studying for future tests, not just the NJSL competition,” said Laborsky. Similarly, other students participated with goals other than winning. “I competed individually for Honors Chemistry because I needed another extracurricular activity, and I wanted to see what information I already knew for my chemistry midterm,” said sophomore Emily Sun. Along with midterms, NJSL tests precede Advanced Placement (AP) exams held at the beginning of May. Chemistry teacher Adam Smith said that by participating in NJSL, students can practice being “proficient in many topics at once, some of which were learned months or even over a year ago, which is very relevant to preparing for an AP exam.” Smith has been encouraging his chemistry students to participate and has been sharing past test questions for practice. “[Students] seemed enthusiastic for the January exam, and I hope we keep up that energy and perform well in the remaining three months, as things typically get more challenging. It is good to have [NJSL] back, and I am happy to see the list of everyone involved,” Smith said.
They’re Considering for Their Senior Service What Kinnelon High School seniors want to experience before getting ready to graduate. By Siena Schneider, Staff Reporter KHS seniors today are thoughtfully exploring a variety of meaningful ways to contribute through their senior service, from volunteering in community organizations and mentoring younger generations to participating in environmental projects. Seniors are seeking opportunities that align with their passions and skills. Many are also considering creative and social initiatives that foster connections and leave a lasting impact on their community. Seniors are considering helping with elementary schools, community programs, and so much more. The seniors want to help the town by making it a better place for the people to come and enjoy themselves. Seniors Wyatt Sisco, Tim Nitkinas, and Kirin Kiesel are helping the community by cleaning up the local pool on Highlands Drive. Wyatt Sisco says, “Working together at the pool will help us learn the basics of having a property of our own and keeping it clean and usable.” This will help them learn basic yard and home maintenance, helping them when they have a house of their own to look after when they are older. These are some true learning skills that will help KHS students in the future that college might not teach them. More Kinnelon High School students are helping teachers in younger schools and learning how to help out with children, and learn how to work with them, and learn the basics of being with children. Photo by Siena Schneider Photo by Siena Schneider Some KHS students working with the younger generations are Seniors Daniella Miglaa and Samantha Ferretti. They want to learn the essentials of working with kids and the principles of how to be patient and really understand the way children act around adults and even other children. Miglaa says, “It is teaching me to be better with kids and how to be patient and organized with children and really showing me the ropes of what being around children will help me learn some life lessons for my future self.” This will help students like Miglaa learn some available skills and how to work with children for the seniors' selves in the future. Another KHS student working with children in the schools below is Ferretti. She says, “Senior service helps KHS students learn the fundamentals of growing up and really learning life skills that school might not really teach the students. It really makes a difference for the seniors.” The seniors really show their emotions on how senior service helps them and what it does for the seniors to get out into the world and learn various things that are helpful when they are older. Senior Maddie Gigante says, “Senior service really makes a big difference for the senior class because at the end of the year, seniors don’t really do much in the classrooms, so senior service really gets seniors to experience new things that they might not know much about.” Gigante really emphasizes a key component of showing why senior service makes a difference in the community, but also for the senior class, and how it really helps the seniors get out into the world and workforce that will really help them in the long run of it all.
Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ. Streaks of yellow reflecting on shimmering glass skyscrapers and weaving between the city traffic. Students wander out, necks craned up towards the towering buildings, dreaming of success at the state competition to take place. Distributive Education Club of America (DECA) is an organization that aims to prepare students academically and professionally, helping them gain experience in their community and in leadership positions. DECA has a 70-year history, with its high school division boasting over 200,000 members in over 3,500 schools. In New Jersey alone, there are over 10,000 members across 120 high schools. At Kinnelon High School, members of DECA competed at their regional competition on Jan. 12 at Ramapo College. Five students qualified to advance to the state competition after placing in regionals: Saloni Mittal, Rebekah Kim, Haley Knox, and Katherine Fritz. They will make the trip to Atlantic City, NJ, in hopes of placing and further advancing to the national competition in Atlanta, Ga., later this year. DECA chapter advisor, Enrique Ortega, described his time running DECA as “controlled chaos,” laughing about a fiasco with the bus scheduling last year, adding that this year went a lot smoother with more experience under his belt. “There’s a lot of different events for DECA. Most of the events that we do inside the club are going to be role plays,” Ortega explained. “They give you a sheet of paper where they have a certain scenario, say it’s like, if you were doing restaurant food service management, and they had a restaurant that wasn’t doing so hot for the past two quarters, think of ways to make the restaurant profitable.” Ortega detailed what a student could suggest or implement to help make the restaurant profitable in the roleplay, such as creating coupons, new food items, or promoting the business on social media. Photo by Hannah Sappio KHS DECA students gather in the lobby before departing to go to the regional competition. DECA Students to Take on Atlantic City By Emily Vetter, Staff Reporter After a recent competition, five students have qualified for the state competition. DECA chapter advisor, Enrique Ortega, described his time running DECA as “controlled chaos,” laughing about a fiasco with the bus scheduling last year, adding that this year went a lot smoother with more experience under his belt. “There’s a lot of different events for DECA. Most of the events that we do inside the club are going to be role plays,” Ortega explained. “They give you a sheet of paper where they have a certain scenario, say it’s like, if you were doing restaurant food service management, and they had a restaurant that wasn’t doing so hot for the past two quarters, think of ways to make the restaurant profitable.” Ortega detailed what a student could suggest or implement to help make the restaurant profitable in the roleplay, such as creating coupons, new food items, or promoting the business on social media. “I use online resources, practice tests, and roleplay scenarios to get comfortable with the format. You also need to review key vocabulary and business concepts that may come up in both the test and the roleplay,” Fritz supplied, describing different studying techniques than Kim, insisting that consistent practice is essential to students’ success. Among all of the studying, a large part of performance in competitions, like states, is the mental aspect. There’s an enormous amount of pressure; qualifying for states one year doesn’t guarantee the next. “The mental side is a big part of DECA. You need to manage nerves, think clearly under pressure, and stay confident even when you are unsure of the outcome,” said Mittal, President of DECA. “Leading DECA is very rewarding. It involves mentoring younger members, organizing events, and creating an environment where everyone feels supported and motivated to grow.” Mittal also wanted readers to know that DECA isn’t just for students who are interested in Business, and that DECA helps build confidence, communication skills, and practical experience. “I think we’re going to do pretty well this year,” Ortega said of his students advancing to the state competition in Atlantic City. “A lot of these kids went to nationals last year.” Ortega reiterated how impressed he was by his students and how they’ve taken the initiative to ensure their own success. “It is a significant achievement and a chance to compete at a higher level,” Mittal said of herself and her peers, excited for the journey ahead. DECA Students Take on Atlantic
5 As more teens learn to invest earlier than ever, Coltsvest is helping KHS students turn lunch periods into lessons about money, risk, and the future. By Gia Scicutella, Staff Reporter By the time today's teenagers graduate high school, many will already have experience trading stock. According to Fidelity’s 2023 Teens & Money Study, 23% of high school students have “traded” in the stock market, something that was once only reserved for adults. With financial apps, online simulators, and growing awareness around money management, learning how to invest young is becoming a major advantage. At KHS, the ColtsVest Club is tapping into these learning opportunities, entering 2026 with clear goals: grow membership, build financial literacy, and prepare students for the real investment world. Founded in 2022, ColtsVest began as a student-led idea when a DECA member approached business and club advisor Cathy Gilligan with the idea of starting an investment club. Despite already advising multiple business clubs and teaching six classes, Gilligan agreed, recognizing the growing need for financial education at an earlier age. What began as a small group has since grown into one of KHS’s most active business clubs, offering students hands-on experience with investing in a low-risk environment. ColtsVest, a student-run investing club, uses Investopedia's stock market simulator to teach members how to trade without risking real money. The club meets on Fridays during lunch, combining short presentations with hands–on practice that further pushes the members to test new investing strategies. Meetings begin with PowerPoint presentations led by club officers. “We start with the basics at the beginning of the year,” Gilligan said. “It’s a review for seasoned members, but new information for beginners so everyone feels comfortable.” Continued on next page Photo by Gia Scicutella Coltsvest members at club fair Josh Fein (left), Emanuel Zapata (right) at Kinnelon High School
Continued from previous page ColtsVest, a student-run investing club, uses Investopedia's stock market simulator to teach members how to trade without risking real money. The club meets on Fridays during lunch, combining short presentations with hands–on practice that further pushes the members to test new investing strategies. Meetings begin with PowerPoint presentations led by club officers. “We start with the basics at the beginning of the year,” Gilligan said. “It’s a review for seasoned members, but new information for beginners, so everyone feels comfortable.” That balance between risk and recovery is one of the biggest lessons the club teaches. Sophomore Joshua Fein, a member of ColtVest, noted that the club changed how students view investing. “It’s pretty easy to lose money, but it’s also pretty easy to gain that money back if you spend it properly,” he said, emphasizing strategy over luck. For club leadership, growth and engagement are major priorities going into the new year. The leader of ColtsVest, Emanuel Zapata said the focus is on getting more students involved and keeping meetings available and interesting. “I’d say to gain more members and have more people at the meetings, just overall getting people more involved,” Zapata said. Currently, the club has 66 active members and about 97 students enrolled in its Google Classroom, with a goal of reaching 120. Rather than reinventing the club, ColtsVest plans to build on what already works entering 2026. “We’re going to follow the same ideas we stuck to last year and have a similar format,” Zapata said. The session includes short presentations with essential information, usually 5-10 minutes, leaving time for questions and one-on-one help. That support system has been key to the club's success. “The older kids tend to help mentor the freshman,” Zapata said. “It’s a new club for them, and this isn’t offered at PRM, so they don’t know what to expect.” Gilligan said the positive and welcoming environment helps reduce intimidation. “Everyone is welcomed here,” she said. Members are also encouraged to develop specific skills, like analyzing data and reading stock charts. Fein, a former Trader of the Month said one of his personal goals said one of his personal goals is to “master how to read the charts,” while Zapata hopes students understand the idea of investing early and being risk-aware. “Risk can never be eliminated,” Gilligan said, “but it can be diminished by starting early and creating a diversified portfolio.” The club's competitive side also motivates students. Fein, who hopes to win Trader of the Year and become club president, credits his success to confidence and strategy. “By putting in the right trades and risking my money,” he said. Each month, the student with the highest-performing portfolio earns the title of Trader of the Month, while one Trader of the Year is selected at the end of the school year, an achievement that strengthens college applications. Looking ahead, Coltsvest leaders see a club that continues to grow, not just in members but in impact. Guest speakers and increased mentorship are part of that vision. Gilligan also hopes to see more female students join the club, a number that has increased steadily each year. Gilligan said the club’s influence goes beyond virtual trading. “I love listening to the conversations among the students,” she said. “They’re not just talking about their virtual trades, but how it’s inspiring to them to think about investing for real.” With 2026 just beginning, ColtsVest is proving that learning to invest isn’t just about money; it is about preparing students for what comes next.
School’s Student Council 7 Student Council members work behind the scenes to coordinate important events for KHS. By Elizabeth Waibel, Staff Reporter Posters are distributed, announcements are read, and everything is in place for students to enjoy pep rallies, Spirit Week, and school events. What students do not see are the unsung heroes working during lunch periods, after school, and behind the scenes to make those events possible: the student council. During lunch meetings in the library, Student Council members sit around tables covered with notebooks and sign-up sheets. Some students discuss upcoming events, while others respond to emails or remind each other about deadlines. It may seem casual, but important decisions are being made. The Student Council gives students a chance to build leadership skills while also improving school spirit and student life. For many freshmen, it is their first experience leading others at the high school level. Freshman class vice president Savannah Mango helps bring new ideas to the table. “My role on the Student Council is to share new ideas and help out with the school. We all come together throughout the year to bring new experiences and opportunities to students,” she said. Before joining, Mango expected the Student Council to be much harder in high school. “I thought it would be a lot more intense,” she said. One of the biggest challenges came during Spirit Week. “Coordinating Spirit Week was very hectic,” Mango explained. “It was hard trying to think of ideas that worked for the entire school, not just yourself.” Freshman class historian Isabella Osterman saw that stress firsthand. She helped organize Color Day and other Spirit Week events. “Most students don’t realize how difficult it is to get people to sign up. We sacrificed our lunch periods to find people, and a lot of people canceled at the last minute,” she said. Even though it was stressful, Osterman said the experience was rewarding. “Seeing everyone have fun and participate creates a sense of community,” she said. “It brings the freshman class together.” Freshman class president Anica Maksimov agreed. “Spirit Week was probably the most overwhelming thing I’ve ever done,” Maksimov said. “I wanted to make sure the freshman class had fun, but it was also a lot of responsibility.” For Maksimov, balancing Student Council with schoolwork and sports was difficult. Still, she believes the role helped her grow. “It gave me a new perspective on school and leadership,” she said. While freshmen focus on their grade, the executive board plans events for the entire school. Executive Board President Samantha Ferretti oversees grade boards and major events like pep rallies and Spirit Week. “Scheduling is really important,” Ferretti said. “Everything has to be double- and triple-checked.” Student Council members also face other challenges. “Getting people to participate is always a struggle,” Ferretti said. However, moments of encouragement make the work worth it. After a recent Color Day, teachers complimented her efforts. “Hearing that made me feel really proud,” Ferretti said. Student Council advisor Elena DeStories supports Student Council members. She helps guide students while allowing them to lead independently. “The students are really taking the leadership role,” DeStories said. “I’m here to help them when they need it, but they are the ones planning and running the events.” Photo by Joseph Canariato Members of the “man leaders” team lift performers during a pep rally at KHS entertaining students. Freshman class president Anica Maksimov (center), Kayla Schablik (left) and Siena Schneider (right), showing off school spirit at a KHS pep rally.
A&E Oscar's buzz By Brooke Sessa, Staff Reporter With the infamous Oscar ceremony approaching, speculation begins about the possible winners. Photo from Deadline The Oscars have been thriving and appreciating films for 97 years now. Even with its heartfelt moments, such as Heath Ledger receiving his award shortly after his passing, or its controversial scenes, like the notorious Will Smith and Chris Rock slap incident, the Oscars still captivate millions of film lovers, keeping them on the edge of their seats and questioning whether their favorite movie of the year will win or not. In celebration of the 98th Oscar awards, KHS students predict which movie has a higher possibility of winning. “I think Michael B. Jordan will win for actor in a leading role because I saw Sinners, and it's a really good movie, and he was able to play two people at the same time.” Freshman Isabella Holman said. She’s an avid movie watcher and has high hopes for the movie Sinners, which has a record-breaking 16 nominations. Other nominees in this category include: Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle after Another, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, and Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent. Sinners is a horror film that was directed by Ryan Coogler. Micheal B. Jordan takes on the challenge of playing two twin brothers whom return to their home town to escape their crimes, only to be met by a supernatural entity. Rotten Tomatoes rated the movie a 97%, and there has been positive feedback from reviewers and watchers. e Amélie or the Character of Rain, and Zootopia 2. Up until March 15, 2026, anticipation will continue to spread through the classes and hallways, and predictions will continue to spread and provide a roadmap for the future. Overall, KHS students will all sit around the television, closely watching and hoping for their predictions to turn into reality. ┃ Photo of the Oscar, the award given to winners. Freshman Gabrielle D’Ettorre said, “I think Kate Hudson should win Best Leading Actress for Song Sung Blue. I believe she’s very deserving of this award because she’s a good actress and this win is well-awaited. She’s been in very good movies like How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, and she deserves an award for all her hard work.” In Song Sung Blue, Kate Hudson portrays Claire Sardina, a popular singer and entertainer from Milwaukee who rose to fame with her significant other, Mike Sardina. The movie explores themes of love, fame, and resilience. The movie received a 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and is respected for it’s heavy emotion and beautiful performances. Other nominees for the Leading Actress award are Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value, and Emma Stone for Bugonia. Freshman Nada Almosbeh said, “I think KPop Demon Hunters will win best animated feature film because it was such a popular and well-made animated movie that was enjoyable for all ages.” KPop Demon Hunters follow a group of Superstars; Rumi, Mira, and Zoey aren’t selling out stadiums, they turn to being Demon Hunters to protect their fans from dark, evil demons. KPop Demon Hunters gained tremendous popularity beyond KHS. Many people on the internet have been raving about the movie, and it received 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie was directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, and there has been a bunch of new merch and toys sponsoring the movie.
Timothée Chalamet 9 Photo by Getty Images Chatter about power couple Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner has fans intrigued. With Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner’s taking the next public step, the internet wants to know more. The power couple has been making many more public appearances. They made appearances at the 2026 Critics' Choice Awards, Golden Globes, basketball games, and social media platforms. The internet is asking questions about their relationship status, their housing situation, fans, and more. Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet backstage at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards By Laura Solarino, Staff Reporter Photo by Getty Images Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet arrived at the “Marty Supreme” premiere in Los Angeles The dating rumors first began in early 2023, when anonymous tips about their relationship were posted on Instagram. Later in the year, their relationship went public when they shared a kiss at Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour in Los Angeles. Then, their relationship went suspiciously private. Their relationship remained low-key until 2025, when Jenner started attending basketball games at Madison Square Garden with Chalamet i n support of the Knicks. Chalamet recently starred in a new movie: “Marty Supreme”. Jenner showed her support for Chalamet by attending the premiere and award shows. The moment the internet went crazy was during Chalamet’s speech at the Critics’ Choice Awards. Chalamet publicly thanked her, saying, “Thank you to my partner of three years. Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Jenner then mouthed “I love you” back. The speech went viral on the internet. People were shocked by how long they had been dating. Sophomore Claire Fritz says, “I did not even know they were dating for that long. I swear it has only been a year.” 59-year-old Simone Cromer, the creator of the controversial fanpage “Club Chalamet,” is not happy. Cromer has been photographed following Chalamet everywhere he went since 2018. Since Jenner and Chalamet’s relationship began, Cromer has developed one-sided animosity towards Jenner. Cromer went online bashing Jenner and their relationship, calling it “fake.” After Chalamet’s speech at the Critics’ Choice Awards, she started a fanpage for someone new. Photo by Getty Images Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet courtside at game six of the NBA finals in Indiana On a less creepy note, questions have circulated about what fans think about Jenner. At the beginning of their relationship, fans were in denial. Many thought that Jenner was not “intellectual” enough for Chalamet. Sophomore Surah Hinton says, “I do not think it is fair for fans to say she is not smart enough for Chalamet. She has her own business, and besides, a relationship is much deeper than that.” A source told Us Weekly, “They basically live together at this point. Kylie will stay at his house when she doesn’t have the kids, or when she wants to be in the city, and he spends a lot of time at her house in Hidden Hills.” After that was exposed, questions about their relationship status began: are they getting married, or already married? There is no confirmed news of marriage, but fans of the two like to believe so.
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