Staff

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Farah Afifi

Editor

This is junior Farah Afifi’s second year in the journalism program and first year as an editor. She is a member of the National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society as well as the Environmental, Medical and Wonder Girls Clubs. She enjoys volunteering both for her community and her school. She was a part of the summer program Camp Invention, where she served as a camp intern twice. She has been a member of the outdoor track and field team since her sophomore year, competing in distance and sprint events. In her free time, Farah loves cooking with her mom, listening to music and watching TV shows.

Eda Aktas

Staff

This is freshman Eda Aktas’s first year in the journalism program. In addition to being a staff writer for The Lighthouse, Eda is a member of the Animal Welfare and True Crime Clubs. In her spare time, Eda enjoys listening to music, reading and learning new things. She hopes to improve her writing skills and contribute to the journalism program as the year progresses.

Mariah Allen

Webmaster

This is senior Mariah Allen’s second year in the journalism program and her first year serving as webmaster. She is the vice president of the Animal Welfare Club and a member of the Environmental and True Crime Clubs. As a soprano in the chorale, Mariah loves to sing. In her free time, she also enjoys cuddling her two cats, drawing, listening to music and playing video games. Mariah loves creating illustrations and is excited to bring new material to The Lighthouse.

Nicolle Alvarez

Editor

This is senior Nicolle Alvarez’s second year in the journalism program and first year serving as an editor. She is president of the World Language Honors Society, vice president of the International Culture Club and a member of the Athletic Training Club and Law Enforcement Club. She volunteers at the Lyndhurst Parks and Recreation’s Integrated Soccer Program for Exceptional Individuals. Nicolle also volunteers in various ways at Queen of Peace Church in North Arlington. Nicolle has her own event planning business and helps the school with decorations to create an environment full of spirit. She loves spending time with her family and likes to excel academically.

Bruce Bartlett

Staff

This is freshman Bruce Bartlett’s first year in the journalism program. Bruce is a three-sport athlete on the cross country team, winter track and field and lacrosse teams. He is also a member of the Ping-Pong Club and a participant in the annual musical. In his free time, Bruce enjoys listening to music, playing with his dog, playing video games, practicing lacrosse and running. Bruce is excited to write articles that bring new material to the Lighthouse.

Isabella Bartlett

Managing Editor

This is senior Isabella Bartlett’s third year in the journalism program and her second year serving as a managing editor. She is a captain of the color guard, the president of the Environmental Club and the National Honor Society and the vice president of the chorale. Isabella is also a member of the Animal Welfare Club and a participant in LHS’ annual play and musical. Isabella enjoys drawing, listening to music and thrifting in her free time. She looks forward to a productive year as a managing editor.

Olive Bautista

Staff

This is freshman Olive Bautista’s first year in the journalism program. Olive is in the fall play and is a member of the Animal Welfare, Animation and Graphics, Book, Chess, Debate, Future Business Leaders of America and True Crime Clubs. She is also a member of the chorale. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, listening to music, playing the piano, reading, singing, playing Ace Attorney and writing short stories and personal narratives. She is happy to enhance her writing skills and make new friends as a member of The Lighthouse staff.

Camila Bernal

Staff

This is freshman Camila Bernal’s first year in the journalism program. Camila is a member of the Animal Welfare Club, band, cross country team, Future Business Leaders of America Club and outdoor track and field team. In her free time, Camila enjoys listening to music, playing with her dog, playing video games, practicing trombone, spending time with friends and watching her favorite shows. Camila is excited to write book reviews for The Lighthouse and keep expanding her journalistic skills.

Leah Campos

Staff

This is freshman Leah Campos's first year in the journalism program. In addition to being part of The Lighthouse staff, Leah is a member of the Animal Welfare and Debate Club. She plays for the JV soccer team and looks forward to participating in winter cheer and spring track and field teams. Leah loves reading, writing and watching sad movies. She looks forward to interviewing and having informative conversations with her sources.

Aryanah Cedeno

Staff

This is freshman Aryanah Cedeno’s first year in the journalism program. She has previously been part of the stage crew at the middle school, assisting with musicals and plays. Aryanah plans on joining clubs and sports throughout the school year. In her free time, she enjoys baking, hanging out with her friends, listening to music and playing softball. Aryanah looks forward to writing and taking photos for The Lighthouse.

Gabriella Cerreta

Deputy Editor

This is senior Gabriella Cerreta’s second year in the journalism program and first year serving as deputy editor. She plans to pursue nursing in college. She plays flute and piccolo, is the flute section leader, drum major during marching season and co-president of the band. For the past two years, she has also served as vice president of the Medical Club. In her free time, Gabriella likes hanging out with friends, listening to music and exploring places she has never visited.

Zahara Chowdhury

Editor-in-Chief

This is senior Zahara Chowdhury’s fourth year in the journalism program and second year serving as editor-in-chief. She plans to pursue journalism in college. She plays baritone saxophone in the band and jazz band and is the section leader for the saxophone section. She is the activities social chair for the Student Government Association and secretary of the Class of 2026 Council. She is also an officer for the Environmental and Technology Clubs. In her free time, Zahara likes cooking, listening to music and watching TV shows.

Jacob Collins Dodd

Staff

This is junior Jacob Collins Dodd’s second year as a staff writer and author of the “On the Agenda” politics column. Through his journalism, Jacob aims to encourage critical thinking by merging truth and emotion to awaken concern where there is indifference. In his spare time, Jacob enjoys spending time in New York City, going out to restaurants, listening to music, hanging out with friends and buying clothes.

Izzy Cruz

Staff

This is freshman Izzy Cruz’s first year in the journalism program, where she serves as a photographer. Aside from being a part of The Lighthouse, she is a part of LHS’ marching band and concert band, select choir, theater and winter track and field. Izzy hopes to join spring track and field and LHS’ musical this year as well. Some of Izzy’s goals are to make new friends, get distinguished honors and make freshman year a memorable year. Izzy enjoys hanging out with her friends, performing at half-time, acting on stage, playing sports, listening to music and spending time with friends and family.

Arianna Delgado

Staff

This is freshman Arianna Delgado’s first year in the journalism program. She is part of the color guard, Mock Trial Club and True Crime Club. Her goal is to achieve honors or high honors all year. In her free time, Arianna likes to hang out with friends and family, listen to music and watch DC movies. Arianna looks forward to contributing to The Lighthouse by hosting this year's “Hidden Gems of New York City” podcast.

Kapri Delregno

Staff

This is freshman Kapri Delregno’s first year in the journalism program. She is a member of the Animal Welfare, Debate, Environmental, Future Business Leaders of America, Medical, True Crime, Walking and Wonder Girls Clubs. She also participates in LHS’ theater productions. In her free time, she enjoys baking, studying history and lying in her bed. She looks forward to advancing her knowledge of journalism throughout her high school career.

Isa Estrella

Staff

This is freshman Isa Estrella’s first year in the journalism program as a staff writer. She is part of the Animal Welfare, Future Business Leaders of America and True Crime Clubs. She plays the clarinet in the band and marching band. She also practices the alto saxophone and the trumpet. Additionally, Isa participates in cross country and outdoor track and field. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her friends, listening to music, reading, running, playing Roblox and going to her favorite artists’ concerts.

Natalia Hernandez

Staff

This is Natalia Hernandez’s second year in the journalism program. She also spent two years as a contributing photographer for The Lighthouse. Natalia is part of the concert band, marching band, Environmental Club, International Culture Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society and World Language Honor Society. She also loves participating in spring track and field as a thrower, with hopes to win more medals this year. In her free time, Natalia enjoys exploring new places, listening to music, napping, reading and spending time with friends. Natalia looks forward to her final year as a photographer and staff writer for The Lighthouse.

Nikalena Iacono

Managing Editor

This is senior Nikalena Iacono’s fourth year in the journalism program and second year serving as a managing editor. She loves competing on the flag football, soccer and indoor and outdoor track and field teams. She is the president of the Class of 2026, vice president of the Future Business Leaders of America Club, secretary of the Student Government Association and an ambassador for the Wonder Girls Club. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as listening to music. She is excited to write for The Lighthouse and have the opportunity to oversee its social media accounts one last time.

Hala Kenawy

Staff

This is freshman Hala Kenawy’s first year in the journalism program. In addition to being a staff writer for The Lighthouse, Hala is a member of the Animal Welfare, Environmental, Medical and True Crime Clubs. She enjoys playing basketball and volleyball. In her free time, Hala likes hanging out with her friends, listening to music, reading, working out and writing.

Chloe Lin

Staff

This is freshman Chloe Lin’s first year in the journalism program. Along with being a staff writer for The Lighthouse, she is a member of the Animal Welfare, Environmental, Future Business Leaders of America, Medical, True Crime, Walking and Wonder Girls Clubs. She also plans to join the indoor track and field team. Outside of school, Chloe enjoys listening to music, playing volleyball, volunteering through LHS’ clubs and watching movies and shows.

Alexandra Lourenço

Editor-in-Chief

This is senior Alexandra Lourenço’s fourth year in the journalism program and second year serving as editor-in-chief. She fences sabre and enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, listening to music and reading. She is president of the Animal Welfare Club and the Future Business Leaders of America Club, an ambassador for the Wonder Girls Club and the public relations officer of the Class of 2026 Council. Alexandra looks forward to a successful final year as a writer and editor-in-chief and hopes to make it her best one yet.

Kenzy Mahmoud

Staff

This is freshman Kenzy Mahmoud’s first year in the journalism program. She is a member of the Environmental, Medical and Wonder Girls Clubs. Her hobbies include coloring, drawing, listening to music, playing volleyball and watching movies and shows. She is happy to be authoring Netflix and video game reviews for The Lighthouse.

Serenity Mendoza

Staff

This is junior Serenity Mendoza’s first year in the journalism program. She plays multiple instruments in the band and jazz band and also sings in the chorale. She is the secretary of the Environmental Club, a dedicated member of the World Language Honor Society and a participant in the annual play and musical. In her free time, Serenity enjoys baking, listening to music and reading. She looks forward to a productive year.

Tina Moreno

Staff

This is junior Tina Moreno’s first year in the journalism program. She is a member of LHS’ varsity cheer team and participates in competition cheer outside of school. Tina also enjoys spending time with her friends and listening to music.

Debra Ogunbowale

Webmaster

This is senior Debra Ogunbowale’s third year in the journalism program and second year serving as a webmaster. She is captain of the varsity volleyball team, president of the Student Government Association, vice president of the Class of 2026 Council, community service vice-president of the Future Business Leaders of America Club, secretary and ambassador of the Wonder Girls Club. In her spare time, Debra enjoys reading, cooking and listening to music. She is excited to continue writing for The Lighthouse and managing the website.

Bethany Ranero

Editor

This is senior Bethany Ranero’s third year in The Lighthouse program. She likes listening to music, hanging out with her friends after school and drawing both digitally and on paper. She also enjoys expressing her opinions on controversial topics.

Alessandra Ricra

Staff

This is junior Alessandra Ricra’s first year in the journalism program. She is a member of the Animal Welfare Club, color guard and Environmental Club. She also participates in the annual school play and musical. Alessandra enjoys reading and listening to music.

Maddie Scherzer

Staff

This is freshman Maddie Scherzer’s first year in the journalism program. Aside from being a part of this program, Maddie is a member of the chorale, theater program, True Crime Club and JV volleyball team. She also wants to participate on the flag football team. Outside of school, Maddie enjoys baking, cooking, listening to music, spending time with friends and family and cuddling with her dog. She is thrilled to be taking on the task of writing Netflix reviews for The Lighthouse.

Eva Shrestha

Staff

This is freshman Eva Shrestha’s first year in the journalism program. Eva plays the flute for the band and is a part of the freshman volleyball team. She is also a member of the Animal Welfare, Environmental, Future Business Leaders of America, International Culture and Medical Clubs. Outside of school, she dances and does mixed martial arts. She loves her dog Tinku and receiving book recommendations.

Aubrey Valente

Staff

This is freshman Aubrey Valente's first year in the journalism program. She is a member of the Art, Environmental and Italian Clubs in addition to participating in the chorale and color guard. Outside of school, Aubrey enjoys drawing, hanging out with friends and listening to music. She is looking forward to writing news articles for The Lighthouse.

Alyssa Zelaya

Staff

This is freshman Alyssa Zelaya’s first year in the journalism program. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, spending time with her family, playing softball and participating in the Wonder Girls Club.