Reporting with Hills Pride

The Trailblazer
Outside of working, Bilotti enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, and tending to her indoor plants.
Meet the district’s new superintendent, Sarah Bilotti
From left to right: Pollinger, Wieland, and Piccini; Hills principal (center) and incoming assistant principals.
Piccini to join Wieland and Pollinger ‘as a team’
Shields (right) and a student on “dress like a teacher day.”
Martin Shields to retire at the end of 2021-22 school year
From left to right: BOE secretary Yas Usami, BOE president Joseph Blundo, and interim superintendent Daniel Fishbein.
Derek Piccini approved as another new Hills assistant principal
BOE vice president Gini Varghese (left) with some students from Hills and Valley. Junior Trayee Jha (second from right) was recognized for receiving an award in social studies.
BOE recognizes student accomplishments
One of the boxes Gudin made through her project.
Rising Hills senior starts ‘Project Shoebox’
A group photo of Hills musicians with the middle schoolers.
Tri-M Music Honor Society collaborates with middle schoolers for project showcase
Hills students bring “The Little Mermaid Jr.” to the Fieldstone Middle School stage
Hills students bring “The Little Mermaid Jr.” to the Fieldstone Middle School stage
Students waiting for the ceremony to begin.
History Club holds Memorial Day Ceremony at Hills
The juniors (in the pink uniforms) and seniors (in the black uniforms) competing against each other in Powder Puff.
Powder Puff Photo Gallery
Max Zuckerman breaks pole vaulting records
Max Zuckerman breaks pole vaulting records
Dasia Jarvis wins Female Athlete of the Year
Dasia Jarvis wins Female Athlete of the Year
Sailer holding her 100th goal poster.
Junior Emily Sailer scores her 100th goal
Playoff opponents and former teammates, Nets’ guard Kyrie Irving and Celtics’ forward Jayson Tatum. Photo licensed under Creative Commons.
NBA Playoffs: Round One Analysis and Recap
Cosgrove (middle) and his Big North Coach of the Year award.
Sean Cosgrove wins Big North Coach of the Year
World Economic Forum discussing the ESG data.
Pros and cons of ESG investing
The deadly shooting in Uvalde is not the only mass killing that has occurred within schools.
Uvalde school shooting: the need for gun reform
Depp (left) and his ex-wife Amber Heard in the courtroom during the trial.
Johnny Depp: A legacy reduced to a lawsuit?
Screenshot by Anabelle Joukhadarian TikTok notifies its users of the ability to upload 10-minute videos
Are 10-minute TikToks worth it?
[Sean Gallup: Getty Images] [Ukrainian soldiers prepare for Russian invasion]
2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Is It Justified?
Students, staff comment on Hills going mask-optional
Students, staff comment on Hills going mask-optional
BOE discusses school employee vaccination requirements
BOE discusses school employee vaccination requirements
BOE announces optional masking for district
BOE announces optional masking for district
Another year navigating through the covid pandemic
Another year navigating through the covid pandemic
Fishbein updates public on district Covid-19 policies
Fishbein updates public on district Covid-19 policies
Image of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Robb Elementary School shooting: The aftermath
Businessman Elon Musk bought Twitter in April.
Elon Musk bought all shares of Twitter for $44 billion
Plastic bag ban takes effect across New Jersey
Plastic bag ban takes effect across New Jersey
Observing Autism Acceptance Month
Observing Autism Acceptance Month
[Sean Gallup: Getty Images] [Ukrainian soldiers prepare for Russian invasion]
2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Is It Justified?
Talent Night Photo Gallery
Talent Night Photo Gallery
Fashion Show Photo Gallery
Fashion Show Photo Gallery
Patrick Rotella, Chief of Police of the Upper Saddle River Police Department.
Career Day Photo Gallery
Pascack Recap Episode 4: May 31, 2021
Pascack Recap Episode 4: May 31, 2021
Senior trunk-or-treat event
Senior trunk-or-treat event
A sign outside of the student center on Busch Campus in Piscataway, N.J.
College overview: Rutgers University
How I got here: Dean Maltz
How I got here: Dean Maltz
Kreindel at the University of Michigan.
How I got here: Alexandra Kreindel
A photo of M.S.U.’s hawk statue on campus.
College overview: Montclair State University
The reality of college loans
The reality of college loans
Hills students bring “The Little Mermaid Jr.” to the Fieldstone Middle School stage
Hills students bring “The Little Mermaid Jr.” to the Fieldstone Middle School stage
In the past year, Gray released multiple singles such as “Jigsaw,” “Telepath,” “People Watching,” and “Astronomy,” which will all be featured on the upcoming album. 
‘Yours:’ Conan Gray’s New Single
The Goodreads Choice award-winning historical fiction novel follows the story of a fictional Hollywood actress, Evelyn Hugo.
‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ to become a Netflix film
PC: Marvel
Did “Multiverse of Madness” live up to its title?
Favorite Book of the Month
Favorite Book of the Month
Ice cream recipes for the summer have been trending on Tik Tok
Tik Tok ice cream recipes for the summer
Each skin care technique has positive and negative aspects that can impact ones skin.
The effects of Tik Tok skin care trends
May Horoscope
May Horoscope
Screenshot by Anabelle Joukhadarian TikTok notifies its users of the ability to upload 10-minute videos
Are 10-minute TikToks worth it?
April Horoscope
April Horoscope
Reporting with Hills Pride

The Trailblazer
Reporting with Hills Pride

The Trailblazer
Briana Keenan

Briana Keenan, Editor-in-Chief

Briana Keenan is a senior at Hills. She joined the Trailblazer her freshman year as a staff writer and edited for the In-Depth and School News sections her sophomore and junior years, respectively. This year, Keenan is looking forward to being the publication's Editor-in-Chief and continuing to write, edit, and manage stories for the Hills community.

Fun fact: Keenan dances competitively outside of school.

All content by Briana Keenan
One of the boxes Gudin made through her project.

Rising Hills senior starts ‘Project Shoebox’

June 23, 2022
Outside of working, Bilotti enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, and tending to her indoor plants.

Meet the district’s new superintendent, Sarah Bilotti

June 15, 2022
From left to right: Pollinger, Wieland, and Piccini; Hills principal (center) and incoming assistant principals.

Piccini to join Wieland and Pollinger ‘as a team’

June 14, 2022
From left to right: BOE secretary Yas Usami, BOE president Joseph Blundo, and interim superintendent Daniel Fishbein.

Derek Piccini approved as another new Hills assistant principal

June 6, 2022
Each skin care technique has positive and negative aspects that can impact ones skin.

The effects of Tik Tok skin care trends

June 2, 2022
Students waiting for the ceremony to begin.

History Club holds Memorial Day Ceremony at Hills

May 27, 2022
A sign outside of the student center on Busch Campus in Piscataway, N.J.

College overview: Rutgers University

May 25, 2022
BOE vice president Gini Varghese (left) with some students from Hills and Valley. Junior Trayee Jha (second from right) was recognized for receiving an award in social studies.

BOE recognizes student accomplishments

May 23, 2022
Contributed by Charleen Schwartzman

‘The classroom has been calling me to come home’: Schwartzman explains resignation

May 13, 2022
Some of the 2022-23 staff pictured with advisor Vani Apanosian. Top row (from left to right): Briana Keenan, Paige Geanopulos, Vani Apanosian, Kaitlyn Verde, Anabelle Joukhadarian, and Sam Goldstein. Bottom row (from left to right): Rily Alexander, Sabrina Moe, Bethany Chen, Olivia Ge, Julia Bang, and Ethan Kaufman.

Trailblazer announces 2022-23 editorial staff

May 12, 2022
Assistant principal Charleen Schwartzman, also known among the community as CSchwa.

Charleen Schwartzman to resign as assistant principal

May 9, 2022
Plastic bag ban takes effect across New Jersey

Plastic bag ban takes effect across New Jersey

May 6, 2022
Observing Autism Acceptance Month

Observing Autism Acceptance Month

April 27, 2022
Some of the members of the boys track team.

BOE acknowledges sports achievements of students, coaches

April 25, 2022
Sarah Bilotti appointed as permanent superintendent for the district

Sarah Bilotti appointed as permanent superintendent for the district

March 28, 2022
‘I wanted to write and tell my own stories’: Hills alumna dedicates first novel to her former teachers

‘I wanted to write and tell my own stories’: Hills alumna dedicates first novel to her former teachers

March 21, 2022
Students, staff comment on Hills going mask-optional

Students, staff comment on Hills going mask-optional

March 7, 2022
Ten DECA members at Hills move on to national competition

Ten DECA members at Hills move on to national competition

March 4, 2022
BOE discusses school employee vaccination requirements

BOE discusses school employee vaccination requirements

February 28, 2022
A photo of M.S.U.’s hawk statue on campus.

College overview: Montclair State University

February 25, 2022
Hills juniors and Interact members Grace Zak, Hana Sehnawi, and Karya Acar selling donuts.

Interact and Gay-Straight Alliance holds Valentine’s Day Sales at Hills

February 14, 2022
BOE announces optional masking for district

BOE announces optional masking for district

February 7, 2022
A few of the Lunar New Year posters made by the Asian Culture Club at Hills.

Asian Culture Club celebrates Lunar New Year at Hills

February 5, 2022
Fishbein updates public on district Covid-19 policies

Fishbein updates public on district Covid-19 policies

January 17, 2022
Betty White’s ‘golden’ legacy

Betty White’s ‘golden’ legacy

January 7, 2022
Joseph Blundo and Gini Varghese were selected by the BOE to be their president and vice president.

BOE inaugurates elected members, selects president and vice president

January 3, 2022
Students and faculty performing in the winter concert.

Hills band, choir performs at winter concert

December 17, 2021
District acknowledges student choral acceptances, Fronte’s last meeting

District acknowledges student choral acceptances, Fronte’s last meeting

December 13, 2021
Front-of-Hills

Hills Teacher and Education Services Professional of the Year announced

December 7, 2021
From left to right: Director of Curriculum Barry Bachenheimer, Director of Special Services Eva Merk, Principal Timothy Wieland, Punim, Assistant Principal Charleen Schwartzman, and Interim Superintendent Daniel Fishbein

Hills psychologist Brittany Punim wins Educational Services Professional of the Year

December 7, 2021
New school climate survey presented to BOE

New school climate survey presented to BOE

November 29, 2021
Hills AP scholars take a photo with Blundo.

BOE recognizes student achievements from Hills and Valley

November 15, 2021
The Trailblazers 2021-22 editorial staff along with advisor Vani Apanosian.

Four awards given to Trailblazer in Garden State Scholastic Press Association contest

November 10, 2021
Meet the BOE candidate: Eli Moallem

Meet the BOE candidate: Eli Moallem

October 30, 2021
Meet the BOE candidate: Debra Stephans

Meet the BOE candidate: Debra Stephans

October 30, 2021
Four candidates run for 2021 BOE election on Nov. 2

Four candidates run for 2021 BOE election on Nov. 2

October 30, 2021
Female Empowerment Movement donates proceeds from fundraiser to Strengthen Our Sisters

Female Empowerment Movement donates proceeds from fundraiser to Strengthen Our Sisters

October 22, 2021
Hills senior plans sleep out to raise awareness about homelessness

Hills senior plans sleep out to raise awareness about homelessness

October 19, 2021
The new Broncos logo (PC: Tim Wieland)

Broncos logo design for Hills announced

October 15, 2021
BOE approves two mascot logo designs for school-wide vote

BOE approves two mascot logo designs for school-wide vote

October 11, 2021
Interact Fall Food Drive Photo Gallery

Interact Fall Food Drive Photo Gallery

October 8, 2021
The JV volleyball teams at Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley prepare for their game.

Pascack Hills vs. Pascack Valley Junior Varsity Volleyball Game Photo Gallery

October 1, 2021
College overview: Syracuse University

College overview: Syracuse University

September 29, 2021
District approves optional testing for Advanced Placement students, discusses mascot logo selection

District approves optional testing for Advanced Placement students, discusses mascot logo selection

September 27, 2021
‘We have to do what is right for the district’: BOE discusses masking during the school day

‘We have to do what is right for the district’: BOE discusses masking during the school day

September 13, 2021
Evacuation at Hills changes plans for SGA Olympics

Evacuation at Hills changes plans for SGA Olympics

September 3, 2021
Public expresses concerns about masks, Covid-19 vaccine to district Board of Education

Public expresses concerns about masks, Covid-19 vaccine to district Board of Education

August 30, 2021
New rotating schedule, planning for superintendent selection discussed at in-person BOE retreat

New rotating schedule, planning for superintendent selection discussed at in-person BOE retreat

August 4, 2021
PVRHSD interim superintendent: Who is Dr. Fishbein?

PVRHSD interim superintendent: Who is Dr. Fishbein?

July 8, 2021
Levin holding a copy of In the Hole, published by Jumpmaster Press.

Rising Hills senior publishes book with Jumpmaster Press

June 28, 2021
District discusses equity statement, BOE retreat

District discusses equity statement, BOE retreat

June 21, 2021
For the first time since the pandemic began, the Board of Education held their meeting in the auditorium.

BOE approves interim superintendent for district

June 7, 2021
Gundersen said that the District Equity Team is “totally voluntary,” meaning students do not have to join if they do not want to.

BOE approves district equity statement, club

May 24, 2021
The PH Cares club recently organized a handprint activity to support people struggling with their mental health.

PH Cares promotes Mental Health Awareness Month

May 20, 2021
The Trailblazers 2021-22 editorial staff along with advisor Vani Apanosian.

Trailblazer announces 2021-22 editorial staff

May 17, 2021
“We believe the benefits of having students all back seeing each other face to face... don’t outweigh the potential risks,” Gundersen explained.

District to keep cohorts separate – with a catch for vaccinated seniors

May 13, 2021
Because the district is now in a lower Covid-19 transmission zone, it can safely space desks in classrooms three feet apart instead of six.

District to survey parents on merging cohorts

May 10, 2021
Debra Stephans is sworn in as a BOE member by Secretary Yas Usami.

BOE adopts budget, approves resignation of superintendent

April 26, 2021
Black people and Black Lives Matter supporters engaged in peaceful protests to fight against systemic racism and lobby for Chauvin to be charged.

Holding Derek Chauvin accountable is only a first step towards racial justice

April 29, 2021
Northeastern University is located within the city of Boston.

College overview: Northeastern University

April 16, 2021
The volleyball team has a game this Friday, March 26 against Demarest.

‘Every moment matters’ this volleyball season

March 26, 2021
Members of this years debate team pictured at a tournament in December 2019.

Debate team finds success amid virtual season

March 19, 2021
One of the drop-boxes for the book drive in the Pascack Hills lobby.

Interact club hosts first-ever book drive at Hills

February 26, 2021
The choices for Hills mascot are the Broncos, the Trail Blazers, and the Phoenix.

Hills students, staff voice thoughts on mascot options

February 24, 2021
Amelia Earhart is well known for being a female pilot, but there is another female pilot who is less known: Bessie Coleman. She was the first Black female pilot, and she encouraged other Black people to pursue flying as she did.

Black history in America, and how it is covered in the classroom

February 9, 2021
Larry King, a self-described infotainer, on the set of his CNN TV show Larry King Live in 2010.

Over 50,000 interviews: Larry King and his legacy

January 27, 2021
Aria Chalileh, pictured here checking out a customer, is a Hills senior who works part-time as a cashier at Wegmans.

Pandemic alters work life for Hills students with part-time jobs

January 10, 2021
(From left to right): Mrs. Schwartzman, Lutz, and Mahaffey helping out at NJCDC last year.

Project Paterson’s annual toy drive

December 9, 2020
Uhl learned of the award from Superintendent Erik Gundersen, who was joined by several teachers in congratulating him before the Teacher of the Year was announced over the loudspeaker.

Jay Uhl, Hills mathematics teacher, is awarded Teacher of the Year

November 20, 2020
Statistics show that there is a correlation between different ethnicities and how they impacted the election results.

How different ethnic groups impacted the 2020 election

November 18, 2020
“I just want to acknowledge the work of all the staff… it has just been a daily rollercoaster,” Board President Tammy Molinelli said of the Covid-19 situation.

District reveals ‘student-led’ plan to select new mascots for Hills and Valley

October 26, 2020
Macaluso, fourth from the left, pictured with her peers and former senator Lesniak at last year’s opioid crisis teach-in.

Hills graduate studying social work at Monmouth University

October 25, 2020
TAC members at the Relay for Life on May 18, 2019.

Salsa for the Susan G. Komen foundation

October 13, 2020
Ms. Katherine Donahues AP English Literature and Composition class on their first day of school in-person, Sept. 4.

‘It was a whirlwind’: students, staff tackle unusual school year

September 18, 2020
Cowboy and Indian history contributes to broader mascot debate

Cowboy and Indian history contributes to broader mascot debate

July 15, 2020
The Pascack Valley Regional High School District Board of Education, which held a meeting Thursday on Zoom focusing on the removal of the Cowboy and Indian mascots at Hills and Valley.

Amid vocal praise and criticism, Board says Cowboy and Indian mascot removal is final

June 25, 2020
Hills Principal Glenn deMarrais, in a photo taken upon the announcement of his retirement in January. deMarrais has since been approved to step in as Valleys principal next school year.

From ‘Hills Pride’ to ‘Wagon Wheel’: deMarrais’ impact on Hills

June 16, 2020
Dance company Alvin Ailey’s post about speaking up in support of Black Lives Matter.

Dance community fights for Black lives, racial justice

June 5, 2020
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The Trailblazer

Reporting with Hills Pride
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