Reporting with Hills Pride

The Trailblazer
PVRHSD interim superintendent: Who is Dr. Fishbein?
PVRHSD interim superintendent: Who is Dr. Fishbein?
Levin holding a copy of In the Hole, published by Jumpmaster Press.
Rising Hills senior publishes book with Jumpmaster Press
Hills students cheer for their fellow students at a pep rally during the 2019-20 school year.
The Pascack Hills Broncos: Mascot and logo update
District discusses equity statement, BOE retreat
District discusses equity statement, BOE retreat
Senior portraits of valedictorian Noah Hirshfield and salutatorian Jenna Golub.
Getting to know the valedictorian and salutatorian
Levin holding a copy of In the Hole, published by Jumpmaster Press.
Rising Hills senior publishes book with Jumpmaster Press
Members of the Class of 2021 have had many accomplishments in a school year like no other.
Class of 2021 senior spotlights
“When I got the email that I had won second place, I was really shocked. It was really nice to see that my hard work had paid off,” said Mednard.
Hills sophomore places second in statewide writing contest
The PH Cares club recently organized a handprint activity to support people struggling with their mental health.
PH Cares promotes Mental Health Awareness Month
Hills band members perform Monday at their first concert in 17 months.
Hills band, choir hold first concert in 17 months
The team defeated the River Dell softball team.
Broncos softball wins first league title since 1975
“My next goal is 16 feet. I’m going to try to get this at my meet tomorrow,” Zuckerman said. 
Max Zuckerman breaks county pole vaulting record
Analyzing the NFL 2021 draft
Analyzing the NFL 2021 draft
The first game of the season at Morris Catholic High School. Junior Ally Green and sophomore Emily Sailer are pictured; Green is in possession of the ball. Hills players are dressed in brown.
Hills girls’ lacrosse: Week one overview
Alex Kostantas, middle, holding his state medal next to Coach Dave Bucco, left, and Coach Kevin Moran, right.
Alex Kostantas makes Hills wrestling history
People who are currently traveling must continue to follow safety guidelines.
Is it time to travel again?
This year, some AP tests will be taken by students in-person, while others they will take from home.
Hills students voice thoughts on AP testing
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
Some students enjoy virtual school while others want to learn in classrooms again.
Will students miss virtual school?
A Hills student during class in-person.
Is it time to combine cohorts?
People who are currently traveling must continue to follow safety guidelines.
Is it time to travel again?
Some students enjoy virtual school while others want to learn in classrooms again.
Will students miss virtual school?
Just about everyone is waiting, anxiously, for life to return to normal and for this pandemic to end. 
The risk of rushing to a normal lifestyle
Unless you are allergic to one of the ingredients in one of the vaccines, there is no reason to choose one vaccine over another.
The best vaccine is the one you can get
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
Ms. Harmon, left, after being named 2005-06 Hills Teacher of the Year. She is pictured with former Superintendent Benedict Tantillo, center, and 2005-06 Valley Teacher of the Year Karen Kosch.
‘Deeds not words’: Remembering Ms. Harmon
According to guidelines, both football and cheerleading hold the same risk when it comes to exposure to the coronavirus. But according to state regulations for winter sports, cheer teams are deemed non-essential at basketball games.
Cowboys mascot removed, but gender inequity remains at Hills
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month is honored each year during the month of May.
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month begins
Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali attends an Armenian Genocide commemoration and speaks of the genocide’s history and recognition from the United States.
Armenian Genocide recognized in Montvale
March For Our Lives students protest for gun control.
Policy solutions debated amid spate of mass shootings
Pascack Recap Episode 4: May 31, 2021
Pascack Recap Episode 4: May 31, 2021
Senior trunk-or-treat event
Senior trunk-or-treat event
Pascack Recap Episode 3: April 30, 2021
Pascack Recap Episode 3: April 30, 2021
Pascack Recap Episode 2: March 26, 2021
Pascack Recap Episode 2: March 26, 2021
Pascack Recap Episode 1: Feb. 26, 2021
Pascack Recap Episode 1: Feb. 26, 2021
How I got here: Alex Dranovsky
Study materials for the SAT, including the Barron's SAT book, which is widely used by students to prepare.
‘Test-optional’ is here to stay
The “5 Steps to a 5” preparation book for the AP Physics 1 exam. Teachers of the course recommend it to students for studying.
Hills prepares to hold AP exams in person, at home
Perri Cochin on the day of her high school graduation.
Hills alum Perri Cochin: Where is she now?
Northeastern University is located within the city of Boston.
College overview: Northeastern University
Hills reacts: Ellen DeGeneres to end daytime show
War movies have been a major genre in the spectrum of film since the early 1900s.
Movie review: ‘Saving Private Ryan’
“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” is a show that will easily satisfy old and new Marvel fans alike.
‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ proves Marvel can handle serious topics
New to Netflix this spring
The Oscars are still about a month away, yet there is already a lot of excitement among Hills students over who will win.
Hills students see progress in diversity of Oscars nominees
Left to right: Hills students Kaitlyn Verde, Gururoop Kaur, and Lily Plechner.
Simple ways to de-stress at the end of the school year
Get excited for May, because there’s lots of great news coming your way.
May horoscopes
Having the right lighting for your bedroom is very important.
Trending room decor of 2021
Chlorophyll-concentrated water has spontaneously ignited worldwide infatuation, especially among teenagers.
Chlorophyll water: Is it worth it?
These five TikTok food recipes are trendy and delicious.
The latest trends on food TikTok
Reporting with Hills Pride

The Trailblazer
Reporting with Hills Pride

The Trailblazer
All content by Jenna Golub
Trailblazer Article Post

Senior spotlight: Sylvie Najarian

June 8, 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
Ms. Harmon, left, after being named 2005-06 Hills Teacher of the Year. She is pictured with former Superintendent Benedict Tantillo, center, and 2005-06 Valley Teacher of the Year Karen Kosch.

‘Deeds not words’: Remembering Ms. Harmon

May 25, 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
An empty classroom at Pascack Hills. The district is now able to decrease social distancing from six feet to three feet.

BOE to discuss merging cohorts

May 7, 2021
Gundersen, a recent Bergen County Superintendent of the Year, has served as Pascack Valley Regional superintendent since 2011.

Superintendent to leave district for new job

April 20, 2021
Debra Stephans teaches at Berkeley College in New Jersey and is the mother of three children attending schools in Montvale.

BOE selects Debra Stephans to fill vacant Montvale seat

April 19, 2021
Monday's board meeting was held in-person at Pascack Valley's cafeteria, as well as virtually on Zoom.

Steven Papa approved as next athletic director

April 12, 2021
Hills athletic trainer Steven Papa pictured in 2015.

Steven Papa recommended for Hills athletic director position

April 9, 2021
Signage on the bleachers at Hills reminding spectators to wear masks and social distance.

Paspalas announces guidelines for spring sports spectators

April 6, 2021
Since the start of the pandemic, apps like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have become a lifeline for people to stay connected.

Pandemic alters Hills students’ social media habits

April 15, 2021
Monday's Board meeting was held in person for a limited audience while also available for members and the community to attend on Zoom.

‘Time to move on’: Gundersen criticizes mayors’ letter to BOE

March 22, 2021
Bissinger pictured at an event in the Pascack Hills library in December 2018.

BOE Vice President Janet Bissinger resigns

March 19, 2021
Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos Rendo and Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali.

Pascack mayors call for investigation of BOE mascot decisions

March 10, 2021
Trailblazer Article Graphic (31)

BOE approves new mascots for Hills and Valley

March 8, 2021
The 2018 Pascack Hills graduation. The Class of 2021's graduation is currently scheduled for June 16 on the football field.

Planning of senior end-of-year events underway

March 3, 2021

The most popular music of 2021 –– so far

March 3, 2021
Hills students cheer for their fellow students at a pep rally during the 2019-20 school year.

Broncos wins school-wide vote for Hills’ mascot

February 25, 2021
How did Hills students describe Broncos_

Hills students, staff voice thoughts on mascot options

February 24, 2021
Last June, the Board of Education voted to remove Pascack Hills' Cowboys nickname along with Pascack Valley’s mascot, the Indian.

Mascot search committee reveals final three choices for Hills’ mascot

February 22, 2021
The Trailblazer editorial staff for the 2020-21 school year. By row from left to right: Briana Keenan, Vani Apanosian (advisor), Simmie Brisman, Kate Zydor; Jared Mitovich, Riley Solomon, Maeve Rossig, Christina Kim; Daniel Albert, Justine Marinkovic, Mackenzie Blowers, Lauren Eusebio; Izzy Frangiosa, Claudia Kim, Jacob Charnow, and Siera Boffa.

Trailblazer wins 12 awards in statewide school publication contest

February 19, 2021
As has become the norm, the public Board meeting on Monday night echoed the

BOE receives updates on mascot search process, district finances

February 8, 2021
Superintendent Erik Gundersen clarified on Wednesday that Cowboys cannot be considered for Hills' mascot.

Gundersen says Cowboys ‘not a viable option’ for Hills’ mascot

January 20, 2021
Student representatives from the Hills and Valley mascot committees spoke to the Board about their committee's progress. This reignited a debate over the removal of the Cowboy mascot by the Board in June.

BOE discusses keeping Cowboys as an option for Hills’ mascot

January 19, 2021
To support Jack and organizations recommended by #JackStrong, Student Government is planning a school-wide Hills Kahoot game on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Student Government to host Hills trivia game in support of #JackStrong

January 14, 2021
All in-person co-curricular activities scheduled for Monday are canceled.

Hills goes fully remote on Jan. 11 after individual tests positive for Covid-19

January 10, 2021
Four new Board members being sworn in by secretary Yas Usami. Clockwise from top left: Kristin Martin of Hillsdale, Kelly Blundy of Woodcliff Lake, Gini Varghese of Hillsdale, and Michael Weaver of Montvale.

New BOE members sworn in at reorganization meeting

January 4, 2021
While Board members were able to attend tonight's meeting in person, six out of eight attended virtually from home.

BOE discusses 8th period, honors students and departing members

December 14, 2020
All in-person co-curricular activities are also canceled through Sunday, Dec. 13.

Health officials move Pascack Valley Regional to fully remote instruction until Dec. 14

November 25, 2020
Less than an hour before class, an individual at Hills reported a positive Covid-19 test to the district.

Pascack Hills reports positive Covid-19 test

November 18, 2020
171 students in total –– around 20% of the Hills student body -– responded to the survey.

The 2020 presidential election among Hills students

November 2, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: Michael Weaver

Meet the Board candidate: Michael Weaver

October 27, 2020
The announcement comes after another individual at Hills reported a positive test last Monday before school, forcing the school to close for two days.

Hills Covid case updates: Fully remote instruction to continue through Nov. 5

October 25, 2020
Less than an hour before class, an individual at Hills reported a positive Covid-19 test to the district.

Hills Covid case updates: School to reopen tomorrow, Oct. 21

October 19, 2020
There are differences between the candidates: their qualifications, their values, their priorities, and their philosophies on the role of the Board.

Who they are and where they stand: The Pascack Valley Regional Board candidates

October 9, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: Kelly Blundy

Meet the Board candidate: Kelly Blundy

October 16, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: David Steinberg

Meet the Board candidate: David Steinberg

October 15, 2020
The Board of Education along with Superintendent Erik Gundersen and student representatives Aria Chalileh and Connor Flinn.

Board of Education presents communication plan at meeting

October 12, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: Pat Luisi

Meet the Board candidate: Pat Luisi

October 9, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: Kristin Martin

Meet the Board candidate: Kristin Martin

October 9, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: Gini Varghese

Meet the Board candidate: Gini Varghese

October 9, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: Arnold Scher

Meet the Board candidate: Arnold Scher

October 9, 2020
Principal Tim Wieland directs freshmen to their classes during orientation Sept. 3.

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

September 18, 2020
Paspalas coaching wrestling during his first year at Hills in 1989.

Concluding three decades at Hills, Paspalas reflects on past and present challenges

September 16, 2020
The front of Woodcliff Middle School, which sends many of its students to Pascack Hills after they graduate.

Woodcliff Middle School goes all-remote after teacher tests positive for Covid-19

September 11, 2020
Paspalas in 2018. He has been with the district for over 13 years.

Phil Paspalas, Hills assistant principal and athletic director, to retire in 2021

August 31, 2020
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Pascack Hills and every school in New Jersey were closed from March 13 through the end of the 2019-20 school year.

‘No 100% guarantees’: Board approves plan to reopen schools

August 17, 2020
The July 23 Board meeting addressed pressing issues facing the district, including the reopening of Hills, the mascot removal, and racial equity efforts.

School reopening, mascot removal, Black Lives Matter discussed at July 23 Board meeting

July 23, 2020
Sheriff Anthony Cureton

Police reform, mascot removal underscored at racial equity rally in Woodcliff Lake

June 27, 2020
A protester holds a sign at the racial equity rally in Woodcliff Lake.

Media: Racial equity march held in Woodcliff Lake on Saturday

June 27, 2020
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Pascack Hills and every school in New Jersey were closed from March 13 through the end of the 2019-20 school year.

What New Jersey’s school reopening guidelines may mean for Hills

June 26, 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
Roughly one third of responses so far were among rising juniors, while nearly one fifth were among rising seniors. Roughly 13% of those who responded were rising sophomores; around 5% were among this year’s graduating class. The remaining responses were alumni, community members, or anonymous.

Community responds to Trailblazer form on Cowboy removal

June 24, 2020
Protests against the removal of the Cowboy as Pascack Hills' mascot.

Media: Community members protest against removal of Cowboy as Hills’ mascot

June 23, 2020
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