GCIT Weekly Newsletter

The 2025 Junior Prom was held on Friday, May 2, at the Sapphire Grand, bringing together the junior class for a memorable night of celebration, dancing, and fun. Students arrived in formal attire, with many taking advantage of the scenic lakeview photo backdrops and professional photography to capture the night. The evening began with a catered dinner, followed by hours of dancing to music by the live DJ. From slow dances to high-energy group numbers to chants of lyrics of favorite songs, the dance floor stayed full throughout the night.

One of the highlights of the evening was the crowning of the Junior Prom Prince and Princess - they were celebrated with cheers and applause from their classmates. This elegant event left students with lasting memories and a stronger sense of class unity.

Huge thanks to our Class Advisors, Christina Smyth, Sarah Ruczynski, Katie Knoblock, and John March, for their detailed and organized planning of this event! Sincere thanks and appreciation to all the chaperones, School Resource Officers, and Administrators—your presence and vigilant supervision resulted in a night of great success and fun for all our students!

On April 28 - May 1, students in the Dance Program performed their Choreographer's Challenge entitled "Nature's Classical Elements". The captivating dance ensemble brought to life the primal forces of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air through movements, music, and emotion. Each performance segment vividly interpreted one of the classical elements woven together through fluid transitions. The choreography blended contemporary and classical dance styles, evoking the grounded strength of Earth, the flowing grace of Water, the fierce passion of Fire, and the delicate and light freedom of Air. Together with the dynamic lighting and elemental costumes, the ensemble took the audience on a magical and sensory journey through the natural world and the human connections to the different rhythms.

Sincere thanks to the faculty and guest choreographers, the stage director and Dance Teacher - Marissa Stahl, Stage Manager - Zach Bates, Assistant Stage Manager - Addison Bupp, Lighting and Technical Design - Chris Miller, and Graphic Designer - Isabelle Kanter for their tireless efforts to prepare the students for this fantastic performance. Special thanks and appreciation to all the staff, students, parents, and family members who continue to support our dance students during their various performances throughout the year! And of course, our exceptional students in the Dance Program for their professional grade performance over multiple days! These students gave their best at each performance and impressed audiences of all age groups! Thanks to all - Excellent work!

In a heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces, our school proudly hosted the annual Love Our Vets Celebration on May 1, 2025. The event brought together students, staff, and local veterans for a meaningful day that recognized the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of these local heroes.

Under a bright and warm morning sun, with flags waving, thank-you signs, cheers, and applause, our school community welcomed the Veterans to our building for a day of pampering, performances, and culinary indulgences - creating the perfect atmosphere of honor and gratitude! This annual event fosters a deeper appreciation for our local Veterans. It was a day filled with reflection, respect, and heartfelt gratitude - a moment when our school community came together to say: "Thank you for your service!"

Immense thanks to the organizers of this annual event - Katie Arnold and Doreen Mancini - they continue to outdo themselves each year with their planning!

Special thanks to all the students and staff who assisted throughout the day, especially Mrs. Terpolilli's Senior Cosmetology students, staff and students in the Culinary and Baking Programs, Ms. Knoblock and the cast of Mary Poppins, Mr. Cop and his Junior Fitness for Life students, Mr. Roskiewich's Welding student - Kendrick Romine, Mr. Heck's Engineering students - Elliott Crosby and Winsson Li, Mr. Heil and Owen Homiak, SBYS Ambassadors, SkillsUSA Officers, Student Council Officers, staff and students from the Construction Program, staff and students in the Acts of Kindness Club, Mr. Bill Bessler, our Bagpipe player, Motorcycle Escorts - Red Lion Motorcycle Group, Pat Mulvenna, Mrs. Grady, Gloucester County Sheriff's Department, and all the students and teachers who created the celebratory welcome tunnel for our local heroes - Thanks to one and All!

Sophomore Digital Media student, Owen Homiak, did a great job collaborating with the Love Our Vets leadership team to put together a professional-quality, print-ready design for the May 1st event. Well Done Owen!

Written by Carl Heil

DECA wishes to congratulate two of our FIRST YEAR members on qualifying for the DECA International Career Development Conference! After qualifying at the State conference, Sloane Golembiewski and Nick Kleinot traveled to Orlando, Florida to meet and compete against students from around the world in their chosen events. They also had the opportunity to visit the parks at Universal for an exclusive event with other DECA members!

Written by Kelsey Bagelmann

Below - Nicholas Kleinot after competing in his event at ICDC

Sloane Golembiewski after competing in her event at ICDC

At DECA Night at Universal

At DECA Night at Universal

On Thursday, May 1st, Renaissance members enjoyed their ice cream social to reward them for their hard work, attendance, and good behavior! It was a big success. Also, a special thank you to Chef Oberfrank for providing all the ice cream and toppings, and to two of her students, Morgan Hendri and Averie Ellena, for helping scoop the ice cream. They were such a big help!!! Congratulations again to all Renaissance Members!

Written by Rachel Eppolite

Thank you to those who attended the School-Based Advisory Dinner. We had a great time discussing how to improve our services while enjoying a great meal prepared by our culinary and baking departments. Thank you to all who participated.

School-based is gearing up for a busy May and June. May is Mental Health Awareness month. We will have various presentations, pledges, giveaways, and inspirational quotes throughout the month. On May 2nd , we hosted a pre-prom presentation in the gym - Minding Your Mind, and Chynna was our presenter. She did a great job speaking about her personal story and her dealings with mental health. She was an excellent speaker and did a great job relating to the junior class. She will also be addressing the seniors at the end of the month. This was for JUNIORS ONLY. Seniors, your meeting will take place on May 30th.

We currently have Red Shirt applications available in the School-Based offices. Red Shirts help with various events throughout the year. This is generally reserved for upcoming Juniors and Seniors, but we may open it up to upcoming Sophomores. These students MUST be available August 19-21 to assist with new student orientation. There is a hard due date of May 15th, so get those applications in!

Speaking of Red Shirts, we will also be taking our current Red Shirts to Glisten on May 27th. This is a great way to ease back into school after Memorial Day Weekend! We will be leaving from school in the morning and returning by 2:00. This is a great day of hiking, yoga by the lake, paddleboarding, canoeing and just chilling in the hammock! You Must complete the permission slip to attend, so get that in and enjoy a thank you from us.

Written by Dr. Jacob

Student athletes attended a presentation at Rowan University on April 29th sponsored by the Partnership for Drug Free NJ, Horizon and NJSIAA. Ray Lucas, graduate, and football player for Rutgers University turned pro talked about his addiction to opioids due to injuries he sustained throughout his career. His message of hope and resiliency and his desire for a healthier approach to life resonated with our students.

Written by Eduardo Ruiz

We will be having a brief meeting during 6th period on Monday May 5th about our DC trip on Friday May 9th. This is also a reminder that we are leaving early that morning so students attending the trip will need to be here before your standard bus. At the meeting you will receive your shirt, get your bus assignment, fill out a quick form for dinner that evening, and get your instructions for attending the trip; we are leaving by 7:15 am!. You must attend the meeting and any seniors that are off campus and cannot attend the meeting, you MUST reach out to Dr. Jacob, so you know what is going on. Check your Teams messages for more information.

We currently have permission slips out for the Cape May Zoo if you would like to attend, which is on May 15th and we will be leaving school at 1:45 and returning by 7:00.

If you need anything, please reach out to one of us in School Based Youth Services.

Written by Dr. Jacob

Below - The Junior Court was announced at the May 2 Junior Class Assembly!

This was an amazing week for the golf team. Tuesday was Senior night where we celebrated all our senior athletes. Jamie Ciesielka, Enrique Altmann, Tyler Kulik, Lindsey Harris, Brianna Mair, and Joe DiDino.

Thursday was the Carl Arena Golf Tournament, and we placed 5th out of 56 teams, and Jamie Ciesielka placed 4th in the individual competition out of 164 golfers. This is a great accomplishment for the team, and on Monday, we will be competing in the State Sectional Tournament. Wish us luck!

Written by Andrew Hahn

This past week the Golf, Softball, Boys Tennis and Flag Football teams had their Senior Days. Thank you Seniors!

Written by Mike McAleer

Athlete Of The Week

GCIT Student Council will be sponsoring a 2 on 2 Badminton Tournament on May 10th, 2025, in the GCIT Gymnasiums.

The tournament is open for both student and staff teams. There cost is $20 per team and can have up to 3 people on the team but only two will be on the court at one time.

Proceeds from the tournament will go towards both the Student Council and Ava's Voice - the New Jersey Association of Student Councils State Charity. Ava's Voice is more than a nonprofit organization—it’s a vibrant, community-driven movement dedicated to uplifting individuals with Usher syndrome and their families. Our mission is to connect USHearts around the world and our motto is to dream it. believe it. crUSH it.

Sign ups can be done using the link on the class teams pages or here: https://forms.office.com/r/h9ucczwcWh

If you have any questions, please contact one of the Student Council Advisors - Mr. Bates, Mrs. Yanni or Mrs. DeVito.

We hope to see you there!

Written by Zach Bates

Dr. Girard and I are in the midst of planning the 2nd Annual GCIT Career/College Decision Day. This event is open to GCIT seniors only, and we would like to recognize your achievements and future plans.

The fun-filled afternoon will include refreshments provided by School-Based Youth Services and posters around the school bragging about you and where you are headed.

You will be excused from class for this event and if you would like to come but are out to work, we can provide a letter for your employer to excuse you.

Please complete this form: (https://forms.office.com/r/hkNYyrKmUX) by Thursday, May 1st, 2025.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Bates.

• College and Career Decision Day: May 8, 2025 - 1:30 - 2:30 pm

We will celebrate with you on deciding on your college or your decision on vocational-based employment after GCIT.

It will be a festive atmosphere - cake, ice cream, desserts, music! You worked hard, now come celebrate!

Written by Zach Bates

The GCIT DECA club is hosting a community yard sale on May 10th, 2025 in the GCIT school parking lot from 8 am to 12 pm. The event will include a basket raffle, pet parade, student art auction, and snack and drink sales.

Anyone wishing to take part as a seller should contact Kelsey Bagelmann and Dale McIntyre: sellers will pay $30 for the use of two parking spaces from which to sell their unneeded household items.

Student volunteers for the event can receive community service hours, so please share this with any students who might be in need of hours! Please contact Kelsey Bagelmann & Dale McIntyre with any questions. We hope to see you all there!

Written by Kelsey Bagelmann

Senior Prom:

Date: May 30, 2025

Time: 7pm-11pm

Location: The Grove at Centerton

Graduation Lawn Signs:

The lawn signs will be available to be picked up in room 210 on Friday, May 23. If the signs come in earlier an announcement will be made through the Class of 2025 Teams Page and students will be able to pick their signs up earlier.

Graduation Lawn Signs - Gloucester County Vocational Tech School District

Lawn Sign Order Form 2025.pdf

Graduation:

The Guidance Department handles all aspects of graduation including tickets, caps, gowns, etc. The Guidance Department will send out all information regarding Graduation in the next couple months. If you have specific questions regarding Graduation, please contact your student’s Guidance Counselor.

If you have any questions about Senior Prom or Graduation Lawn Signs, please reach out to a Class Advisor: Sarah Ruczynski (sruczynski@gcecnj.org), Christina Smyth (csmyth@gcecnj.org), Katie Knoblock (kknoblock@gcecnj.org), John March (jmarch@gcecnj.org).

Written by Sarah Ruczynski

Students, please remember to follow the Dress Code Policy:

• Clothing must cover areas from one armpit to the other armpit down to fingertip length (see image below)
• All bottoms MUST be finger-tip long
• Tops must have shoulder straps (2 fingers wide)
• Rips or tears in clothing should be LOWER than fingertip length.
• No hats in the building
• No pajamas

• June 12 – All seniors must have completed the Senior Exit and FAFSA information to graduate
• June 12 – Senior Laptop return 8:30 to 2:00
• June 13 – all senior grades are due in PowerSchool no later than 3:00pm
• June 16 – Cap and gown distribution 8:30am in the 400-wing cafeteria
• June 16 – grades 9 - 11 final exams
• 8:10 am – 10:10 am – exams for periods 1-2-3, or 1-2
• 10:15am – 12:15pm – exams for periods 4-5 or 3-4
• June 17 – grades 9 - 11 final exams
• 8:10am – 10:10am – exams for periods 5-6, 7-8, or 6-7-8
• 10:15am – 12:15pm – exams for periods 9-10 or 8-9-10
• June 17 – Graduation practice at GCIT 8:30am to 11:00am
• June 18 – Graduation Practice at RCSJ 8:30am to 11:00am
• June 18 – 10 & 11th grade laptop return
• June 20 – 9 & 10th grades laptop return
• June 20 – Graduation practice at RCSJ 8:30am to 11:00am
• June 20 – All final grades are due in PowerSchool for grades 9-11 no later than 3:00pm

May 5 - 9 - Teacher Appreciation Week

May 8 - Career / College Decision Day & Spotlight On Practical Skills

May 6 - 11 - Freshman Drama Production

May 7 - National School Nurse Day

May 12 - 30 - NJSLA Testing

May 20 & 21 - Dance Senior Pieces

May 23 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

May 26 - Memorial Day (school closed)

May 27 - Senior Awards Ceremony

May 30 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

May 30 - Senior Prom (The Grove at Centerton)

June 1 - 5 - Senior Trip - Disney World, Orlando, FL

June 9 - Junior Trip - Hersey Park

June 17 & 18 - Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

June 19 - Juneteenth (school closed)

June 20 - Graduation Day

June 20 - Last Day For Students - 12:15pm Dismissal

June 23 - Last Day For Instructional Staff (Half day)