Oliver Gonzalez and Jaclyn Neira are two former WJPS students. 

Gonzalez, a graduate from 2024 is going into his third year at Baruch College. 

Neira, a graduate from 2025 is heading into her second year at Ramapo College of New Jersey. 

Neira is part of the Ramapo College women’s volleyball team. Due to the distance from New York to New Jersey, Neira chose to stay in a dormitory. 

She said, “Being away from family was a challenge since this was the first time I’ve ever been away from them.” Neira is looking to continue playing volleyball eventually becoming a speech teacher. 

Gonzalez commutes to college as he is majoring in economics while playing soccer for a semi-professional team Whitestone Football Club. 

Gonzalez said, “I decided to stay close to home for college as I knew I’d still be around with my family and juggling sports and school was going to be much easier than going away.”

When asked about college work load, Neira stated, “It’s much heavier and complex.“ As Gonzalez stated, “Work given in high school was much easier than in college.”

Both are looking forward to visiting WJPS again at the annual International Feast.