By Micaela Weiss ’17
Five students have won schoolwide accolade as ShopRite stars for their outstanding achievements. Junior Liam Fost won for athletics; junior Luke Traverso for academics; senior Andrew Rubinich for service to community; senior Marissa Inga for leadership; and senior Abigail Zimmermann for the arts.
Junior Liam Fost – athletics
Fost stands out as one of West Essex’s top-performing and hard-working athletes. He is a three-season athlete, participating in soccer as well as winter and spring track. Fost’s tremendous leadership skills earned him the captain’s position on all three teams. Fost ran in the four-by-four relay that won the State Championship for Group 2.
“It’s so nice to see my community supporting me throughout my track career in high school. It is this type of support that keeps us motivated in even the most dark of times,” Fost said. Fost plans to finish his high school career with 12 varsity seasons.
Junior Luke Traverso – academics
Traverso, from North Caldwell, stood out to West Essex staff as a diligent and intellectual student. He works hard each marking period to earn a spot on the high honor roll. Traverso is a member of the National Italian Honor Society and is applying to English Honor Society as well.
Traverso is currently taking AP Physics and AP U.S. History and also plans to take five AP classes during his senior year. Traverso was also the West Essex Nominee for the Governor’s School of Engineering. Despite intense focus on his own studies, he said he makes sure to help classmates along the way.
Senior Andrew Rubinich – service to community
“While this ShopRite Star is indeed an honor and recognizes my hard work over the years, completing service for the better of my community is a reward in itself,” said senior Andrew Rubinich who is no stranger to being recognized for his achievements regarding community service.
Last year, he received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for completing over 100 hours of service in one year. Rubinich volunteers as a religious education teacher and an altar server at his church. At West Essex High School, he spends many late nights working as the Editor in Chief of the yearbook. Rubinich is always more than willing to assist the stage crew with lighting and sound at various high school presentations. He is a Key Club officer, and he helps out other clubs and honor societies with their endeavors.
Senior Marissa Inga – leadership
Inga has a wealth of experience in student leadership, since she has been treasurer of the Key Club and president of the Future Business Leaders of America for the past two years. Last year, she was captain of the math league at West Essex. Outside of school activities, Inga is an active member of the Notre Dame Church, where she teaches religious education for the past four years. Inga also stands out as leader in the classroom because she encourages her peers with their work.
“I am so honored to receive this nomination and I know that past high school I will continue to seek leadership opportunities,” said Inga, adding she’ll never turn down the chance to guide or empower others in her community.
Senior Abigail Zimmermann – the arts
Zimmermann, from Roseland, has been a dedicated member of the West Essex marching band for five years and the band for six. The vast amount of hours she has put into band led her to being a section instructor this year. Zimmermann is extremely passionate about playing the marimba.
“We practice in the rain or sun, but it’s a lot of fun. I’m glad I was able to start it in the eighth grade,” Zimmermann said. It is clear that she is proud to be a part of West Essex arts.
All of these students shine as great representations of the West Essex student body. Each of them works hard and benefits the community in his or her own way.
