EF seniors recognized at Elite 20 event

By Jose Negron
jnegron@yourmvi.com

Twenty Elizabeth Forward seniors were honored Thursday during the Elizabeth Forward Alumni and Friends Association’s eighth annual Elite 20 banquet.

The banquet, which is normally held at the Sunset Room Banquet Hall in Elizabeth Township, was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Although we can’t be together to celebrate, each of us in the Elizabeth Forward Alumni and Friends Association extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of the seniors and their teachers,” Elizabeth Forward Alumni and Friends Association President Donna Carney said during the virtual banquet. “You make us proud and give us hope for the future.”

The Elite 20 consists of students nominated by faculty members for their achievements in community service, academics, character and leadership.

The Elite 20 honorees were Abigail Bickerton, Natalie Brogna, Jalyn Brown, Ethan Cain, Rafael De La O, Stephen Frost, Hannah Hebda, Lauren Maringo, Kaelyn McClain, Jakob McCloskey, Ryan Michaels, Macy Miskiewicz, Jacob Prah, Zachary Snyder, Ashley Thaxton, Ethan Thoma, Ashlee Toth, Haley Vasko, Amelia Vuick and Jordyn White.

“To me, being a member of the Elite 20 is such an honor and I am so thankful to be selected to such a distinguished group,” said De La O, who also serves as senior class president. “It really shed some light on a very difficult time. Receiving the email notifying me that I was to be part of this group sent over a feeling of great accomplishment. Working hard over the past four years to be considered an elite member of our class is a feat that I will always remember.”

Frost, who leaves June 25 to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, said he owes many of his successes to the education and experiences he had at Elizabeth Forward.

“This year is definitely a special year that will be remembered by EF years after the class of 2020 graduates,” Frost said. “I believe that my fellow 19 seniors show that there is still hope in this world, despite the darkness.”

Miskiewicz said being a part of the Elite 20 is something she had hoped to experience since her freshman year. Four years and a ton of hard work later, it has become a reality.

“Being a part of the Elite 20 is such an honor,” Miskiewicz said. “I am so honored to represent my school and community through this opportunity. Despite these difficult times, EF has truly handled every challenge with grace and resilience. I am so appreciative that the Alumni Association still made this honor special for us.”

Standing side by side with his fellow 19 seniors as a member of the Elite 20 is a humbling honor for Thoma.

“It is an absolute privilege to know that my teachers see something special in me. School has always been my number one priority throughout my life and to be recognized by the teachers is truly spectacular,” Thoma said. “With everything that is going on, this brought back a sense of normalcy to my life a little bit. Congratulating my friends on being selected and having them congratulate me was nice, as well as talking to people that I have not talked to in weeks because of everything that is going on. They are my peers and I am grateful to know them personally. Those selected to be on the Elite 20 are some of the most determined and hardworking people that I know.”

Cain said the honor is special for him as it proves all his hard work in and out of the classroom has been noticed.

“It is an honor to be a part of this list as I know that every single student will go on to do great things,” Cain said. “I also want to thank EF for all the opportunities they have given me throughout my time in the district.”

Additionally, each senior Elite 20 honoree was tasked with nominating a district teacher or staff member, past or present, who had an influence on his or her education.

The teachers and staff members honored Thursday night were Lynn Ambler, Natalie Bowers, Dave Byers, Kris Curran, Steve Defelices, Christy Galilei, Brandon Gerba, Malena Mazurek, Angie Milliren, Megan Smith, Steve Spang, Jenn Spiegel, Chris Thomas, Alana Wieclaw, Mary Wilson and Steffani Zuraw.

“The staff at Elizabeth Forward High School would like to give a special thank you to the Elizabeth Forward Alumni and Friends Association for their continued generosity and support of the students, staff and administration of the Elizabeth Forward School District,” a statement at the end of Thursday’s virtual banquet read. “In addition to the Elite 20 event, each year the Alumni Association awards our senior class with scholarships to pursue higher education. This year, over $40,000 in scholarships will be distributed. We are eternally grateful for their continued support.”