CAPTION: The Montville Township Board of Education recently honored the five first-quarter ShopRite STARS of the 2024-2025 school year. The Montville Township High School seniors have their photos displayed on a plaque in the school and also at the Parsippany Sunrise ShopRite. Pictured: Adrianna Pressimone (Academics), Alexander Pelov (Athletics), Grace Hricay (Arts), Riya Nadkarni (Leadership), and Miya Megaro (Community Service).
The Montville Township Public Schools Board of Education recently honored the Montville Township High School [MTHS] ShopRite STARS for the 1st Marking Period of the 2024-2025 school year.
MTHS ShopRite STARS are nominated by faculty members in one of five different categories. The winners are selected by an administrative committee. Photos of the honored students are displayed in the MTHS office and at Sunrise ShopRite in Parsippany. In addition, Sunrise ShopRite will generously donate $1,000 to the Class of 2025.
Assistant Principal Kenneth Nadzak introduced the outstanding MTHS students.
In the field of Academics, Adrianna Pressimone was honored.
“Adrianna is the kind of rare student who not only cares about her own learning and education but receives immense satisfaction in knowing that her classmates are experiencing growth and success, as well,” said Nadzak.
Noting that Pressimone constantly serves as a resource to other students in her classes, Nadzak added, “Each teacher I spoke with said the same thing; Adrianna is hard working, passionate about learning and one of the most dedicated students they have had the pleasure to teach.”
A senior with a 4.4+ GPA, Pressimone has earned numerous underclass awards, is a member of the National Honor Society, was Homecoming Queen in her sophomore and junior years, is an active member of Key Club, Relay for Life and Make-a-Wish, and exemplifies leadership as both President of the Italian Honor Society and Captain of the Volleyball Team.
“Because of her dedication to the team and talent on the court, Adrianna helped the volleyball team secure a conference win in 2022, Sectional Finals in 2022 and 2023 and County Championships in 2022 and 2024,” Nadzak said.
Outside of school, Pressimone is active in the Saint Pius Youth Ministry and regularly volunteers her time at JL Blessings, an organization that provides essential survival items to members of the homeless community.
Pressimone plans to pursue a major in Biology.
In the field of Athletics, Alexander Pelov was honored.
“Quite frankly, Alex is one of the most gifted, accomplished and celebrated athletes we have ever had at MTHS,” Nadzak began. “On the track and cross-country course, Alex has established himself as a record-breaking athlete. In 2021, Alex placed 11th in the Junior Olympics in Cross Country and earned the title of All-American. He has shattered all MTHS Track and Cross Country distance records and claimed the Morris County Indoor meet record in the 1600m. His exceptional performances have earned him the titles of County Champion in the 1600m and Cross Country in 2024, and he is a three-time State Sectional Champion in the 3200m. Alex’s prowess was further demonstrated on the national stage, placing 16th at the New Balance Nationals in the 1-mile run, clocking an impressive 4:10. His versatility is evident with remarkable times of 1:53 in the 800m and 15:25 in the 5k. Alex’s invitation to compete in the prestigious Millrose Games highlights his elite status in track and field.”
Nadzak also explained that Pelov excels in the classroom as well, having earned numerous academic awards while excelling in honors and AP classes. The senior has maintained a 3.9+ GPA.
In fall 2024, Pelov committed to Georgetown University at a signing ceremony. At Georgetown, the athlete plans to major in Business, while participating on the Cross Country and Track & Field teams.
In the field of the Arts, Grace Hricay was honored.
The senior actress starred as Alice in the Montville Township High School Theatre Company’s fall production of “Alice in Wonderland.” She has also had major roles in the three spring musicals that have been performed since her freshman year.
“Grace, has contributed to the drama program and our Arts Department in numerous ways over the past four years,” Nadzak continued. “A gifted vocalist, she has sung with both the Chamber and Women’s Choirs since her freshman year and contributed significantly to the Mpulse acapella team as both a performer and choreographer, even winning the prestigious ‘Best Choreography’ award at their first-ever competition.”
Hricay has risen through the ranks of the MTHS choir program, serving as Choir Librarian in 2023-2024 and as Choir President in 2024-2025. The dedicated artist also serves as Vice President of the Montville Theatre Company and performs in community theater productions at Passaic Valley.
“Beyond her artistic contributions, Grace demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her community as Vice President of Make-A-Wish, co-advisor to the Mental Health Initiative, a dedicated member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M, and the French Honor Society,” Nadzak added. “Grace is also a talented athlete who has participated on the Field Hockey Team for four years. In the fall of 2024, she was voted by her peers to serve as the Senior Homecoming Queen.”
Hricay maintains a 4.1+ GPA, and plans major in Fashion Marketing while continuing to pursue her love of music and theater.
In the field of Community Service, Miya Megaro was honored.
“Miya has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community service and academic excellence throughout her high school career,” Nadzak explained. “As a dedicated member of Key Club since freshman year, she is currently serving as the Service Event Coordinator and has taken on impactful initiatives, including the organization of a community garden project in collaboration with Kiwanis. This incredible project, which serves to donate fresh produce to the local food pantry, reflects Miya’s commitment to addressing food insecurity in our community. The dedication to ensuring people in our community have access to food is also reflected in Miya’s leadership during the Thanksgiving Food Drive. The Food Drive is a school-wide event that truly requires participation from each student and staff member. In fall 2024, Miya worked tirelessly with advisors, administrators, teachers and classmates to begin the food collection process. After, she created a plan for sorting the record-breaking number of items received, Miya helped to coordinate organizing the items and preparing them for distribution to families in the Montville Township community.”
Megaro’s leadership and determination was essential to ensuring the overwhelming success of the 2024 food drive.
“In addition to her service achievements, Miya has maintained a 4.3+ GPA, is a member of the Spanish Honors Society, and has earned the distinction of AP Scholar with Honor, underscoring her academic dedication and passion for learning,” Nadzak added.
Megaro plans to pursue a major in Biology.
In the field of Leadership, Riya Nadkarni was honored.
“Riya is an incredible leader, holding executive positions in multiple clubs including DECA and National History Day where she assisted in the coordination of activities and increased membership through promotion of the clubs,” explained Nadzak.
Additionally, Nadkarni has had practical experience as an employee of multiple companies and participated in internships with AMGIS, to conduct market research, and Lauren Perrie Events, to plan large gatherings.
“Riya’s participation in the Wharton Global Youth Program further highlights her dedication to professional growth,” added Nadzak, noting that Nadkarni has increasingly become more comfortable leading others.
“In fall 2024, Riya was selected to be CEO of the International Business Practice Firm class, which created a fictitious company where she oversees the operation of 15 students/employees who are participating in competitions. The goal is to maximize sales of their product,” Nadzak said. “Prior to this, Riya created her own actual company called Riyaorganized, which helps clients declutter their homes and offices. Riya is also a co-founder and Vice President of the Montville Financial Investment Group.”
In addition to her real-world and academic leadership, Nadkarni’s achievements include recognition as an AP Scholar with Honor, induction into the National Honors Society, earning the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, placing 5th in the state of New Jersey for Social Media Marketing with FBLA, and being the recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award through SEWA, where she has dedicated over 200 hours of community service.
“In the future, Riya hopes to create a nonpartisan news program for children and one day aspires to be a Senator,” Nadzak concluded.
Nadkarni plans to pursue a major in Business and Communications.
The ShopRite STARS Awards are designed to recognize the most consistently active and engaged students in a school population. Students are chosen each marking period throughout the school year. Seniors are nominated for consistent and outstanding performance during their four year high school career. The MTHS ShopRite STARS have their photos displayed on a plaque in the school and also at the Parsippany Sunrise ShopRite. The first quarter MTHS ShopRite STARS were honored by the Montville Township Board of Education on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Sunrise ShopRite annually donates $1,000 to the MTHS graduating class’ senior activities.