Janice Cooper, in the Northern Valley Regional – Old Tappan Library Media Center, recently hosted two events. On Friday, December 11th, she hosted a presentation by Jason Alan Snyder, and on Wednesday, December 15th, she hosted an On-Site College Application Day.

Jason Alan Snyder is a technology executive, inventor, and futurist (among his many other talents and titles). Having worked in a variety of different tech firms, Snyder spoke to our students about his experiences and inventions, including a virtual reality video game featuring Maria Sharapova. His favorite among his inventions is “Luci” (named for the Spanish word for firefly, “luciérnaga”), a solar-powered inflatable light that never need batteries. It is used in the U.S. by campers but has been extremely important and helpful in Africa and during the Nepalese earthquake recovery last spring (see more about Luci @ https://www.mpowerd.com). In addition to speaking to about technology innovations like smart houses, Snyder stressed the importance of the Arts, creativity, and following one’s passion. The presentation was organized and introduced by Math teacher Paul Capuzzo. Students in his classes, Steve Maietta’s Technology classes, and Jennifer Fernandez-Reyes’ World Civilization class attended.

At the On-Site College Application Day, eleven colleges sent representatives to conduct application meetings with our Northern Valley seniors from both the Demarest and Old Tappan buildings. Counselor Alan Regar organized the day, which included: Montclair State University, Ramapo College, Johnson and Wales University, Cabrini College, Centenay College, Feilician College, St. Thomas Aquinas College, Seton Hall University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University of Hartford, and Quinnipiac University. Students made appointments in advance with their guidance counselors and brought with them their completed Common Application forms. While Guidance staff from both buildings assisted, application meetings were held throughout the morning and into the afternoon in the four facilities in the LMC, ensuring privacy for student applicants. Today, many of their students proudly announced that they have been accepted to college!