Pascack Valley Seniors Emma Metz and Joseph Marotta were recently announced as Pascack Valley High School Class of 2025’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively.

Metz recalls being called down to the guidance office, where she was told by her guidance counselor—Maggie Ely—that they were going to be talking about college. However, she became worried when PV Principal John Puccio entered the office. 

“[Puccio] was talking to me about college stuff and he was like ‘Wouldn’t it be great to tell [colleges] that you’re the Valedictorian?’” the Valedictorian explained. “So, I was kind of in shock, because I didn’t expect that.”

Marotta was both surprised and pleased when he found out. 

“I was very proud of myself and grateful to have this honor,” Marotta said.

Metz and Marotta agree that time management is the key to balancing academics with clubs, sports, and social activities.

“[I] try to do assignments as soon as I can, [and I] try to get things out the way,” Marotta said. “…keep a schedule and stay to it…Don’t just waste time. Things build up and then you have problems.”

Metz said that she spent many lunches and Pascack Periods doing her homework and studying as a way of time management.

When asked about their high school classes, the Valedictorian and Salutatorian reflected on their experiences.

Marotta recommends that anyone who has the opportunity to take AP Calculus BC with Maria Hinrichsen does.

Metz recommends AP Art History with Pamela Schwartz and AP United States History I and II  with Marisa Mathias and Leah Jerome, respectively.

Both stated that the most challenging class they took during their time at Valley was AP Physics I with Borislaw Bilash.

“Always just try your best,” Metz said. “…When I’m doing my work I just make sure that it’s the best it can be.”