Exploring Futures: Club Kids Attend Hackensack Meridian Career Day
On June 4th, a group of middle and high school Club Kids had the incredible opportunity to participate in Hackensack Meridian Career Day, a special event designed to inspire and educate the next generation of professionals.
Hosted at the Hackensack Meridian Health Center, the day began with a guided tour of the facility, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the many moving parts that keep a major healthcare organization running smoothly. From advanced medical technology to the everyday workings of a busy hospital, the experience was both eye-opening and engaging.
But the highlight of the day was the chance for students to sit down and speak directly with professionals from a wide variety of fields. Club Kids were able to learn firsthand from architects, real estate experts, lawyers, EMTs, special education teachers, and more. These one-on-one and small group conversations gave our young attendees valuable insight into what it takes to succeed in these careers, what a typical day looks like, and how to start planning for the future now.
Of course, no Career Day would be complete without some fun. After an inspiring afternoon of learning and exploring, everyone came together to enjoy pizza and ice cream, a perfect way to wrap up an amazing day.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Hackensack Meridian Health for opening their doors and to all the professionals who took time out of their busy schedules to share their knowledge and experiences. Your support makes a lasting impact on our Club Kids and helps spark the dreams that will shape tomorrow’s leaders.
Until next year!
Boys & Girls Club of Clifton needs your help
On average, kids spend 80% of their time outside of school. After school and during the summer months, it’s critically important that they have safe places to go where they can learn, grow, and have fun.
And that’s exactly what happens at the more than 5,500 Boys & Girls Clubs around the country that serve 3.3 million youth each year, including Boys & Girls Club of Clifton
Unfortunately, a recent federal proposal is threatening a critical funding stream that supports our Clubs. We need you to contact your legislators to protect it.
The President’s recently-released budget proposes eliminating the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) program that supports out-of-school time providers like us. Each year, 21CCLC impacts the lives of over 240,000 Club kids across more than 920 Club sites, improving learning engagement and school attendance for 70% of the students engaged in the program.
Eliminating 21CCLC would result in hundreds of Boys & Girls Clubs closing their doors, leaving young people with nowhere to go outside of school.
Hundreds of Club kids in Clifton and millions of other young people nationwide are counting on Congress to protect funding for this vital program – and we’re counting on you to ask Congress to do so.
- Boys & Girls Club of Clifton
Flag Football Tournament with Bobby Okereke
On May 30th, the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton football team took part in a flag football tournament at Caven Point Field in Jersey City. NFL linebacker Bobby Okereke was on hand to support the event and connect with the kids.
The team competed hard, showed great sportsmanship, and got the chance to hear from Bobby about the value of discipline, teamwork, and staying focused.
Thanks to Bobby and the organizers for making this a memorable day for our players!
M.S. Fun Nightz at American Dream Mall
On May 23rd, our middle school teens had an unforgettable night at the American Dream Mall as part of our ongoing M.S. Fun Nightz program! From playing laser tag to sharing laughs over pizza, Popeyes, and Wendy’s, it was a fun-filled evening packed with energy, connection, and community.
At The Club, we believe that every young person deserves a safe, supportive space where they can be themselves, build positive relationships, and experience new opportunities. Events like this give our teens a chance to unwind, have fun, and grow socially and emotionally in a positive environment outside the classroom.
These experiences are more than just a night out—they’re part of our mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
A huge thank you to Maxine, our dedicated Teen Coordinator, for organizing the night and always going above and beyond to create meaningful experiences for our youth.
We’re excited to continue offering programs that inspire, support, and uplift our members. Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to get involved!
Clifton Seahawks Set New Team Records at 2025 MetersMania Meet
The Clifton Seahawks made a splash at the 2025 MetersMania Meet, held May 17–18 at the Jersey Aquatic Center! It was a weekend full of energy, great swims, and some exciting new team records.
We’re thrilled to give a big shoutout to the following swimmers who broke long course team records during the meet:
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Julianne Roldan – 50 Freestyle & 50 Backstroke
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Madilyne Hackett – 50 Freestyle
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Marcelina Korszen – 100 Backstroke & 400 Individual Medley
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Alyanna Roldan – 50 Butterfly & 100 Freestyle
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Daniel Antonyshyn – 100 Backstroke, 200 & 400 Freestyle, and 200 Individual Medley
Each of these swimmers put in the hard work and showed up ready to race. Whether it was a quick sprint or a long medley, they gave it their all—and it paid off in a big way.
At this point, we’re starting to wonder if we should just keep a pencil handy for our record board—because these athletes keep rewriting it! (Not that we’re complaining…)
We’re so proud of the entire Clifton Seahawks team for their effort and teamwork throughout the meet. Great job to all our swimmers, coaches, and families who support them every step of the way.
Go Seahawks!
All Staff Training Day Recap – Preparing for a Safe and Successful Summer
On Friday, staff from across The Club came together for an all-staff training day to prepare for the summer ahead. It was a chance for everyone—new and returning staff—to connect, review safety procedures, and get on the same page before the incoming busy months.
The day started with a few icebreaker activities to help staff get to know one another. These group games gave everyone an opportunity to step outside their usual roles and build connections with coworkers from different departments.
A big thank you to Andrea and Paula, who led an important session on safety guidelines. Their discussion covered key policies and helped set clear expectations for how we respond to incidents and accidents. Afterward, we broke into small groups to walk through different scenarios and talk through how we’d handle them. These conversations were useful and practical, giving everyone a chance to share ideas and learn from each other.
While the main training was happening, the Gingerbread and Aquatics teams held their own focused sessions. We appreciate their hard work and preparation as they get ready for the summer as well.
To wrap up the day, we shared a delicious Dominican dinner.
Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make the day productive. With the summer approaching, it’s important that we’re prepared, informed, and connected as a team. We're looking forward to the months ahead.
Thank You to Keller Williams Team Realty for a Fantastic RED Day!
Yesterday was one of those days that reminded us just how powerful community support can be. We were incredibly honored to welcome the amazing team from Keller Williams Team Realty – Clifton to The Club for RED Day (Renew, Energize, and Donate), their annual day of service.
This amazing group of volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work, helping us paint The Club and organize our storage closet—a project that had been on our wish list for quite some time. Thanks to their dedication, the space is now functional, clean, and ready to serve our team and members more efficiently. It may seem like a small task, but it has a huge impact on our day-to-day operations and ability to support the community.
What made the day even more special was the spirit in which they served. With smiles, teamwork, and an enthusiastic “let’s do this” attitude, the Keller Williams team reminded us what RED Day is all about—coming together to uplift others and give back with heart. 💙
To everyone at Keller Williams Clifton: thank you for choosing us as the place to make a difference. We truly couldn’t have done it without you, and we’re beyond grateful for your time, talent, and generosity.
We’re lucky to have such dedicated partners in our community—and we’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to team up!
Discover, Learn & Grow with I.S.E.E. – Integrated Summer Enrichment Experience!
Get ready for an exciting, enriching summer with the I.S.E.E. (Integrated Summer Enrichment Experience) Program! Designed to keep kids learning, growing, and having fun, this full-day summer program provides engaging activities, caring supervision, and educational support for your children. Whether you're seeking dependable child care or a vibrant, structured environment for your child, I.S.E.E. has it all!
📅 Registration Opens: May 12, 2025
Register at the Front Desk of the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton to reserve your spot! Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
📍 Program Location
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The I.S.E.E. Program will be held at Woodrow Wilson Middle School.
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Children will be transported by bus from the Boys & Girls Club to the school each morning.
🕖 Daily Schedule
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Before Care: Drop-off begins at 7:30 AM at the Boys & Girls Club.
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Fee: $60
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Bus Departure: Children will be transported to Woodrow Wilson Middle School at 8:15 AM.
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After Care: Available from the end of the I.S.E.E. Program until 4:30 PM.
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Fee: $450
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💵 Program Fees
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Registration Fee: $30 per child
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Membership Fee:
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$40 for the first child
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$30 for each additional child in the same household
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📋 What You Need to Bring
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A copy of your child(ren)’s immunization record must be submitted at the time of registration.
The I.S.E.E. Program is more than just a place to spend the day—it’s a place where kids explore, learn, and connect with peers in a safe and nurturing environment. Spots fill up fast, so don't miss this opportunity to give your child a summer filled with discovery and fun!
For more information, visit the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton or call the front desk - 973-773-2697.
Spring Basketball Clinics Wrapped!
Our spring basketball clinic series officially wrapped up with the final session on May 3rd—and we’re proud to say it was a great season. Over several weeks, we worked with players ages 8–17 on core skills, game IQ, and teamwork, and the progress we saw was impressive.
Thanks to all the athletes, families, coaches, and volunteers who helped make each session a success. We had strong turnouts, great energy, and a lot of fun.
We’re hoping to run another clinic this summer—stay tuned for updates!
Clifton High School Juniors Get a Glimpse Into Their Future at Career Exploration Day
On May 1st, 2025, the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton hosted its annual Career Exploration Day, offering local high school juniors a unique opportunity to explore different career paths. The event gave students the chance to step outside the classroom and into real workplaces, shadowing professionals, asking questions, and gaining insight into what it’s really like to work in a wide variety of industries.
From hospitals and law offices to media studios and banks, students got an up-close look at careers they might want to pursue in the future.
Learning by Doing: Job Shadowing Across Clifton
At JAG Physical Therapy, Clinical Director Lacey Burton mentored three students who were so inspired by their experience, they expressed interest in volunteering in the future.
In the legal field, Dominic Iannarella of Iannarella Law LLC welcomed two students and shared what it takes to build a successful legal career. Kate Hyde from Kennedys Law LLP guided five students through a tour of the Passaic County Courthouse and gave them a deeper look into careers in law and the judicial system.
Healthcare was another major highlight. Tania Manago, Assistant Director at Clara Maass Hospital, led 12 students through various departments, offering insight into the many roles available in the medical field, from patient care to hospital operations.
Exploring a Range of Careers
Juniors also had the chance to explore careers in finance, education, public service, media, and more.
Dante Liberti of Ameriprise Financial introduced three students to financial planning and the business world.
At Clifton Cable Channel, Station Manager Mike Solomon helped two students record their own segment, offering a hands-on experience in media and broadcasting.
Michael Wright at Lamart Corporation hosted three students and showed them what a career in safety and manufacturing looks like.
At the Clifton Health Department, Erika Shyroky and social worker Tom Sadowski gave two students a tour and insight into psychology and social services careers.
Seven students visited Valley Bank with Paul Smith and Michele Chambers, where they toured several departments and got a closer look at careers in finance and banking.
Carol Cavino, Associate Vice President of High School Admissions at Berkeley College, met with three students to talk about college life and help them think about their educational futures.
MaryJo Foster, an Early Education Director, guided five students through what it’s like to work in early childhood education.
Clifton Police Officers Kevin Collucci and Lance Gardner gave two students an in-depth view of law enforcement careers and the training involved.
Guest Speakers Offer Career Tips
In addition to job shadowing, students also got valuable advice from guest speakers who shared tips on preparing for the professional world.
Gina Bucci, Director of Human Resources at Taco Bell, spoke about interview skills—what to wear, how to act, and how to leave a strong impression.
Alexis Antico from Montclair State University’s Center for Writing Excellence talked about how to write a strong résumé and cover letter—important tools for any future job search.
A Powerful Day of Discovery
Career Exploration Day gave Clifton’s high school juniors the chance to see real workplaces in action and to start imagining where their own paths could lead. From courtrooms to classrooms and everything in between, students walked away with new ideas, fresh motivation, and a better sense of what’s possible.
A big thank you to all the professionals and businesses who made this day so impactful. With their support, the future is looking brighter for Clifton’s next generation.
