Audrey Yi, a Senior in PCTI’s STEM Academy of Biomedical Life and Sciences, is January’s Athlete of the Month. A varsity fencing starter (foil), Audrey helped drive a standout year that included placing 12th in the state for Girls Foil, contributing to the Girls Fencing Team’s County Championship, and helping the Girls Foil Team earn second place in districts.
One of Audrey’s favorite memories during her time fencing for PCTI came at districts, when the entire squad, foil, sabre, and épée, bonded and supported one another throughout the day. The results were exciting, including a second-place overall finish and Audrey advancing to states, but what stood out most was the team-wide encouragement during challenging meets. She also credited her teammates—upperclassmen and underclassmen alike—along with her coaches and family for supporting her throughout the season.
Outside of school fencing, Audrey stays active through masters fencing and training with GFA Club Fencing, and she also participates in cross country and track & field. In addition, she serves as President of the World Language Honor Society, is involved in National Honor Society, FBLA, and HOSA, and is Co-Director of a nonprofit organization, Wayne Grounded. She’s also part of NJROTC as Head of Operations and participates in Color Guard and Drill Team.
Looking ahead, Audrey plans to pursue a pre-med track in college, with goals of medical school.
Congratulations, Audrey!
Ethan Naji, a Senior in PCTI STEM’s Computer Science program, is recognized as Athlete of the Month. A dedicated fencer and the Boys Sabre Captain, Ethan has been fencing for more than four years and competes year-round, including club fencing. This season, he’s been a consistent force, currently undefeated in the regular season and continues to build on an impressive competitive record.
Ethan’s favorite moment this year came during the team’s opener match, a rivalry showdown that went down to the wire. With the score tied 13–13 and the match decided by the first to reach 14, the team pulled off a hard-earned win after years of coming up short. For Ethan, that pressure-filled finish captured everything that makes the sport rewarding.
In school, Ethan is involved in the National Honor Society for STEM, the World Language Honor Society, and Engineering Club. Outside of competition, he also gives back to the sport as a coach at his fencing club, teaching beginner-level athletes. When he’s not fencing, he’s usually focused on school, gaming, or playing guitar.
Ethan credits his success to his parents, coaches, and teammates, and next year he plans to major in computer engineering.
Congratulations Ethan!