Senior Petar Cvijanovic is set to graduate this June from John F. Kennedy Memorial High School. After having done so much for his school and community, graduating will be a well deserved end. He plans to major in Information Systems in college at Kean University. I spoke at length with Petar, asking him all about his high school career. Through his responses, we’re able get a small glimpse into his experience.
You got a full ride to Kean University, what was your reaction to finding out you got a full ride?
Petar: I feel like it’s a combination of everything I did in my time at high school since of course, while I did focus on my academics, I did focus as well on being well rounded. I was involved in the arts with the musical, first being part of sound crew, and then being in the musical. Then, I was also part of guitar club for all 4 years. Then of course with athletics, I’ve been on varsity volleyball since freshman year, so I was focusing on that too.
You’ve been part of the volleyball team for 4 years now. What do you like about it and how do you think it has shaped you as a person?
I feel like what I like about it the most is the teammates and the people I meet along the way. Since I also did club [volleyball], playing other schools, I see a lot of people I played with in club, so it’s interesting like that. I’d say it’s mostly the connection I feel I like the most. We were never an astonishing team, so I never won many games. So it shaped me as a person, since I learned to be very patient.
You started participating in theater during your junior year. Why did you choose to?
I joined the play originally in freshman or sophomore year as part of sound [crew] because my sister acted in it. The only reason I ever started acting was because even since I was a kid, I had my youtube videos I made, so I was always interested in it. I was always also very shy, so that’s why I feel getting out of my comfort zone, I was able to do something like that.
Has theater taught you something about yourself?
I love having the spotlight, I love it. I feel like I live for the camera. I enjoy it a lot and I feel like it’s something I wanna focus on in the future.
Having done so much here at and for the school, is there anything you regret not doing?
I think I probably could’ve just started with the play, since my freshman year. I feel like sound crew, it was ok, but I feel if I started [acting] earlier, I would’ve gotten better roles later on. …Even if I could go back and change anything, I wouldn’t, but it would be interesting to see how that would’ve played out.
What would you say was your biggest accomplishment here at JFK?
…I’d say all division for volleyball for three years. Also having rank in top 10% last year…I was surprised and very happy with that. Then I don’t know if this counts as a JFK accomplishment, but getting the full ride. I feel like it was very validating since I thought….the effort I put in wasn’t for nothing. Seeing that though, I was like, “wow there was a purpose.”
Lastly, what is one piece of advice you would give your freshman self if you could?
I’d say get out of your comfort zone…. For example with the fashion show, or the musical, or the guitar concert; it was super scary, I mean understandably, since I was coming in from middle school and after COVID when nothing happened. So getting out of my comfort zone was the best decision I could’ve made. I feel like it set me up also for life to excel since I wouldn’t be afraid to try new things, and I wouldn’t worry about the judgment of others to stop me.
From your friends and peers here at JFK, we wish you all the best on your bright future! And from your girl, I know you’ll do great things, so don’t ever worry.
