Mike, Mia and Alex Savare:
I am going to come right out and say it -I am in awe of the Savare triplets: Mike, Mia and Alexandra. I am in greater awe of their parents who are about to send three children - at the same time - off to three different universities in three different states to pursue three very individual passions. It is impressive to say the least. I originally reached out to mom Jodi Savare when I learned her daughter Alex was named Valedictorian of VoTech. But when I did some preliminary research (aka Faceook scrolling) I saw that all three of her children were outstanding in their own right and deserved a spotlight equally.
Mike Savare - Heading to Syracuse in the fall to double major in Sports Management and Business Analytics. His highschool career was adorned with accolades for high achievement (National Honor Sciety and the coveted Math Honor Society, Ma Alpha. He worked on the highschool paper and even did his senior project working for Jim Mooney at The Tap. His list of clubs is long - having been involved with DECA, Greater Peer Tutoring and as a volunteer for Top Soccer. He played on the championship bowling team for all four years of highschool as well. But perhaps his greatest achievement was serving alongside his sister as Co-President of SMAC (Students March Against Cancer) after having been on the Baord since he was a sophomore. This is personal for Mike. Diagnosed at two and a half with luekemia, Mike underwent chemotherapy for three years until he turned five. He still gets an annual scan and is grateful to associations like The Valerie Fund for providing the care he so desperately needed as a child. While he does not remember the chemo that well, he does remember the love he felf from his sisters, parents and care givers. Mike is a genuinely kind kid.
Sister Mi Savare is equally impressive - and a clear leader in the community. As we sat for this interview she was greeted numerous times by passersby excited to have a chance encounter with the vivacious young woman. Having just earned the Raiders “Twelve for Twelve” (that’s 12 Varsity Letters for participating in 3 Varsity Sports per year, for all four years of hshgschool. Her sport of choice is running! She does the 800 and 1600 races at the varsity level in cross country, winter track and spring track. She has volunteered extensively through her role as Co-President of SMAC, her work as a peer minister at IHM and as an EMT for the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad where she recently completed her Senior Project. Doing overnights no less! Mia is also a scholar with math being the star of Mia’s show having taken the most notoriously hard math classes offered at the school. Another high achiever with honor societies and the like, Mia will head to University of Maryland in the fall to double major in Biochemistry and Dietetics. She has received numerous scholarships to support her educational journey including the JT Cunningham Scholarship for exceptional scholar athlete.
Alexandra Savare - to achieve the level of Valedictorian is hard. But to achieve it at the most competitive highschool in the region is an absolute feat. Speaking as if the achievement was not that big of a deal Alex shares her GPA was a 4.9 and I didn't want to ask about her SAT scores!
Patrick Korner, Union Catholic High School:
Recent Union Catholic graduate Patrick Korner is a proud Eagle Scout whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the community. After joining Cub Scouts in first grade, Patrick spent more than a decade advancing through the ranks, earning merit badges, and completing a service project benefiting the Fanwood Nature Center.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Scouting and requires leadership, community service, practical skills, and the successful management of a significant service project. Candidates must plan, fundraise, recruit volunteers, execute, and document their project. The achievement is so demanding that only about 7% of Scouts earn the rank.
What stands out most about Patrick is his commitment to the values of the Scout Oath and Law—being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, and brave. Speaking recently at a local Good Scout Award dinner, Patrick shared his passion for mentoring younger Scouts and the life skills Scouting has taught him. This fall, Patrick will attend the University of Central Florida to study Immersive Experience Design, with the goal of creating experiences that bring joy to people around the world.
Spencer Martin, Scotch Plains Fanwood High School
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School graduate Spencer Martin is the kind of student whose curiosity inspires everyone around him. A passionate history enthusiast, Spencer founded the school’s History Club and served as co-president alongside his friend Alex. What began as a love of history—particularly Ancient Egypt—grew into a thriving organization that brings students together for guest speakers, discussions, and volunteer projects at local landmarks such as the Cannonball House. Anyone who can convince a group of teenagers to don Revolutionary War attire in the middle of town is clearly a natural leader.
But history is only part of Spencer’s story. His true passion is physics. Through his determination, he secured renowned nuclear energy advocate Charles Oppenheimer as a virtual guest speaker for the club. Oppenheimer was so impressed that he later invited Spencer to intern with his organization.
Most recently, Spencer completed an internship at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, where scientists from around the world study the fundamental building blocks of the universe. This fall, Spencer will attend Duke University, where he plans to study both Physics and History.
Page 4:
Caleb McDowell, SPFHS
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School graduate Caleb McDowell has made the most of his high school years through a combination of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and quiet determination. A standout lacrosse player, Caleb earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike for his work ethic, leadership, and commitment to the game.
On the field, he has been a key contributor to the Raiders' success, demonstrating the discipline and resilience that have become hallmarks of his character. Off the field, Caleb has excelled in the classroom, balancing the demands of a rigorous academic schedule with the responsibilities of being a student-athlete.
Those who know Caleb describe him as focused, humble, and driven—someone who leads by example and consistently challenges himself to improve. His ability to succeed in multiple arenas reflects a maturity beyond his years and a strong foundation of values instilled by his family, coaches, and teachers.
This fall, Caleb will attend Yale University, where he plans to continue pursuing academic excellence while embracing new opportunities for growth. His future is bright, and his Scotch Plains-Fanwood community will be cheering him on every step of the way.
Page 5: Lily Gallagher, Mount Saint Mary
For rising Mount Saint Mary Academy junior Lily Gallagher, the world is both a classroom and a place to serve. A dedicated student-athlete, Lily balances the demands of academics and athletics with a spirit of curiosity and compassion that extends far beyond her hometown.
An avid traveler, Lily has explored destinations including Peru, Greece, Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, and the stunning islands of The Grenadines. Each journey has deepened her appreciation for different cultures, histories, and perspectives, while inspiring a desire to make a positive impact wherever she goes.
That commitment to helping others is evident in her passion for community service. Whether volunteering locally or supporting charitable initiatives, Lily believes that meaningful change begins with small acts of kindness and a willingness to give back.
Friends and family describe her as hardworking, adventurous, and thoughtful—qualities that serve her well both on the playing field and in the community. As she prepares for her junior year, Lily continues to embrace new experiences, challenge herself academically and athletically, and look for opportunities to serve others while exploring the world around her.
Oliver Kent, Scotch Plains Fanwood Highschool
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School freshman Oliver, the stage is more than a place to perform—it’s where creativity, talent, and passion come together. A Fanwood resident, Oliver is deeply involved in the school’s music program, participating in choir, honors choir, band, and Rhythm Sense, the percussion ensemble directed by Mr. Jackson.
This spring, Oliver captivated audiences as “Big Julie” in SPFHS’s production of Guys and Dolls. The production earned statewide recognition, being named one of the top five high school musicals in New Jersey by the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards program, selected from more than 120 productions.
A lover of classic music and musical theater, Oliver is known for fully immersing themselves in every role, even creating screen-accurate props to enhance performances. Their dedication has been shaped by years of experience in community theater and training with programs such as Theatrical Artist Prep and Glass Acting Out.
With parents who both have backgrounds in the theater, a second summer at French Woods Festival ahead, and dreams of becoming a professional singer and actor, Oliver is already proving to be a rising star worth watching.