Meet the 2011 Graduates: Albert Cavallaro

Last fall, 18-year-old borough resident and senior Albert Cavallaro already knew where he'd be headed, post-graduation.

That's when Cavallaro was accepted to The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) based on his academic credentials. 

"(At TCNJ), I plan to major in either English or history, or both," said Cavallaro. "After college, I'm not sure what type of job I'd want to have. I guess I just haven't gotten that far yet."

Cavallaro's hardly had time to plan ahead, with the past four years of his life being so busy. 

"For Collingswood High School, I've been involved with varsity soccer and tennis, Latin Club, National Honors Society and doing layout and design for Yearbook Club," he said.

And through it all, Cavallaro's managed to maintain a 4.3 GPA.

"I think the hardest part of senior year has been getting everything together, and keeping everything organized (with respect to) applying to colleges and for scholarships, writing admissions essays, things like that," he said. "Individually, these aren't difficult things, but it seemed like I let it pile up, and it was tough to get all of it done."

Cavallaro said his brief procrastination may simply be a case of senioritis. 

"It probably is (senioritis)," he said, laughing. "But I've really had senioritis all four years of high school."

The easiest aspect of senior year, he said, was his course schedule. 

"This year, my classes weren't too hard, and I didn't seem to struggle with any of them," said Cavallaro. 

Cavallaro, who's been a Collingswood Public School District student since the second half of kindergarten—when his family moved into the borough from Philadelphia—is anticipating the college transition.

"I got into TCNJ for academics, but I might want to play sports there, too," he said. "They're a Division III school, so I was thinking of trying out for their tennis team. If not, I'll at least play (sports) on a club team."

Now that he's finished high school, Cavallaro has personal experience to share with next year's senior graduating class. 

"I'd tell next year's seniors to just relax, stay calm. Apply to schools, don't let it pile up," he said. 

When asked what he'll miss most about Collingswood, the longtime borough resident supplied an immediate response. 

"Well, I get a panzarotti every Monday from Franco's (in Collingswood)," said Cavallaro, his eyes glazing over with tenderness. "I won't be able to do that anymore when I'm at college. I'll have to ask my parents to send them to me. That might be what I'll miss the most. I'll miss my friends, too, but mostly panzarottis."

Collingswood High School Principal Edward T. Hill said Cavallaro has all the skills necessary to succeed at TCNJ—with or without Franco's panzarottis.

"Albert is a hardworking student who values academics, and who's seen them as a vital part of his future," said Hill. "He balances his time between schoolwork and extra-curricular activities, and those things helped him become a well-rounded young man, of whom we are very proud."