Nicole Basalyga, the maternity leave replacement for graphics teacher Helene McLaughlin, was once a rival Panther, but is now a Hillbilly. Ms. B, as she is known to her students, is a graduate of Cedar Grove High School.

When asked about the rivalry as a student from Cedar Grove, she replied with “I didn’t think the Verona- Cedar Grove rivalry was that big of a deal. I used to go to the Thanksgiving game; it was cool and fun.”

Before Ms. B began working at Verona, she worked at Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington for four and a half years teaching drawing and painting, graphics and advanced art.

“I like this school better. There is a very different atmosphere… it is just better.” said Ms. B when asked about her feelings on VHS.

She said her favorite thing about VHS is “the people; everyone is pretty friendly.”

Jokingly, she said that her least favorite thing in the school is that her air conditioner doesn’t work.

Her favorite graphics project so far has been the concert posters because she thinks it is a good way to learn more about her students. She gets to find out what they are interested in, like what kind of music they listen to.

Another reason that Ms. B likes the concert poster project is that she likes seeing live performances herself.

“I like to go to concerts. I’ve seen Bruce Springsteen a couple of times.”

Outside of school, Ms. B’s other interests include coaching softball at Queen of Peace High School. In the summer she likes to lay out on the beach and travel.

“I love travelling. My favorite place I have been to was Italy. I studied abroad there when I was in college. ”

In the winter, she likes to snowboard.

“I like to be outside and stay active, and snowboarding is a fun way to do it.”