“(MAC)...helped me make deci- sions that would not only affect me, but also my brothers and sisters in my community.” feature story / 17 The program is popular and grow- ing. Five years ago, it started with 40 students. This year it has 100. Last fall, the cafeteria was filled with inter- ested kids when the program was discussed. But Hicks is careful not to expand too fast. “It’s hard to build a fam- ily feeling with a group so large,” she says. To keep things more family-sized, MAC stu- dents are divided into squads. To get into the program, stu- dents must complete a two- round application process. “It’s a good feeling. You have to stretch yourself to get into MAC,” says Hicks. Once the executive board invites a student into the MAC program, there can be a bit of an adjustment. MAC peers see one another’s report cards. “And if you get into trouble, you have to explain what hap- pened, why it happened and how to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” says Hicks. “That can be hard for some kids to deal with.” More often, though, it helps them bond. Last year, MAC students at- tended prom together. The MAC squads have challenges each month beyond their regular academics. For example, one month last year there was a resume challenge, where the kids were tasked with creating resumes. Another month’s challenge was networking, and they were asked to introduce themselves to the school district superintendent and principal. The squad that best completes the challenge gets a field trip. Last year, a winning squad chose to go to the Visual Art Center of New Jersey in Summit to take a class These graduating senior MAC Scholars received laptops, donated by the Bass Foundation. Tommy Bass in back row, fifth from left. At the Senior Breakfast, this MAC Scholar sang to her fellow classmates. Caroline Farnsworth REALTOR ®/ Sales Agent Looking to make a move? Contact me today! Cell: 973-698-0737 Caroline@CarolineFarnsworth.com www.carolinefarnsworth.com When you work with Caroline, you benefit from her 12 years of experience in real estate as well as 17 years of corporate marketing. • Top agent for 3 consecutive years • Hands-on approach as your single point of contact • Personalized service to guide you through the entire process • Excellent negotiation skills to get you the best price Nothing Takes the Place of Experience 181 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood, 973-762-5400 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated BBQ & BAR 20% OFF FOOD PURCHASE With this Coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Open Mon-Thu 3 - Midnight / Fri - Sat 11:30 am - 2 am / Sunday 11:30 - Midnight Sunday Brunch 11:30 am - 5 pm 34 S. Valley Rd., West Orange, NJ 07052 Call 973-736-7899 / www.suzyques.com • Full Service Restaurant & Bar • Private Parties & Catering • Music 7 Days a Week • Voted Best BBQ in Suburban Essex and Morris Health & Life BBQ & B 20% OFF FOOD P With this Coupon. Cannot be combined with Open Mon-Thu 3 - Midnight / Fri - Sat 11:30 am - 2 am Sunday Brunch 11:30 am - 5 p 34 S. Valley Rd., West Orang Call 973-736-7899 / www.s • Full Servi • Private • Music • Voted Best B and Mor BBQ & BAR 20% OFF FOOD PURCHASE With this Coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Open Mon-Thu 3 - Midnight / Fri - Sat 11:30 am - 2 am / Sunday 11:30 - Midnight Sunday Brunch 11:30 am - 5 pm 34 S. Valley Rd., West Orange, NJ 07052 Call 973-736-7899 / www.suzyques.com • Full Service Restaurant & Bar • Private Parties & Catering • Music 7 Days a Week • Voted Best BBQ in Suburban Essex and Morris Health & Life Full Service Restaurant & Bar / Private Parties & Catering / Music 7 Days a Week / Voted Best BBQ in Suburban Essex and Morris Health & Life