Name: Valerie “Val” Kohan

School Activities/Sports Involved In: Being Editor-in-Chief of the Communication and Journalism Program’s website, The Talon. 

Something about Val that would surprise you: That I can do a very convincing Elvis impression but only if I sing “Viva Las Vegas”.

Biggest motivation for senior year: To make the most of my Senior Year while working hard on trying to produce the best content we can for The Talon. I also am thriving to leave my legacy in the At-Cave. 

Favorite class ever taken at MTHS: Intro. to Journalism, Advanced and Career Journalism, and English 9 with Mrs. Leenza.

Goals after leaving the Hawks Nest: Attending Ocean County College (OCC) with the NJ STARS program to earn my Associate Degree in Journalism. I then plan to transfer to another college to continue in my major to finish out my last two years of college for my Bachelor’s Degree. 

What Val will miss most at MTHS: Writing and contributing to The Talon as well as all of my AMAZING teachers that have helped make me the best version of myself I can possibly be. 

If Val had one wish, they’d wish for: To meet any of my favorite celebrities (probably Nicolas Cage or Pedro Pascal). 

Best MTHS memory: The time I passed out in the Auditorium during the Blood Drive assembly when they were just talking about blood and the only thing that “saved” me was Mountain Dew given to me by Sam. **Even though I was not conscious**

Advice for the underclassmen: Life moves pretty fast, once in a while take a minute to look around because you might miss it. Just enjoy your four years of High School when you can, because before you know it, you’ll be graduating. 

Favorite food: Mac and Cheese, Hot Dogs, Cheese Burgers (just no mayo)

Favorite musical artist: Harry Styles, Justin Timberlake, George Michael, and Elvis. 

Favorite sports team: I don’t like sports but if I had to, I’d route for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, and sadly, Pirates… Maybe the Red Socks because of Fever Pitch. 

Senior Spotlights are selected on a rotating basis by the MTHS Guidance Department.