PERSONAL INFORMATION

    My full name is Richard Joseph Pellicciotta, Jr.; but everyone I know simply calls me RJ. I am actually not sure if that stands for Richard Joseph or Richard Junior. (My parents can't seem to remember.)

    I was born in New Jersey, but moved to Greensboro, North Carolina when I was two years old. After living in Greensboro for a few years, my family moved to Charlotte. I lived there for 19 years before relocating to the triangle.

    I graduated from South Mecklenburg High School in 1994 and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998. I taught Social Studies and coached debate at South Mecklenburg High School for five years before coming to Cary Academy.

    I am part Puerto Rican and part Italian, and both my parents are native New Yorkers. I have a sister who is two years older then me who lives in Charlotte.

    I am an avid New York Giants fan and have also become a huge Carolina Panthers fan since the franchise debuted in Charlotte 8 years ago. (If I am ever in a bad mood on Monday morning, you can guess why.)

    I also love the New York Yankees and live and die for Carolina basketball. (Red Sox and Duke fans beware.)

    I am a movie buff and consider myself to be a master of the six degrees of Kevin Bacon game. (Feel free to challenge me if you like.) My favorite TV shows are Alias, The West Wing, and American Idol. I also think the Digital Video Recorder is one of mankind's greatest inventions.