Day: February 8, 2023

Hamilton, Hamilton, High School, Mercer County, Special Events

Hamilton Township School District Student Accepted to MIT

February 8, 2023

Hamilton, NJ. The Hamilton Township School District (HTSD) is proud of Steinert High School senior, Fadi Farag on being accepted to MIT to study Computer Science and Electrical Engineering this fall. “The Class of 2022 was the single most challenging year to be admitted to Massachusetts Institute of Technology ever. For the Class of 2022, 21,706 students applied to Massachusetts Institute of Technology of which 1,464 students were accepted, yielding an overall acceptance rate of 6.7%,” reported IvyLeaguePrep.com.

Fadi has lived in Hamilton Township for the last fifteen years having attended Langtree Elementary School and Crockett Middle School. Fadi’s favorite subject is Math, a subject he began to enjoy in elementary school. Fadi credits several teachers for helping him throughout his education at HTSD: Mrs. Cumming (Langtree Third grade teacher), Mrs. Mary Carlin Komjathy (retired Crockett Math teacher), Mr. Ryan and Ms. Blew (Steinert High School teachers). “In elementary school I saw a bunch of my friends messing around with computers and became interested. And then one YouTube video led to another … I love when you can use what you know and just learn more to apply it to anything you want to make. You can use math and / or physics concepts and put them together in a project to see your knowledge translate to something concrete and make your own things,” expressed Fadi.

Fadi is a dedicated student who spends an abundance of his time participating in school activities.

He is a member of the Steinert High School Robotics Club, the Debate and Mock Trial Teams, and the school newspaper club. He is also a sound engineer for the theater program. When not in school, Fadi spends his time doing homework, learning about new technology, creating new projects, playing games, and watching shows with his friends.

Fadi explained his college application process. “First, I sat down and made a list of 15 schools, nervous I wouldn’t get into many. I organized them by safety, mid-range, and reach schools. I completed the actual application process and found the task of describing my life in 650 words one of the most challenging aspects. I wrote my essays, assembled all the necessary information, and just went for it! I enjoyed submitting the MIT application as it was the most fun of all. MIT was one of my top choices and after doing research, I felt it was the best fit for me,” explained Fadi. When Fadi received his acceptance email, he was confused when he saw the confetti … very confused … explaining it took him three whole minutes to process what he read, and then after that he was in shock! He called his father first to tell him the news. Fun fact: The acceptance email was in Fadi’s Spam folder!

Fadi encourages other students to explore all that high school offers and get out of their comfort zone. Fadi explains, “I like that I can work with my hands now, a skill I learned in Robotics. Mock Trial has taught me how to think quicker on my feet and make arguments on the spot. Each experience builds your skillset. Theatre Tech Crew has helped me learn how to interact with different types of technology. My advice is to give it a try and, if you don’t like it, that’s okay.” 

“As we begin acceptance season for our seniors, it is exciting to see how Fadi’s hard work, dedication, and curiosity for learning has resulted in his acceptance to MIT. We all look forward to his continued success,” shared Dr. Rocco, Superintendent of Schools.

Fadi Farag Photo by Laura Geltch

  1. Steinert High School Robotics Team: Zero Gravity FRC Team 2180

Back Row: Rudra Patel, Robert Poppert, Ryan Liu, Dustin Crain, Dawn Papale, Diana Schulz, Fadi Farag / Front Row: Asadbek Ortikov, “Rattler”, Shaylin Curran

Photo by Laura Geltch

  1. Steinert High School Mock Trial at the Trenton Courthouse

Left to Right: Ryan Liu, Rudra Patel, Asadbek Ortikov, Hannah Rak, Annesimone Farid, Alexander “AJ” Difalco, Sajid Ahmed, Fadi Farag

Photo provided by Steinert High School

Middlesex County, South Brunswick

South Brunswick Police Department Promotions Announcement

February 8, 2023

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka announced the promotion of three officers yesterday to fill vacancies from retirement. “These supervisors bring decades of service, experience, and knowledge to their positions. They will uphold the high standards the South Brunswick Police Department is committed to,” said Chief Hayducka. He added, “Policing has changed over the last decade with increased accountability and transparency. These supervisors will ensure we maintain the highest level of service to our community.” The officers promoted were:
 
Captain Frank Lombardo
Frank Lombardo is a 28-year veteran of the Department. He previously served as a patrol officer, firearms instructor, team leader on the Emergency Response Team, patrol sergeant, and lieutenant of the Community Services, Traffic Safety, and Patrol Divisions. He is a recent graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class 283. Frank has received seven exceptional service awards, five valor awards, two senate resolutions for bravery, and the Medal of Honor. He holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a master’s certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership from the University of Virginia, and will soon be finishing doctoral studies at the George Washington University, where he is researching how police departments build trust and legitimacy with the community.
 
Lieutenant Gary Holsten
Gary Holsten is a 23-year veteran of the Department. He has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, and evidence technician, a member of the Emergency Response Team, an expandable baton instructor, radar instructor, patrol sergeant, and Traffic Bureau sergeant. He is an instructor for the Practical Traffic Engineering for Police Officers course at Rutgers University as well as the vice president of the New Jersey Police Traffic Officers Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He has received numerous awards and letters of commendation. 
 
Sergeant Michael Leung
Michael Leung is a 17 year veteran of the Department, serving his last 9 years in the Traffic Safety Division as an accident reconstructionist.  He is one of the Department’s certified police motorcycle operators.  Prior to his traffic assignment, he served in Patrol Division as a field training officer as well as a rifle team operator.  Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and commendations, including the lifesaving medal, exceptional service award, pistol expert, and the Department’s “Top Gun” award.
 
Chief Hayducka said, “These officers went through a challenging process to achieve these promotions. They had to study for months, perform well on tests, and have an exhaustive file review to determine their eligibility for these positions. They now have the challenge and responsibility of leading our officers on a daily basis.” Chief Hayducka credited the Township Manager, Mayor and Council for supporting the promotions.

Middlesex County, Monroe Twp

NJ Sharing Network Encourages Everyone to “Share the Love” on National Donor Day

Mae Howard of Monroe Township discusses NJ Sharing Network’s life-saving mission and her “Love Connection” as she looks back on 20 years since her life-saving heart transplant

February 8, 2023

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX) /New Providence, NJ – February 14 is all about sharing the love in New Jersey – and not just because it is Valentine’s Day!

National Donor Day is observed annually to spread awareness and education about organ and tissue donation. NJ Sharing Network and its local healthcare partners and volunteers throughout the state are working on activities and events to honor organ and tissue donor heroes, recognize those who have received a transplant, and provide hope for New Jerseyans currently waiting for the gift of life.

On February 13 at 6pm, all are welcome to join LIVE on Facebook and YouTube for NJ Sharing Network’s online panel discussion entitled, “Share the Love! Inspiring Stories from Those Touched by Organ and Tissue Donation.” This interactive forum will allow viewers to post questions and comments throughout the event to join the conversation. For more information on ways to get involved and share the love during National Donor Day, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org/donor-day.

STORIES OF LOVE AND COMPASSION – RIGHT HERE, IN NEW JERSEY

National Donor Day is deeply personal for NJ Sharing Network’s partners, advocates and volunteers who are motivated to save and enhance the lives of those in need. Mae and Russell Howard of Monroe Township will be two of the featured guests on the “Share the Love” online panel discussion. In 2022, Mae celebrated the 20th anniversary of her life-saving heart transplant. The following is a summary of Mae and Russell’s amazing connection:

Mae and Russell Howard of Monroe Township, NJ

Making life-saving connections has always been a part of our mission at NJ Sharing Network. But NJ Sharing Network played a key role in making a true LOVE connection for Mae and Russell Howard.

“I remember we were randomly matched up to share our personal stories during a community fair at Keyport High School,” said Mae. “I knew right away there was something very special about him, and we became instant friends.”

Mae was inspired to become a volunteer a few years after her successful heart transplant surgery in 2002. She felt blessed and grateful that her health had been fully restored. At that time, she also wanted to teach her children about the importance of giving back and getting involved in our local communities.

Russell’s link to NJ Sharing Network came after his wife Patty passed away. While Russell and his two children were devastated, they found some relief in knowing that Patty’s gifts helped save and enhance the lives of others.

“By volunteering together, we could discuss all sides of donation and transplantation to fully educate others,” said Mae. “We were also able to share some common experiences.”

Mae and Russell’s friendship soon turned into true love. They recently celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary, and their loving family has multiplied with five grandchildren!

“I have always said NJ Sharing Network blessed me with two hearts – the one that beats inside me, and the other that shares my life and surrounds my new heart with love,” said Mae.

ABOUT NJ SHARING NETWORK

NJ Sharing Network is the federally designated nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue in the Garden State. NJ Sharing Network provides hope for nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents currently waiting for a life-saving transplant, and it is part of the national recovery system for the over 100,000 people on the national waiting list. Last year, 283 organ donor heroes in New Jersey gave the gift of life resulting in 670 life-saving organs transplanted, an all-time high for a single year. In addition, 40,000 eye and tissue gifts enhanced the quality of life for those in need. With headquarters in New Providence, NJ, the organization has been recognized by NJBIZ as one of the state’s “Best Places to Work” for five consecutive years. To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

Mae and Russell Howard of Monroe Township, NJ

(Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)