Category: Special Events

High School, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Special Events

Robbinsville High School’s Spring Musical Helps Students Find Belonging, On and Off Stage

“Pippin” Runs March 31-April 2

March 27, 2023

ROBBINSVILLE – Brian Williams entered Robbinsville High School as a freshman in 2004 with his sights set on playing piano for Broadway productions. Then he got a taste of teaching.

“I was having a better time helping other people make music than making music myself,” said Williams, who as a student occasionally led choir classes when the instructor was out. “That’s how I caught the bug; the rest is history.”

Williams was part of the high school’s first graduating class in 2008, later earning a bachelor’s degree in music education and master’s degree in teaching from Westminster Choir College in 2012. He returned to the district, first teaching music at the middle school before moving to the high school in 2016.

Today, Williams is the high school’s choir director and director of the spring musical. From March 31-April 2, students are presenting the show “Pippin,” a widely acclaimed production about the son of a king who struggles to find his place in the world.

It’s an experience, Williams said, that is universally relatable to students and adults alike.

“Ultimately one of the reasons we picked the show is the main character is going through a crisis about where he fits in life, and teenagers are constantly evaluating where they fit,” Williams said. “Sometimes something extraordinary is incredibly ordinary. You take for granted what you have.”

About 70 students are involved in the production, on stage and in the crew. They have been working for months learning and rehearsing their lines, coordinating dance routines, painting sets and building props.

Among those students are Rachael and Bridget Godfrey, 17-year-old twin seniors who are leading key aspects of the show.

Rachael is the student technical director and stage crew coordinator who oversees everything from construction of the set to costumes, lighting design and sound control.

The role has helped Rachael strengthen her leadership abilities and management acumen. Those are skills she said will prove valuable throughout her life and career.

But school productions like the spring musical and fall drama can also help students find where they belong, an experience not unlike the lessons explored in “Pippin.”

“Being on crew always brought that sense of peace for me in middle school and high school. Crew always was something I could come back to and it made me very, very happy to be there,” Rachael said. “Whether it’s the people or the show we were doing, crew always feels like a family to me.”

Her sister, Bridget, plays the character Catherine, an on-stage lead in the show, and is one of the cast’s dance captains.

Bridget has long performed in productions outside of the school, including in community theater groups and venues in New York City.

That on-stage spark was lit when she began attending her older sisters’ high school productions as a child and became entranced by the magic of the stage.

“I always came out feeling so alive, and that’s something I want to send everybody home with,” Bridget said.

For Williams, the sisters’ experiences symbolize the power and potential of music. The productions are not just performances. They are learning opportunities that shape who students become and how they approach life.

“Music teaches to be diligent, to be humble, to believe in yourself, to take chances, to fail and know how to get up from that,” Williams said. “Stellar musicians, through their art, make us all better human beings.”

If You Go

What: Robbinsville High School spring musical “Pippin”

When: March 31-April 1 at 7 p.m., April 2 at 3 p.m.

Where: Robbinsville High School auditorium, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road

Tickets: $12 for adults, $8 for students, $8 for seniors

Tickets are required for entry. To purchase tickets, visit

https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/robbinsville-high-school-music-department/63bed77c6f0ed70f886bacb7/tickets

Cast members of Robbinsville High School’s spring musical “Pippin.”

Crew members of Robbinsville High School’s spring musical “Pippin.”

Bridget Godfrey is featured on a poster promoting Robbinsville High School’s spring musical “Pippin.”

Brian Williams

Brian Williams

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

Nottingham High School Step Team To Compete In March-Madness Style Brackets Culminating At The World-Famous Apollo Theater

March 16, 2023

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On March 13th, Nottingham High School (NHS) Step Team of Nottingham High School (N.J.), one of New Jersey’s best high school step teams, begins its quest for the 2023 National High School Performing Arts (NHSPA)

 “Steptime at the Apollo” Step Championship. In a “March-Madness” type bracketed tournament, the competition’s first round matches will occur virtually, with the final four teams scheduled to compete at Harlem’s World-Famous Apollo Theater in April.

The Nottingham HS Step Team, based in Hamilton, N.J., has been stomping the Hamilton grounds with the Nottingham school spirit for several years. NHS Step Team actively performs at basketball games and various events at the school, throughout Hamilton Township and in Trenton, N.J. This year, the 13 active members are advised by Trish Tammaro and coached by NHS alumna Rachel Sanchez.

The competition begins with eight seeded teams paired off in head-to-head matches, with online fan voting battles to determine the top four teams. The third seeded NHS Step Team will face off against face sixth seeded Vision Steppers of New Rochelle (N.Y.), which has grown to more than 60 members strong and have performed and competed in many different cities across the country. The victor will advance to the NHSPA National Step Championship final four at the “StepTime at the Apollo” event on April 22nd. 

Co-produced by NHSPA and the World of Step (WOS), the championship will feature action-packed “Mano a Mano” excitement, empowering steppers with the opportunity to compete like athletes for $3,000 in cash prizes, a National Championship, NHSPA Step All-American recognition and school pride.

“The NHSPA Step Championship is an important event for showcasing the talents of young performers on a national stage,” said Victoria Duruh, Chief Talent Officer of UEG. “Fostering this new talent is significant to UpStaged, as we are dedicated to supporting the growth of the next generation of performing artists – this championship in particular is an incredible platform for celebrating student performers who deserve the same recognition and celebration as athletes.”

WOS is the Nation’s preeminent youth step producer, platform, and educator. NHSPA and WOS are working together to create a truly exceptional championship weekend event to highlight the talents of these incredible performers.

“These talented high school steppers have an unbelievable opportunity to compete for a National Championship at the Nation’s most storied historically black theater in the most world renowned black cultural Mecca, Harlem,” said WOS Founder and CEO Jessica Remo. “This is the Superbowl of Step, being played out in the Madison Square Garden of Performing Arts Venues.”

High School, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Special Events

Record Amount of Blood Donated at Robbinsville High School Blood Drive

Students in the Red Cross Club Organize the Community Event

March 15, 2023

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville High School’s Red Cross Club collected 51 units of donated blood from community members in February, one of the largest totals in recent years.

“This is the biggest number I’ve seen since becoming the club’s adviser,” said teacher Sue Kanagawa, who began advising the club in 2017. “It’s amazing to see such community support for this important project.”

To put this year’s number in perspective, the club collected 47 units of blood in 2022, 25 units of blood in 2020, and 23 units of blood in 2019. A blood drive was not held in 2021 because of COVID-19.

Each unit of blood can be used by up to three patients, meaning this year’s donations could help as many as 153 individuals, according to the American Red Cross New Jersey Region.

Robbinsville’s Red Cross Club is one of the largest student organizations at the high school with about 90 members. They worked to plan, promote and manage a recent blood drive, while technicians from the American Red Cross set up stations and administered the blood donations. Students also served snacks to donors, including bagels donated by Bagels n’ Cream on Washington Boulevard.

For Sahana Prasad, a Robbinsville junior, volunteering for the club teaches her about the crucial role that blood drives play in keeping a stable supply.

“There’s really no substitute for blood and everyone has to do their part in helping others around the world,” said Prasad, the club’s secretary.

Someone in the United States requires additional blood or platelets every two seconds, which translates to a daily demand of 29,000 units of red blood cells, nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6,500 units of plasma, according to the American Red Cross.

That urgency is what drove Suhani Agarwal to volunteer for the club, as well. The Robbinsville junior greeted donors at the door and helped ensure they had required documentation, among other duties.

Agarwal, Red Cross Club’s vice president, said serving others is a value that has long been instilled in her at home. Indeed, her mom was among those who donated blood.

“It makes me feel really nice to give back to my community,” Agarwal said. “It was great to have someone in my family donate. It was also nice to see how many people in our community who want to help.”

American Red Cross New Jersey Region CEO Rosie Taravella thanked students, staff and the Robbinsville community for their blood donations, noting the vast disparity between how many people need blood and the number of people who donate.

Robbinsville’s donations, Taravella said, will help bridge that gap.

“The need for blood is constant, and the students and staff at Robbinsville High School can be counted on to roll up a sleeve to help meet the need,” Taravella said. “One in seven patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion, but at the same time, only about three percent of Americans give blood. The American Red Cross is proud of the work the Robbinsville Red Cross Club puts into organizing blood drives and grateful for the humanitarian spirit exhibited at the school.”

Red Cross Club members promoted the blood drive with posters, social media and good old-fashioned word of mouth, especially in conversations between students and their parents, according to Shrika Yeddula, the club’s co-president.

“It’s a club that really opens up high schoolers to the world of volunteering; it is important to get involved in something that has greater purpose and could help other people,” said Yeddula, a senior who has been in the club for three years.

In addition to the blood drive, Red Cross Club collects food for military families, sends holiday cards to military personnel and hosts bake sales each year in support of the American Red Cross. The club also has raised money to fight wildfires and educate children about COVID-19 hygiene.

Abinaya Dharanikumar, the club’s treasurer, said she especially enjoys writing holiday cards to members of the armed forces. The club typically sends between 200 and 300 cards each year with messages that express gratitude to the recipients for their service.

“Everyone loves doing these cards,” said Dharanikumar, a senior who has been in the club since her freshman year. “For me personally I like making the cards because it is a way to show how much we appreciate them. Everyone feels the same way.”

How to Donate Blood

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Red Cross Club members.

Red Cross Club executive members.

Visitors prepare to donate blood after student volunteers checked their IDs

Red Cross Club student volunteers at the blood drive.

Red Cross Club student volunteers at the blood drive.

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

High School, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Special Events

10th Annual Senior Safety & Awareness Day Held At Robbinsville High School

May 23, 2022

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Senior Class at Robbinsville High School participated in the 10th Annual Senior Safety & Awareness Program on Friday, May 20, 2022.  Each year the program varies in speakers or morning event scenarios.  The event has been interrupted for the past two years due to the pandemic.  

Students listened to a young person’s road to recovery and had the opportunity to ask him questions about his downfalls and decisions to seek help. 

A video was made by faculty and staff who volunteered to share how a loved one’s addiction has impacted their own lives. 

The second part of the program involved various stations: personal defense training for all students, trauma resulting from poor judgment, hands-on lessons about drunk, high, and distracted driving, as well as fire safety and prevention.  Vehicle safety, including ride-sharing and hired transportation, was included also included in response to the past tragic loss of one of the high school’s graduates.  

This year’s Annual Senior Safety and Awareness program was funded with the generosity and grants from Police Benevolent Association, Robbinsville C.A.R.E. – Community Addiction Recovery Effort, and the Robbinsville U Got Brains Group.  Robbinsville Township, and Police and Fire Departments willingly donated personnel and materials and worked one on one with the students.  The program is organized by the Principal, School Resource Officer, Student Assistance Coordinator, Facilities Coordinator, and teacher volunteers. 

The program’s aim is to make a big impact on the students and the future decisions they will make as the Prom is here and college is just around the corner.

Above photos provided

Above photos from Robbinsville Township Fire Department Facebook page.

Burlington, Hamilton, Hamilton, High School, Maple Shade, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Plainsboro, Special Events, State of NJ, Trenton, West Windsor

Scenes from Trenton Navy Week 2022

May 9, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Sailors of the U.S. Navy visited the Greater Trenton Area as part of Trenton Navy Week. The Navy sent 100 sailors into the area last week, to met with students to talk about the importance of STEM education, volunteering at local non-profits, and holding community events. Trenton was chosen as one of 14 cities to host Navy Week across the country this year and that took place May 2-8, 2022. This was the first time a Navy Week has been held in the state of New Jersey in the history of the program. A planned Trenton Navy Week in 2020 which had to be scrapped due to COVID.

Commanding Officer of USS New Jersey SSN-796, Receives a Proclamation as Trenton Navy Week Kicks Off May 2 to 8
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — (MAY 3, 2022) Fire Controlman (Aegis) 2nd Class Jacob Gagliardi from Trenton, NJ attached to USS Gettysburg (CG-64) greets the crowd at TD Bank Ballpark, home field of the Somerset Patriots, as part of Navy Week Trenton. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — (MAY 3, 2022) U.S. Navy Lt (Chaplain) Stephen Huebscher, left, from Stillwater, Minn, attached to USS Princeton (CG-59), and Fire Controlman (Aegis) 2nd Class Jacob Gagliardi from Trenton, NJ who is stationed aboard USS Gettysburg (CG-64) salute the national anthem at TD Bank Ballpark, home field of the Somerset Patriots, as part of Navy Week Trenton. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan

Fire Controlman (Aegis) 2nd Class Jacob Gagliardi from Trenton, NJ attached to USS Gettysburg (CG-64) greets the crowd at TD Bank Ballpark, home field of the Somerset Patriots, as part of Navy Week Trenton.

Trenton Central High School:

220505-N-WF272-1025 TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2022) Students, attending Trenton Central High School, speak to local recruiters, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, during a virtual reality asset, the “Nimitz,” activation as part of the Trenton Navy Week, Trenton, New Jersey, May 5, 2022. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of America’s Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)
220505-N-WF272-1012 TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2022) Students, attending Trenton Central High School, speak to local recruiters, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, during a virtual reality asset, the “Nimitz,” activation as part of the Trenton Navy Week, Trenton, New Jersey, May 5, 2022. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of America’s Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)
220505-N-WF272-1101 TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2022) Students, attending Trenton Central High School, fill out surveys provided by local recruiters, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, during a virtual reality asset, the “Nimitz,” activation as part of the Trenton Navy Week, Trenton, New Jersey, May 5, 2022. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of America’s Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)
220505-N-WF272-1070 TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2022) A student, attending Trenton Central High School, experiences the Navy’s virtual reality asset, the “Nimitz,” as part of the Trenton Navy Week, Trenton, New Jersey, May 5, 2022. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)
220505-N-WF272-1006 TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2022) Students, attending Trenton Central High School, speak to local recruiters, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, during a virtual reality asset, the “Nimitz,” activation as part of the Trenton Navy Week, Trenton, New Jersey, May 5, 2022. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of America’s Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)
220505-N-WF272-1087 TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2022) Students, attending Trenton Central High School, experience the Navy’s virtual reality asset, the “Nimitz,” as part of the Trenton Navy Week, Trenton, New Jersey, May 5, 2022. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)
220505-N-WF272-1038 TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2022) Students, attending Trenton Central High School, pose in a photo booth setup during a virtual reality asset, the “Nimitz,” activation as part of the Trenton Navy Week, Trenton, New Jersey, May 5, 2022. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)
220505-N-WF272-1002 TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2022) Fire Controlman 3rd Class Dylan McQuoid, a native of Philadelphia, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia while on Hometown Area Recruiting Program (HARP) duty, speaks to students, attending Trenton Central High School, during a virtual reality asset, the “Nimitz,” activation as part of the Trenton Navy Week, Trenton, New Jersey, May 5, 2022. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of America’s Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)

Steinert High School:

HAMILTON, N.J. — (MAY 5, 2022) U.S. Navy Boatswain’s Mate Garrett McClain from Birmingham, Ala, attached to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) EIGHT shares details about Navy lifestyle and his unit with students at Steinert High School as part of Navy Week Trenton. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
HAMILTON, N.J. — (MAY 5, 2022) U.S. Navy Engineman 2nd Class Natalia Cummings-Duckie from Glen Burnie, MD, attached to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) EIGHT shares details about Navy lifestyle and her unit with students at Steinert High School as part of Navy Week Trenton. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
HAMILTON, N.J. — (MAY 5, 2022) U.S. Navy Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Dwight Strong from Tupelo, Miss, attached to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) EIGHT shares details about Navy lifestyle and his unit with students at Steinert High School as part of Navy Week Trenton. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan

Salvation Army:

TRENTON, N.J. — (MAY 5, 2022) U.S. Navy Lt (Chaplain) Stephen Huebscher, from Stillwater, Minn, attached to USS Princeton (CG-59) spreads mulch around bushes at the Salvation Army as part of Navy Week Trenton. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
TRENTON, N.J. — (MAY 5, 2022) U.S. Navy Religious Program Specialist Michael Declaro of San Leandro, Calif. left poses with Lt. (Chaplain) Stephen Huebscher, from Stillwater, Minn, at the Salvation Army in Trenton as part of Navy Week Trenton. Both are attached to USS Princeton (CG-59). The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
TRENTON, N.J. — (MAY 5, 2022) U.S. Navy Religious Program Specialist Michael Declaro of San Leandro, Calif., attached to USS Princeton (CG-59), clears brush from the yard at the Salvation Army as part of Navy Week Trenton. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan

Crockett Middle School:

220503-N-WF272-2044 HAMILTON, N.J. (May 3, 2022) Sailors, assigned to Navy Band Northeast, participate in Hamilton Township School District’s Tech Night at Crockett Middle School, Hamilton, New Jersey, May 3, 2022, as part of Trenton Navy Week. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)
220503-N-WF272-2005 HAMILTON, N.J. (May 3, 2022) Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Vonell Williams, center, and Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 2nd Class David Kenney, both assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, attend Hamilton Township School District’s Tech Night at Crockett Middle School, Hamilton, New Jersey, May 3, 2022, as part of Trenton Navy Week. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of America’s Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)
220503-N-WF272-2007 HAMILTON, N.J. (May 3, 2022) Lt. Taylor VanderWoude, a Boston native, medical officer programs recruiter at Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, observes Esports tournament during Hamilton Township School District’s Tech Night at Crockett Middle School, Hamilton, New Jersey, May 3, 2022, as part of Trenton Navy Week. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of America’s Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)

Trenton Thunder:

220505-N-WF272-2020 TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Nicholas Tuuk, executive officer of pre-commissioning unit New Jersey (SSN 796), throws the first pitch at a high school playoff game held at Trenton Thunder Baseball Ballpark, Trenton, New Jersey, May 5, 2022 as part of the Trenton Navy Week. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)
220505-N-WF272-2055 TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2022) Musician 2nd Class Holden Moyer, a native of Williamsport, Pa., a member of Navy Band Northeast, sings the national anthem at Trenton Thunder Baseball Ballpark, Trenton, New Jersey, May 5, 2022 as part of the Trenton Navy Week. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)
220505-N-WF272-2087 TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2022) Musician 2nd Class Holden Moyer, a native of Williamsport, Pa., a member of Navy Band Northeast, sings the national anthem at Trenton Thunder Baseball Ballpark, Trenton, New Jersey, May 5, 2022 as part of the Trenton Navy Week. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Diana Quinlan)
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — (MAY 3, 2022) Fire Controlman (Aegis) 2nd Class Jacob Gagliardi from Trenton, NJ attached to USS Gettysburg (CG-64) greets the crowd at TD Bank Ballpark, home field of the Somerset Patriots, as part of Navy Week Trenton. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — (MAY 3, 2022) U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jared Smith, left, Commanding Officer of USS New Jersey visits with Sparky Lyle, retired professional baseball player before throwing out the first pitch at TD Bank Ballpark, home field of the Somerset Patriots, as part of Navy Week Trenton. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — (MAY 3, 2022) U.S. Navy Musician 2nd Class Holden Moyer, from Williamsport, Penn, a member of Navy Band Northeast, sings the national anthem at TD Bank Ballpark, home field of the Somerset Patriots, as part of Navy Week Trenton. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — (MAY 3, 2022) U.S. Navy Lt (Chaplain) Stephen Huebscher, left, from Stillwater, Minn, attached to USS Princeton (CG-59), and Fire Controlman (Aegis) 2nd Class Jacob Gagliardi from Trenton, NJ who is stationed aboard USS Gettysburg (CG-64) salute the national anthem at TD Bank Ballpark, home field of the Somerset Patriots, as part of Navy Week Trenton. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
MAPLE SHADE, N.J. — (MAY 3, 2022) U.S. Navy Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Joshua Laughlin from Akron, Ohio, attached to USS New Jersey (SSN-796), moves a carpet at ReStore, Habitat for Humanity’s resale store. Six Sailors from USS New Jersey moved nearly 21,000 lbs of carpeting from a tractor trailer truck to a pile where buyers could pick through it. ReStore Resource Supervisor Mike Esola said, “These volunteers are our favorite ones to have. Not just anyone can do what these guys did today. It makes a huge difference to our business to have these carpets ready for sale — it does a lot more good than people understand.” The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are designed to build awareness of the Navy across the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
MAPLE SHADE, N.J. — (MAY 3, 2022) U.S. Navy Information Systems Technician (Submarines) 2nd Class Wesley Rundle from Chattanooga, Tenn, attached to USS New Jersey (SSN-796) moves a carpet at ReStore, Habitat for Humanity’s resale store. Six Sailors from USS New Jersey moved nearly 21,000 lbs of carpeting from a tractor trailer truck to a pile where buyers could pick through it. ReStore Resource Supervisor Mike Esola said, “These volunteers are our favorite ones to have. Not just anyone can do what these guys did today. It makes a huge difference to our business to have these carpets ready for sale — it does a lot more good than people understand.” The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are designed to build awareness of the Navy across the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan

TRENTON, N.J. — (MAY 5, 2022) U.S. Navy Religious Programs Specialist Michael Declaro from San Leandro, Calif. sends a shout out to his ship, USS Princeton, (CG-59) for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan

Boys and Girls Club:

TRENTON, N.J. — (MAY 3, 2022) U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger Duncan from Yarmouth, Maine visits with a boy at the Boys and Girls Club. Duncan challenged the boy with awareness of geography, giving clues and then asking him to name the state or country where Duncan had served in the Navy. Everyone had fun and met new people. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Religious Program Specialist Specialist Michael Declaro
TRENTON, N.J. — (MAY 3, 2022) U.S. Navy Religious Program Specialist Michael Declaro from San Leandro, Calif, attached to USS Princeton (CG-59) right, plays basketball with kids from the Boys and Girls Club. Declaro led a team of kids as team captain. Declaro’s team won the pick-up game, 58-50. Everyone had fun and met new people. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan

Community Middle School Plainsboro:

PLAINSBORO, N.J. — (MAY 4, 2022) U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Sarena Padilla from Jacksonville, Fla, left, discusses science with Akash Myadam, 13, after a STEM class presentation at Community Middle School in Plainsboro, N.J. Padilla and her colleague, U.S. Coast Guard Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Martino, from Spotswood, N.J., work at the US National Ice Center, in Washington and have presented to more than 15 STEM classes as part of Navy Week Trenton. Padilla, trained as an astrophysicist, applied her science background to her career in the Navy and has found a niche as a Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) officer. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
PLAINSBORO, N.J. — (MAY 4, 2022) U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Sarena Padilla from Jacksonville, Fla, right, watches as Ludovica Vitaloni, 13, drops a paper clip in a vial of liquid, to demonstrate the density of different liquids as part of a STEM class presentation at Community Middle School in Plainsboro, N.J. Padilla and her colleague, U.S. Coast Guard Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Martino, from Spotswood, N.J., work at the US National Ice Center, in Washington and have presented to more than 15 STEM classes as part of Navy Week Trenton. Padilla, trained as an astrophysicist, applied her science background to her career in the Navy and has found a niche as a Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) officer. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
PLAINSBORO, N.J. — (MAY 4, 2022) U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Sarena Padilla from Jacksonville, Fla, right, watches as Casey Daigneault, 13, drops a plastic button in a vial of liquid, to demonstrate the density of different liquids as part of a STEM class presentation at Community Middle School in Plainsboro, N.J. Padilla and her colleague, U.S. Coast Guard Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Martino, from Spotswood, N.J., work at the US National Ice Center, in Washington and have presented to more than 15 STEM classes as part of Navy Week Trenton. Padilla, trained as an astrophysicist, applied her science background to her career in the Navy and has found a niche as a Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) officer. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
CAMDEN, N.J. — (MAY 4, 2022) U.S. Navy veteran Todd Frace greets the crew of USS New Jersey (SSN-796) in Alberta Woods Park in Camden, N.J. before a community cleanup event. Frace served aboard USS Memphis in the 1990s and now works for Covanta, a company which recovers energy from trash in New Jersey. Frace said to the Sailors, “The skills you’re leaning in submarines are very valuable to the energy industry.” He encouraged them that good jobs were awaiting them outside of military service. Sailors gathered early at Alberta Woods Park in Camden, NJ with Mayor Victor Carstarphen and about 100 people including New Jersey State Troopers, Camden Public Works Dept, city employees and volunteers from Rutgers University, Covanta and a large group of resident volunteers in support of Navy Week Trenton and Camden Strong, a campaign to revitalize the city The group worked together for about 4 hours to clean up the neighborhood, resulting in about two dump trucks full of waste removed from the city streets. Mayor Carstarphen said, “A clean city is a happy city.” as he led the group through the streets with a bullhorn in his hand, encouraging residents to come out and help with the community cleanup effort. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
CAMDEN, N.J. — (MAY 4, 2022) U.S. Navy Sailors from USS New Jersey (SSN-796) pose with Camden N.J. Mayor Victor Carstarphen, center, during a city trash cleanup near Alberta Woods Park in support of Navy Week Trenton and Camden Strong, a campaign to revitalize the city. Sailors gathered early in light rain with Mayor Victor Carstarphen and about 100 people including New Jersey State Troopers, Camden Public Works Dept, city employees and volunteers from Rutgers University, Covanta and a large group of resident volunteers in support of Navy Week Trenton and Camden Strong, a campaign to revitalize the city. The group worked together for about 4 hours to clean up the neighborhood, resulting in about two dump trucks full of waste removed from the streets. Mayor Carstarphen said, “A clean city is a happy city.” as he led the group through the streets with a bullhorn in his hand, encouraging residents to come out and help with the community cleanup effort. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
CAMDEN, N.J. — (MAY 4, 2022) U.S. Navy Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Paul Baker from Brookville, Ohio attached to USS New Jersey (SSN-796), cleans up trash with Chief Machinist Mate Auxiliary James Jones from St. Louis, left, and Camden Police Officer Selena Nunez near Alberta Woods Park in Camden, N.J. in support of Navy Week Trenton and Camden Strong, a campaign to revitalize the city Sailors gathered early in light rain with Mayor Victor Carstarphen and about 100 people including New Jersey State Troopers, Camden Public Works Dept, city employees and volunteers from Rutgers University, Covanta and a large group of resident volunteers in support of Navy Week Trenton and Camden Strong, a campaign to revitalize the city. The group worked together for about 4 hours to clean up the neighborhood, resulting in about two dump trucks full of waste removed from the streets. Mayor Carstarphen said, “A clean city is a happy city.” as he led the group through the streets with a bullhorn in his hand, encouraging residents to come out and help with the community cleanup effort. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
CAMDEN, N.J. — (MAY 4, 2022) U.S. Navy Lt. (Chaplain) Stephen Huebscher, right, from Stillwater, Minn. attached to USS Princeton (CG-59) cleans up trash with Sam Myers, the City of Camden Rent Control Officer near Alberta Woods Park in Camden, N.J. in support of Navy Week Trenton and Camden Strong, a campaign to revitalize the city. Sailors gathered early in light rain with Mayor Victor Carstarphen and about 100 people including New Jersey State Troopers, Camden Public Works Dept, city employees and volunteers from Rutgers University, Covanta and a large group of resident volunteers in support of Navy Week Trenton and Camden Strong, a campaign to revitalize the city. The group worked together for about 4 hours to clean up the neighborhood, resulting in about two dump trucks full of waste removed from the streets. Mayor Carstarphen said, “A clean city is a happy city.” as he led the group through the streets with a bullhorn in his hand, encouraging residents to come out and help with the community cleanup effort. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
CAMDEN, N.J. — (MAY 4, 2022) U.S. Navy Sailors joined Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, left center, in red, and a volunteer cleanup crew of about 100 people near Alberta Woods Park in Camden, N.J. in support of Navy Week Trenton and Camden Strong, a campaign to revitalize the city. Sailors gathered early in light rain with Mayor Victor Carstarphen and about 100 people including New Jersey State Troopers, Camden Public Works Dept, city employees and volunteers from Rutgers University, Covanta and a large group of resident volunteers in support of Navy Week Trenton and Camden Strong, a campaign to revitalize the city. The group worked together for about 4 hours to clean up the neighborhood, resulting in about two dump trucks full of waste removed from the streets. Mayor Carstarphen said, “A clean city is a happy city.” as he led the group through the streets with a bullhorn in his hand, encouraging residents to come out and help with the community cleanup effort. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
CAMDEN, N.J. — (MAY 4, 2022) U.S. Navy Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Paul Baker from Brookville, Ohio attached to USS New Jersey (SSN-796), delivers a piece of trash to New Jersey State Trooper Michael Guenther’s bag near Alberta Woods Park in Camden, N.J. in support of Navy Week Trenton and Camden Strong, a campaign to revitalize the city. Sailors gathered early in light rain with Mayor Victor Carstarphen and about 100 people including New Jersey State Troopers, Camden Public Works Dept, city employees and volunteers from Rutgers University, Covanta and a large group of resident volunteers in support of Navy Week Trenton and Camden Strong, a campaign to revitalize the city. The group worked together for about 4 hours to clean up the neighborhood, resulting in about two dump trucks full of waste removed from the streets. Mayor Carstarphen said, “A clean city is a happy city.” as he led the group through the streets with a bullhorn in his hand, encouraging residents to come out and help with the community cleanup effort. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
CAMDEN, N.J. — (MAY 4, 2022) U.S. Navy Sailors joined Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen and a volunteer cleanup crew of about 100 people near Alberta Woods Park in Camden, N.J. in support of Navy Week Trenton and Camden Strong, a campaign to revitalize the city. Sailors gathered early in light rain with Mayor Victor Carstarphen and about 100 people including New Jersey State Troopers, Camden Public Works Dept, city employees and volunteers from Rutgers University, Covanta and a large group of resident volunteers in support of Navy Week Trenton and Camden Strong, a campaign to revitalize the city. The group worked together for about 4 hours to clean up the neighborhood, resulting in about two dump trucks full of waste removed from the streets. Mayor Carstarphen said, “A clean city is a happy city.” as he led the group through the streets with a bullhorn in his hand, encouraging residents to come out and help with the community cleanup effort. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
CAMDEN, N.J. — (MAY 7, 2022) U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Dave Rohrbeck of EOD Mobile Unit 12, based at Earle N.J., speaks to the crowd at Adventure Aquarium as part of Navy Week. In the tank behind Rohrbeck is Lt. Justin Adams from Lyons, Ga. The Navy has done over 20 humanitarian aid and community outreach projects in the greater Trenton, NJ area this week as part of Navy Week Trenton. Navy Week events are held in different cities across the United States year round. They are designed to connect Americans from all walks of life with their Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan
Golf, High School, Howell, Manasquan, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Old Bridge, Point Pleasant, Special Events, Sports, Spring Lake

NJ State Golf Association’s Evans Scholarship Recipients Announced

March 8, 2022

GLENVIEW, IL–Seven students from New Jersey have been awarded the New Jersey State Golf Association Evans Scholarship, a full housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies, following a final selection interview held Feb. 8.
The result of a partnership between the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholars Foundation and the NJSGA’s Caddie Scholarship Foundation, NJSGA Evans Scholars are chosen based on displaying a strong caddie record, excellent academics, financial need and outstanding character. Candidates must meet the qualifications of both organizations in order to earn the scholarship. Winners are listed below.
The students will begin college this fall as NJSGA Evans Scholars at leading universities across the nation, with most planning to attend Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The Evans Scholarship is valued at more than $120,000 over four years. There are currently 15 NJSGA Evans Scholars in school this year.
“Our NJSGA Evans Scholars are part of an exceptional incoming class of New Scholars from around the nation,” said WGA Chairman Joe Desch. “They represent what the Evans Scholars Program has been about since 1930.”
“We are extremely excited to partner with the Evans Scholars Foundation to announce this group of NJSGA Evans Scholars,” said NJSGA President Michael McFadden. “They are all outstanding individuals and well deserving of the award.”
The Evans Scholars selection interviews are being held with applicants nationwide through the spring. When the 2021-22 selection meeting process is complete, an estimated 315 caddies from across the country are expected to be awarded the Evans Scholarship.
The Western Golf Association, headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, has supported the Chick Evans Scholarship Program through the Evans Scholars Foundation since 1930. Known as one of golf’s favorite charities, it is the nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies.
Currently, a record 1,070 caddies are enrolled at 21 universities across the nation as Evans Scholars, and more than 11,500 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr.
Scholarship funds come mostly from contributions by nearly 35,000 supporters across the country, who are members of the Evans Scholars Par Club program. Evans Scholars Alumni donate more than $17 million annually, and all proceeds from the BMW Championship, the penultimate PGA TOUR Playoff event in the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup competition, are donated to the Evans Scholars Foundation. In 2022, the BMW Championship will be held at Wilmington Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware, from Aug. 16-21.

Nicholas Nuzzi
Howell
Spring Lake Golf Club
Howell HS
Rutgers
Lily Formichella
Manasquan
Manasquan River Golf Club
Manasquan HS
Rutgers
Noah Loveland
Manasquan
Manasquan River Golf Club
Manasquan HS
Rutgers
Maxwell Walker
Midland Park
Arcola Country Club
St. Joseph HS
Rutgers
Nicholas Horowitz *
Old Bridge
Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck
Christian Brothers
Indiana U* Awarded the NJSGA Evans Scholarship for three years as he is currently a freshman in college.
William Martis
Point Pleasant
Manasquan River Golf Club
Christian Brothers
Rutgers
Mairead Martin
Spring Lake Heights
Spring Lake Golf Club
Manasquan HS
Rutgers

About the Evans Scholars Foundation
The Western Golf Association, headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, has supported the Evans Scholars Foundation since 1930. One of golf’s favorite charities, the Evans Scholars Program is the nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies. Currently, a record 1,070 caddies are enrolled in 21 universities across the nation as Evans Scholars, and more than 11,500 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr.
Scholarship funds come mostly from contributions by nearly 35,000 golfers across the country, who are members of the Evans Scholars Par Club program. Evans Scholars Alumni donate more than $17 million annually, and all proceeds from the BMW Championship, the third of four PGA TOUR Playoff events in the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup competition, are donated to the Evans Scholars Foundation. The BMW Championship will be held at Wilmington Country Club from Aug. 16-21, 2022. Proceeds from the event will help support the Evans Scholars Program. To learn more about the WGA and ESF, visit www.wgaesf.org.

About the New Jersey State Golf Association
Founded in 1900, the New Jersey State Golf Association promotes and preserves the traditions of the game of golf in the State of New Jersey. Today, more than 250 member clubs, courses, and organizations represent nearly 65,000 members of the NJSGA. Most importantly, due to the variety and quality of services provided to its member clubs, courses, and golfers, the Association continues to grow. The NJSGA is proud of its diverse tournament schedule, which includes 24 State Championships for golfers of varying backgrounds and skill levels. To learn more, visit njsga.org.

About the NJSGA Caddie Scholarship Foundation
The NJSGA Caddie Scholarship Foundation has been a paramount piece of the NJSGA since 1947. As it enters its 75th year, the CSF provides financial assistance to deserving New Jersey club caddies pursuing higher education. Most notably, since its inception the CSF has provided more than $16 million in college scholarship awards to over 3,100 caddies. For the 2020-21 academic year, the Foundation has provided 157 caddies with over $667,000 in scholarships. Caddie scholars are selected based on their academic performance, financial need, and length and quality of service as a caddie. The 157 Caddie Scholars for the academic year 2020-21 represent 81 colleges. To learn more, visit njsga.org/caddie-scholarship.

Allentown, Allentown, Events, High School, Monmouth County, Special Events, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

Allentown High School Class of 2021 Senior Car Parade

June 18, 2021

ALLENTOWN-UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown High School Senior Car Parade, a tradition that was restarted last year due to COVID-19 was held tonight though the streets of Allentown and Upper Freehold Township. The parade started at 6:00 p.m. and featured the Class of 2021. It was reported the tradition was held prior to 1980 and faded away and restarted last year due to the pandemic. The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and members/fire police from the Hope Fire Company of Allentown assisted with the parade.

Video and photo gallery from the 2021 Senior Car Parade:

Allentown High School 2020 Senior Parade Click Here

Allentown, Allentown, Monmouth County, Special Events, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

Stone Bridge Middle School Student Sets Up “Missing Man Table” For Memorial Day

May 27, 2021

UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP-ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–At the entrance of Stone Bridge Middle School, student Dylan Lacroix, a Cadet Airman 1st Class in the Civil Air Patrol, has set up a “Missing Man Table.” He brought up the idea to Mrs. Folino and Mr. Myslinski.

The missing man table is traditionally part of military dining ceremonies and may also be performed for Veterans Day and Memorial Day services. The table has many different items to symbolize the missing soldiers.

The sign in front of the table reads:

“The table that stands before you is a place of honor. In setting this table, we acknowledge those missing from our celebration tonight. And, we remember them.”

* The table is small, and set for one — symbolizing the vulnerability of a lone prisoner against his captors.

* The tablecloth is white — symbolizing purity of intention in responding to the nation’s call to arms.

* The chair is empty, for they are not here.

* The wine glass is inverted — they cannot toast with us this night.

* The slices of lemon — reminding us of their bitter suffering.

* The grains of salt — representing the countless tears of the families.

* The single red rose — reminding us of loved ones who keep the faith awaiting their return.

* The burning candle and yellow ribbon — symbolizing everlasting hope of a reunion with the missing.

At the entrance of Stone Bridge Middle School, student Dylan Lacroix, a Cadet Airman 1st Class in the Civil Air Patrol, has set up a “Missing Man Table.” Story and photo UFRSD
High School, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Special Events

Robbinsville High School Reminds You to Drive Safely

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Students from the Robbinsville High School Class of 2021 are participating in the 11th Annual “U Got Brains Champion Schools Program,” sponsored by the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey.  Students participating in this annual program have been tasked with creating a peer-drive campaign that demonstrates safe driving.

This year Robbinsville High School has directed their campaign’s focus on the dangers of distracted driving.  Through their research, students learned that cell phone and texting laws are only effective when paired with high-visibility enforcement efforts, such as the use of electronic signs.  As a result, the students created a campaign focused on implementing these high-visibility enforcement efforts.   

The first implementation was aided by the Robbinsville Police Department who displayed the slogan “If you’re texting, who’s driving” on several electronic signs throughout the township.  This slogan was the winning submission of a schoolwide competition that kicked off this year’s campaign. 

In conjunction with April being National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, students created videos to increase the visibility of their campaign messaging.  The first video was a student-created public service announcement reminding their peers to “Just Drive,” which also served as an entry into the New Jersey Manufacturers “Just Drive” competition.  An additional 18 short videos stating a statistic about distracted driving and including the campaign slogan were made and aired during the daily announcements at the high school. 

In an effort to expand our viewing audience beyond the high school and Robbinsville community, the students teamed up with The TV Truck to transport their big messages of safe driving to a big screen shown throughout the region and across state lines.   The truck will be traveled around Mercer and Bucks counties on April 19th, stopping at RHS to show a series of short videos about driving and ride-share safety.

Later that evening, there was a parent-student virtual presentation called Share The Keys, presented by NJM Insurance Group.  Students wanted to be sure that parents were included in their campaign as parental involvement aids in reducing teen driving crashes.

The students would like to thank Brain Injury Alliance for allowing them to participate in this year’s competition, as well as The TV Truck, Robbinsville C.A.R.E. Coalition,  Just Between Friends Mercer County, and the #WHATSMYNAME Foundation for their generous donations and support in helping to implement high-visibility enforcement efforts aimed at reducing distracted driving. The #WHATSMYNAME Foundation was started by the Robbinsville Josephson family, whose daughter Samantha, a former RHS graduate, was brutally murdered when she was targeted by a person posing as a rideshare driver in 2019. Her parents’ mission is to educate everyone on rideshare safety.

At the conclusion of the U Got Brains program, three winning schools will be selected by a panel of judges to receive a grand-prize of $10,000 cash donated to their school by Founding Sponsor, NJM Insurance Group. The program is fortunate to have a group of community safety leaders who have chosen to support these efforts through sponsorship, including New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, State Farm Insurance, National Road Safety Foundation, Allstate, Volvo, Nikhil Badlani Foundation, State Farm Insurance, Teen Safe Driving Coalition, New Jersey Education Association, and AAA.

High School, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Special Events

Robbinsville HS, Class Of 2021, “Fence Of Hope” Project

April 23, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Parents of Robbinsville High School seniors have taken up the challenge to provide memorable experiences for the graduating Class of 2021. Throughout the year in this small, close-knit Mercer county town, parents created memory-making moments for the approximately 250 seniors finishing out their high school careers in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. On Monday, April 19, a group of parents along with the help of the senior class installed the words “CLASS OF 2021” on the chain-link fence at the high school tennis court called the Fence of Hope. Also, they provided hundreds of school colored ribbons for the students to write notes on and tie to the fence to complete the project as a physical reminder to the graduating class that memories are made in many different ways. 

Allentown, Allentown, High School, Monmouth County, Special Events, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

Stone Bridge Middle School, True North Robotics Team

April 19, 2021

ALLENTOWN, UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–This year a competitive Lego robotics team was established at Stone Bridge Middle School. Melissa Domen, the business leader of the Allentown high school robotics team, is the founder of the middle school team.

The name of the middle school team, True North Robotics, unites Stone Bridge Middle School’s motto of “Finding your True North” with the students’ passion for robotics. With the guidance of high school students on Redbird Robotics, 14 middle school students have learned programming, building, and teamwork skills, while having a successful rookie season this year so far.

On Feb. 13, 2021, True North Robotics did an outstanding job at the virtual Qualifying Event competition and headed to the virtual Southern NJ District Championship competition on April 10. The team received the Robot Design Award and the Breakthrough Award. At the Qualifying Event, the students placed fifth and sixth in the robot challenge game. At the Southern NJ District Championship competition, the students won the Rising Star Award and held an overall score well above the average for a rookie team.

Participating teams were judged on four different components during the competition including the Robot Game, a Robot Design Presentation, an Innovation Project Presentation, and a Core Values activity. For the Robot Game and Robot Design, the team built and programmed two different robots made out of Legos to complete a series of obstacles in 2.5 minutes. For the Innovation Project, True North Robotics invented and created prototypes of special swimming gear to help prevent swimmer’s ear and a mobile gym to encourage everyone to be more active.

In February 2020, Melissa Domen was awarded a grant by the Upper Freehold Regional Education Foundation to start True North Robotics. Since middle school level robotics competitions have a limit of 10 team members per team, True North Robotics split into two smaller competition teams. One competition team is called True North Robotics Impact and has eight students (Aaryan Desai, Ioanna Varouhakis, Vishek Desai, Luke Greenbaum, Taylor Lalla, Elena Mathew, Theo Renzulli, Jeremy George) , and the other competition team is called True North Robotics Innovation and has six students (Sean Gavin, Mia Laudien, Remy Fortsch, Aarav Patnaik, Benjamin Utset, Sienna Jones). Each of the smaller group team names are named after the Core Values of FIRST: Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork, Fun, Coopertition, and Gracious Professionalism.

The nonprofit organization FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. FIRST runs many types of robotics competitions for different grade levels from PreK through 12th grade. Both True North Robotics and Allentown High School Redbird Robotics are FIRST robotics competition teams. The True North Robotics’s competition level is called FIRST Lego League, and the Allentown High School Redbird Robotics’s competition level is called FIRST Robotics Competition.

What makes this team unique compared to other middle school robotics teams is that this team is 100% student run. Shane Conlin, Amelia Tricker, and Liam Granaghan are current Allentown high school students on the Redbird Robotics team and have been helping the True North Robotics team this season. Mr. Mark Guterl, Mrs. Stefanie Folino and Mr. Brian Myslinski have also been a great support for the team since its start. It has certainly been a team effort to get this team up in running with success. It has been quite an experience starting up a new competitive robotics team during a pandemic. The season kicked off in the summer of 2020 with online meetings. Students learned several skills like coding a robot, building robots, robotics competitions, the culture of the FIRST organization, and high school robotics. The end of the summer was also spent meeting in-person to build robots and obstacles made out of Legos. Safety measures such as social distancing and sanitizing were practiced at every single meeting. Both online and in-person meetings were held four days a week throughout the school year. Usually the competition season for middle school robotics starts in August and ends in December. But with it being a new team in a pandemic, this year’s season started in June 2020 and will be continuing until the end of April 2021. Soon, the team will start planning next year’s season. The team is always looking for new Stone Bridge Middle School students to apply for the team. Also, if you are a local individual or business that would like to get involved with the Upper Freehold Regional School District Robotics Teams, please email 1807frc@gmail.com


The two Stonebridge Middle School robotics teams (pictured) have help from the high school robotics team, including junior Melissa Domen (second from right), who founded the teams. Photos provided.
FFA, High School, Special Events

Allentown FFA “National FFA Week” Activities Go Virtual In 2021

February 27, 2021

National FFA Week Celebrated Virtually February 20 – 27, 2021

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–During a normal year the Allentown FFA chapter holds many National FFA Week events. Some of the events include a sponsor’s breakfast, open house, display at Tractor Supply, and a visit to the 1st National FFA President’s gravesite with wreath laying in Freehold. The Allentown High School FFA Chapter moved their National FFA Week activities to virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and plans to return to normal in person FFA Week activities in 2022.

Traditionally, the Allentown FFA Chapter would thank our sponsors and supporters at the Annual Sponsor’s Breakfast and Open House on this Day of FFA Week. As with many things this year, we had to change our format to deliver this event virtually! We want to thank you for your continued support of our program. Your support enables our members to develop premier leadership, personal growth, and achieve career success!

2021 Allentown FFA Sponsor’s Recognition Event –On the Friday of National FFA Week, the Allentown FFA Chapter recognizes and thanks our sponsors and supporters! This event helps showcase the accomplishments of FFA Members and how FFA can positive influence our students. Due to COVID-19, we were unable to meet in person. However, we still want to share our story!

MidJersey.news 2020 FFA Week coverage:

FFA Week: Allentown FFA At Tractor Supply

National FFA Week: Feb 22 to 29, 2020, Looking Back at 1988-89 Allentown FFA Banquet

Allentown FFA Wreath Laying Ceremony For First FFA President

Ewing, Ewing, High School, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Special Events

Dunkin’ of Philadelphia Awards Two Mercer County Students with Academic Scholarships

Nicholas Vellenga, Ewing High School

Kaitlyn Young, Robbinsville High School

July 21, 2020

Philadelphia, PA–Dunkin’ and its greater Philadelphia-area franchisees, in partnership with Scholarship America, today announced the recipients of its eleventh annual Philadelphia Regional Scholarship Program. The program helps high school seniors and college students in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Kent and New Castle counties in Delaware pursue a part-time or full-time undergraduate degree at the institution of their choice.

From more than 1,500 applicants, Dunkin’ and Scholarship America selected 25 students to receive a $2,000 academic scholarship to an accredited two or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school of their choice for fall 2020. Dunkin’s Philadelphia Regional Scholarship Program was open to current part-time and full-time undergraduate students and high school seniors. Dunkin’ awarded a total of $50,000 to the 25 recipients who were selected based on their academic records, demonstrated leadership skills, and overall commitment to their schools and local communities.

To date, the Dunkin’ Philadelphia Regional Scholarship Program has awarded $450,000 in scholarships to 275 outstanding high school seniors and college students. The program was founded in 2009 by Dunkin’s Philadelphia-area franchisees as a way to ease the financial burden of college for students throughout the region.

“On behalf of my fellow franchisees, we are honored to award these 25 exceptional students with the 2020 Dunkin’ Regional Scholarships,” said Perry Shah, local Dunkin’ franchisee and Philadelphia regional advertising committee chairman. “We are so proud to see the scholarship program continue to grow each year and support students in our local communities. It is an honor to have the opportunity to further students’ educational goals and we look forward to the amazing achievements of these future leaders.”

To celebrate their 2020 Dunkin’ Regional Scholarship, each of the student recipients will enjoy a special visit at their residence from the Dunkin’ Community Cruiser. From July 30th through August 11th, Dunkin’ and its Community Cruiser will celebrate each student by providing a well deserved coffee break to the recipient’s family and friends.

Recipient: Nicholas Vellenga

Hometown: Ewing, NJ

High School: Ewing High School

University: Georgia Institute of Technology

Bio:  Nicholas Vellenga is a recent graduate of Ewing High School, where he served as valedictorian. He is a recipient of the Senior Mathematics Department Award, Senior Spanish Department Award, 2020 Robotics Club Activities Award, President’s Gold Award, and USMC Scholastic Excellence Award. Vellenga also served as a member of the National Honor Society, Robotics Team Technical Manager, and is an Eagle Scout. This fall, Nicholas will attend Georgia Institute of Technology, where he plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Recipient: Kaitlyn Young

Hometown: Robbinsville, NJ

High School: Robbinsville High School

University: La Salle University

Bio:  Kaitlyn Young is a recent graduate from Robbinsville High School. She was the recipient of the Excellence in Design, Computer Science, and English Award, and the Robbinsville High School Citizenship Award. In addition, Young was a member of the International Thespian Society and the National Honor Society. Outside of the classroom, she was a Physics and Honors Biology Tutor, Community Theater Performer and Volunteer, FIRST Tech Challenge Team Student Mentor, and an Assistant Teaching Artist at the McCarter Theatre Center. During her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys dancing and learning new musical instruments. This fall, Kaitlyn will attend La Salle University, where she plans to pursue a degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

  • Kaitlyn Young, Robbinsville High School, Robbinsville, NJ
Dunkin’ of Philadelphia Awards Two Mercer County Students with Academic Scholarships, Nicholas Vellenga, Ewing High School and Kaitlyn Young, Robbinsville High School

Allentown, Allentown, Graduation, High School, Millstone, Millstone, Monmouth County, Special Events, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

Allentown High School Class of 2020

July 9, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–After a long wait for outdoor graduations due to the COVID-19 pandemic Allentown High School’s Class of 2020 was able to have a full commencement this afternoon. This was Allentown High Schools Ninety-Fifth commencement.

The ceremony was held outdoors at Arm & Hammer Waterfront Park due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Photo gallery:

Allentown, Allentown, High School, Monmouth County, Special Events

Allentown High School In-Person Graduation July 9, 2020 At Arm & Hammer Park

June 9, 2020

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Upper Freehold Regional Schools released that there will be a in-person graduation this year at Arm & Hammer Park, Trenton Thunder baseball stadium on July 9, 2020. See below:

Great news shared by Mrs. Embley for our Seniors!

Dear Senior Parents,

We are excited to announce that we plan to hold our in-person graduation on Thursday, July 9th at 4:00 PM at the ARM & HAMMER Park on the Trenton Thunder Baseball Field. At this time, we are expecting to be able to hold just one ceremony including all our 2020 graduates. Seating will be limited and all social distancing protocols will be in place. We are in the early planning stages and do not have more information to share at this time.

Please remember, at any time the Governor can revoke our abilty to hold an in-person ceremony and/or greatly limit the number of people who can attend.

We are very hopeful this will work out and be a great send-off for our graduates. As soon as I have more information, I will let you know.

https://www.facebook.com/UFRSD/

Cranbury, East Brunswick, East Windsor, East Windsor, High School, Hightstown, Hightstown, Hightstown-East Windsor, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Middletown, Monmouth County, Special Events

NJ Semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

April 17, 2020

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

Local coverage area semifinalists:

Vineeth Duggirala, East Windsor – Mercer County Technical Schools – Health Science Academy

Jonathan Li Lin, Cranbury – Princeton High School

Lucy Zou, East Brunswick – East Brunswick High School

Laura Futamura, Middletown – High Technology High School

New Jersey Full List:
NJ – Rohan Amin, Denville – Delbarton School
**NJ – Grace Elizabeth Brokenshire, Woodbury Heights – Gateway Regional High School
**NJ – Alicia Caichen, Paramus – Bergen County Technical Hs
NJ – Elizabeth Angelina Caso, High Bridge – North Hunterdon High School
*NJ – Elli Choi, Tenafly – Tenafly High School
NJ – Eunice Y. Chong, Demarest – Northern Valley Regional High School
NJ – Shawnak Deb, New Providence – Union County Magnet High School
NJ – Vineeth Duggirala, East Windsor – Mercer County Technical Schools – Health Science Academy
*NJ – Laura Futamura, Middletown – High Technology High School
*NJ – Felicia He, Saddle River – The Brearley School
NJ – Kevin Huang, Bellmawr – Triton Regional High School
NJ – Jonathan Koa, Mahwah – Mahwah High School
**NJ – Dong Jun Lee, Fort Lee – Bergen County Technical High School
NJ – YoungEun Lee, Demarest – Northern Valley Regional High School
*NJ – Jeffrey Xiang Liao, Livingston – Livingston High School
NJ – Jonathan Li Lin, Cranbury – Princeton High School
NJ – Shreya Nuli, Bridgewater – Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School
NJ – Ojas Parmar, Edison – Rutgers Preparatory School
NJ – Jason Ping, Fort Lee – Academy for the Advancement of Science & Technology
NJ – Katie Volpert, Highland Park – Highland Park High School
**NJ – Alan Yeung, Sparta – Sparta High School
NJ – Ethan Zhang, Short Hills – Millburn High School
NJ – Kathryn Shao Zheng, Tenafly – Tenafly High School
NJ – Lucy Zou, East Brunswick – East Brunswick High School

Events, High School, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Special Events

Robbinsville High School “Mr. RHS, A Comedic Pageant Competition”

February 13, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville High School Senior guys compete for the title and crown of “Mr. RHS” There were twelve contestants, one for each month from January to December performed in individual skits, a talent competition and a group number. Admission was $5. for students, $10. for adults and additional vote tickets were $1. each. All funds raised were for the benefit of the RHS Class of 2020.

Mr. July Nick Carella won the title and crown as Mr. RHS 2020.

All contestants:

Mr. January: Alex Fleischner
Mr. February: James Cavanaugh-Gialloreto
Mr. March: Zach Glassband
Mr. April: Connor Fitzsimmons
Mr. May: Michael Radosti
Mr. June: Nick Zangrilli
Mr. RHS 2020: Mr. July: Nick Carella
Mr. August: Chris Mysh
Mr. September: Dayyan Hamid
Mr. October: Rohit Nair
Mr. November: Robbie Lotito
Mr. December: Ryan Siminske

  • Mr. January: Alex Fleischner
  • Mr. February: James Cavanaugh-Gialloreto
  • Mr. March: Zach Glassband
  • Mr. April: Connor Fitzsimmons
  • Mr. May: Michael Radosti
  • Mr. June: Nick Zangrilli
  • Mr. RHS 2020: Mr. July: Nick Carella
  • Mr. August: Chris Mysh
  • Mr. September: Dayyan Hamid
  • Mr. October: Rohit Nair
  • Mr. November: Robbie Lotito
  • Mr. December: Ryan Siminske



  • Left to right: Ava Lake, Mr. RHS Nick Carella and Julia Dottino
  • Left to right Hannah Shea, Robbie Lotito and Julia Sabol.
  • Sam Keeting is to the left and Elmilia Ross is on Chris Mysholowsky’s shoulders.
  • Rowdy getting ready to shoot a hoop (Chris Mysholowsky)
  • Left to right: Alyssa Stone, Dayyan Hamid and Anthi Panagiotidis.
  • Robbie Lotito congratulating Mr RHS (Nick Carella)
Mr. RHS event photos by: Eric Schreier
RHS Class 2020

High School, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, Special Events

Robbinsville High School Red Cross Club Holds Blood Drive

February 9, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–On Sunday, February 9, 2020, the Robbinsville High School Red Cross Club hosted its annual blood drive. Currently, there is a critical blood shortage. The Red Cross Club took action by partnering with the American Red Cross to hold a blood drive. The blood drive was led by club members Arrshia Kumar, Jaii Pappu, Joelle DelPrete, Saisha Ahluwalia, Sydnie Lui, and Raaha Kumaresan. 


Club members were excited for the event. Many students volunteered at the event. They greeted volunteers as they came in and managed sign-in. Students also brought in baked goods for the blood donors. The blood drive was a great way for students to engage with their community and make a difference. Every blood donation can save up to three lives. The blood drive was successful. They collected 25 units of blood. Thank you to all the club members, Red Cross nurses, and blood donors. 

  • Viv Haim, Anjali Sammeta
  • Brooke Griffin, Jianaa Ghosh
  • Victoria Cheung, Anjali Sammeta
  • (Back Row) Raaha Kumaresan, Victoria Cheung, Arrshia Kumar; (Front Row) Viv Haim, Anjali Sammeta
Photos provided by RHS Red Cross Club

High School, Mercer County, Robbinsville, Special Events

Happy New Year! 新年快乐！

January 25, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Happy Chinese New Year! 新年快乐！and is celebrated this year on January 25, 2020. It is the Year of the Rat.

Students celebrated Robbinsville High School’s 8th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration. The events included: The Dragon Dance, Group Singing, Opening Ceremony, Taichi, Ping Pong Match, Yo Yo, Cai Wei group dance, WuShu. The event concluded with the Lion Dance and traditional Chinese foods.

Traditional foods included Beef Lo Mein, Sesame Chicken, Pork Fried Rice, Vegetable Rice, Noodles, General Tso’s Chicken, Dumplings, White Rice, and Fortune Cookies.

The event was hosted by the Robbinsville High School Chinese Club and Ping Pong Club under the direction of Mrs. Kanagawa

Happy New Year! 新年快乐！

  • This is the Lion Dance.  The Lion Dance has been part of the Chinese culture for thousands of years.  The Lion is a symbol of power, wisdom and good fortune.  This dance is performed during Chinese New Year to chase away evil spirits, and bring happiness, longevity and good luck.  The performers are. (L to R) Brett Christiansen, Fiona Dennis, 
    Chris Mysholowsky, John Gallagher, Joe Thottathil
  • Taichi performers – Tai Chi is an ancient form of Chinese exercise that was originally created as a fighting art.  The performers are:  Front (L to R) Nate Oliva, Collin Aslemborski, Matt Giordano, Danny Surtz, Connor Fitz.  Back (L to R) Shane Martin, Chris Mysholowsky, Will Giesler, Matt Heverin, Dayyan Hamid, Jade Chau,
  • The Dragon Dance is a traditional dance performed during Chinese New Year where the movements mimic the those of a dragon’s demonstrating its power and dignity.  The performers are all Robbinsville High School seniors. (Front L to R) Matt Giordano, Thomas Horowitz, Jade Chau, Michael Stamboulian  Back (L to R) Laura Bradley, Jack Cavnaugh, Matt Hegel, Kevin Nodine, Matt Heverin, Joe Thottathil   
  • The Year Of The Rat
  •  Cai Wei dance performed by Chinese Culture Art Association, from left to right are: Jianqiu Ma, Ping Zheng,  Xinbei Gong,  Hui Yang,  Weiqi Chen, Zhijin Xu. Cai Wei dance is a traditional dance in China.
  • Performers, Left to right:
    Peter Chen 
    Zhongjun Ge 
    Liang Sun
    Ruixi Gao
    Kevin Jiang
    Xiaoming Xu
    Cheng Fan
  • Fiona Dennis is leading the lion.