Schools

Jackson DECA Provides New Eyes for the Needy

by Molly Staffordsmith

On January 25th, 2017 Jackson Liberty High School DECA hosted their community service chapter project to benefit New Eyes For the Needy. Molly Staffordsmith and Alex Lanier, Sophmores, ran the club’s Cornhole Tournament in the main gym on Wednesday night.

The event lasted for two hours and was filled with music, fun, competition, and prizes. The winners of the event won prizes provided by local businesses in Jackson.
The turnout was more than anyone ever expected, and the support shown was tremendous. The two students worked long and hard to raise money for New Eyes For The Needy, an organization that raises money for those who are unable to purchase their own glasses. The goal that the students had to reach was to raise $900 for the cause, at the end of the day they raised well over $1,000. Congratulations and thank you to all that came out to support this great event.
Photos and story submitted by Molly Staffordsmith.

Jackson 5th Grader Makes the Cut with Justin Bieber

Lorenzo Azzollini is 9 years old and has been dancing since he was 3 years old and was one out of thousands who auditioned to perform with Justin Bieber’s Purpose Tour in Bologna,Italy this winter.

He won that chance and headed to Europe.

Lorenzo dances for Icon Dance complex in Englishtown. He’s a 5th grader at Switlik Elementary School when he’s not dancing for Justin Bieber.
Winners were chosen from their audition videos. Lorenzo even made headlines in the local Italian newspaper after his performance.

Justin Bieber, after meeting Lorenzo said he liked his name and if he has a boy one day, he’d name him Lorenzo!

Jackson Female Student Athletes Recognized for Academic and Athletic Performance

Jackson Liberty student Danielle Notarfrancesco and Jackson Memorial student Jacie Van de Zilver were recognized by the NJSIAA and Women’s Sports Foundation for their excellence in sports and academics in January.

The award is given to girls who demonstrate their ability to excel  in athletics and to be role models for other girls.  The NJSIAA said in 1982, just 57,789 female student athletes participated in High School Sports.  Through their hard work and the hard work of many administrators, parents and faculty in the state, the number is now 117,840. New Jersey is host to 17 sports for girls and 24 state championship events, the most of any state in the United States.

Toms River North's Got Talent

 

From the Toms River School District:

The National Honor Society at High School North hosted a “North’s Got Talent” cabaret with 16 show stopping numbers. The fundraiser was a huge success and everyone had a wonderful time. All proceeds were donated to the HSN Senior Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Toms River North Student Selected to Present at Rutgers University Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

From the Toms River School District:

Congratulations to HSN Authentic Science Research senior Nicolette Carbonetto for being the only Toms River student selected to do an oral presentation of her research at the Junior Science & Humanities Symposium hosted by Rutgers University. The oral PPT presentation is the highest level of competition at the symposium. Additionally, ASR seniors Christine Apostolico, Darrion Carrington, Stephanie Javier, Joe Signorelli and Matt Signorelli were chosen for the competitive poster board session at the JSHS. Good luck to the scientific Mariners!

Report: Staten Island Student Gets Lower Grade Because She Didn't Bash Trump

Teachers tasked by taxpayers with educating their children are instead inserting their own anti-Trump biases into their lesson plans. A Staten Island, New York, educator teacher placed an anti-President Trump question onto a middle school homework assignment — and then defended it as “freedom of speech,” reported The New York Post. “Please keep your political views…

Toms River Students' DNA Published in Online Genome Project

The Toms River Regional School Board recognized three high school students and their teachers for participating in the Waksman Student Scholar Program. The Waksman Student Scholars Program provides avenues for high school science teachers and students to participate in, contribute to and molecular biology research. These students had their DNA sequences published on the NCBI website, they have accomplished what no other student in our district has.

Toms River Board Recognizes Life Saving Wrestling Coaches

The Toms River Regional School District’s Board of Education recognized High School North coaches Josh Huber and John DeMarco for their quick thinking as well as their certified training that led to saving the life of a Donovan Catholic student during a wrestling meet in Lakewood on January 4, 2017.

“We are proud of our coaches and the real reason for victory that evening,” the board said.

Pictured with coaches Josh Huber and John DeMarco is Board Member Christopher Raimann, HSN Athletic Coordinator Paul Barnoski and Superintendent David Healy.

Freehold Township High School Wins Monmouth County Consumer Bowl

HOWELL, NJ – Freehold Township High School came up winners in the 2017 Monmouth County Consumer Bowl, a game-show-style competition for teams of high school students held Feb. 14 at the Monmouth County Fire Academy.

Students from seven high schools answered consumer-related questions in a multiple choice and open-ended format to test their knowledge of consumer issues, such as Internet fraud and buying and leasing automobiles.

The six-member team from Freehold Township High School successfully earned its 2017 Monmouth County Consumer Bowl title against students from Colts Neck, Freehold Borough, Howell, Manalapan and Raritan and Saint John Vianney High School.

“The best part about this program is that all of our participating young adults gained some knowledge about what it takes to help them be smarter consumers and possibly future consumer advocates,” said Freeholder Serena DiMaso, who was on hand to congratulate the winners. “It is also a great way to promote the County’s Consumer Affairs office, which enforces consumer laws and helps people who suspect they might be victims of unscrupulous business practices.”

In the final round, Freehold Twp. faced-off with Howell High School. Though the scores were close, the Freehold Township team was victorious and won the 2017 County Consumer Bowl for the seventh time in eight years. .

“It’s important that teens understand consumer and business concepts, like credit and identity theft, banking and fraud, marketing and advertising,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the County’s Division of Consumer Affairs. “Consumer Bowl participants are a step ahead of their peers with their knowledge of consumer issues and are well-prepared to tackle issues in the marketplace.”

Team members are Anna Landre (team captain), Matthew Bernstein, Jake LaFronz, Michael Galanaugh and Raiyan Hussain. Their advisor is Dan Cooper; school principal is Elizabeth Higley.

The Freehold Township team now moves on to the regional competition on April 6 with home field advantage because the competition will be held at the Monmouth County Fire Academy. The winner of the regional competition will go on to compete in the 2017 New Jersey State Consumer Bowl scheduled for May in Trenton.

The New Jersey High School Consumer Bowl is a program of the state Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Consumer Affairs. It was established in 1997 to help students learn about consumer issues that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Since the County’s Division of Consumer Affairs was established in 1977, the department has handled more than 50,000 complaints and resolved disputes, resulting in savings to consumers of more than $22 million; $9 million has been resolved in the past five years.

Consumer Affairs is a law enforcement agency, created and funded by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. It protects against consumer fraud and dishonest and dishonest business practices by enforcing the state Consumer Fraud Act and many other regulations.

Additional information about fraud and other consumer affairs programs can be found on the County website at www.VisitMonmouth.com, by calling 732-431-7900 or email ConsumerAffairs@co.monmouth.nj.us. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Students Learn Impact Dogs Can Have on Mental Health Challenges

The Junior health classes at Toms River High School North assembled to hear a lecture given by Ms.Trisha Baker representing “Attitudes In Reverse” (AIR), a mental health education program. AIR members go into the community to educate about mental health and suicide prevention. With education comes understanding and empathy. If all of society understood the challenges of mental health issues, we would normalize the illness, increase compassion and lessen bullying. Ms. Baker brought along “Mickey” a therapy dog. Research has shown that the simple action of petting dogs releases good brain chemicals that allow us to relax and reduce stress.

Toms River East Cheerleaders Grand Champions at Battle of the Boardwalk

Toms River High School East’s competition cheerleading team competed in the Battle of the Boardwalk, a national cheer and dance competition on February 4, 2017. The girls took first place in their division as well as the title of Grand Champion which means they earned the highest score out of all the high schools, middle schools and grade school in their category.

Toms River North, Jackson Memorial Girls Basketball for Cancer Awarness

The Lady Mariners of Toms River North and the Jackson Memorial Jaguars basketball teams joined forces at the Pine Belt Arena and played a game to raise awareness about breast cancer. This year, all proceeds from the gate, concessions and merchandise were donated to the American Cancer Society. It was a fun night playing “Hoops for Hope” with true team spirit in play.

Former Wall coach Dan Curcione appointed head football coach at Donovan Catholic

TOMS RIVER — A little less than two months removed from winning the South Jersey Group 3 title at Wall, Dan Curcione is moving on. Donovan Catholic announced Wednesday it named Curcione, the NJ.com Shore Conference Coach of the Year, its new head football coach replacing Tom Tarver, who was not rehired after an 0-10 season.…

Donovan Catholic Crowned Powerlifting Champions

Success continues for the Donovan Catholic powerlifting team as they take home a national title.  The program has been hailed as a powerlifting powerhouse in recent years, gaining recognition statewide in the sport.

 

Mariners Finish 3rd at SCT Track Championship

Toms River High School North’s  Boy’s track team for placed 3rd at this past weekend’s Shore Conference Championships.  Senior Ryan Roger won the shot put with a throw of 57’11”. This is the 5th longest throw of the season throughout the state. Senior Bryce Watts took 2nd in 55 meters with a time of this season.

Pictured is Senior Ryan Roger and Coach Jack Boylan.

Team Mascot Proposes at High School Basketball Game

Toms River High School North alumni Brielle Douress was shocked at last Thursday’s Mariners basketball game when her fiancé showed up as the Mariner Mascot “Salty” and proposed to her at halftime.

Former Jackson Memorial Football Coach Jailed for Stealing Student Funds in Mount Holly

MOUNT HOLLY TWP. — A former teacher and football coach was sentenced to 90 days in jail Wednesday for stealing Willingboro student funds to feed his alleged gambling addiction. Reginald “Reggie” Lawrence, 47, of Mount Laurel, was also sentenced in Burlington County Superior Court to two years probation. Court Administrator Donna Mazzanti said Judge Christopher Garrenger…

MATES wins Ocean County Mock Trial Competition

Once again, Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s MATES program wins the annual Ocean County Mock Trial Championship.  The school also won in 2013 and finished 2nd in 2015.

The finals were held on Wednesday, January 18th at the Ocean County Courthouse.

https://twitter.com/MayorDucey/status/823194352751144960

Watch: Regina Discenza Calls it Quits; Blames Everyone Else

Letter to the Editor

Lacey school board member Regina Discenza, to pretty much everyone’s enjoyment and pleasure announced she’s done taking up space on the Lacey School Board and will not run for reelection when her term expires after 9 or 10 or 11 or whatever failed campaigns.

Now that the public has seen her antics, she knows she would never win another election anyway.

She’s been worthless on the board since she got on it and has been nothing but a political nuisance in a position that is non-partisan and non-political.

And yes, Ms. Dicsenza, as a school board member you are not welcome to any other perks or benefits that any non-elected citizen has.

Regina Discenza feels she has special powers as a school board member that ordinary residents don’t have.

Not the case.

She must have missed that class.

The township and the children will be better without her.

Her response was beautifully highlighted by her fellow board members who completely ignored her entire speech, but remember…it’s “for the children”!

Signed,
A happy Lacey parent with children in the district.

 

UPSET WITH THE LACEY SCHOOL BOARD?  Send your letters to the editor to news@shorenewsnetwork.com

 

 

Teen Struck by Car While Crossing Street for School Bus

Submitted by Jackson Police Dept.

JACKSON-On Tuesday January 24, 2017 at approximately 6:52 am, patrol officers and emergency personnel responded to Brewers Bridge Road in the area of Buckingham Drive on the report of a juvenile who had been struck by a vehicle.

 

Upon arriving at the scene, officers determined that a teenaged male suffered minor injuries after being struck by a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix while crossing Brewers Bridge Road to board a township school bus. The driver of the involved vehicle was identified as a 57 year old female resident of Lakehurst. She stopped her vehicle immediately and was fully cooperative with the investigating officers.

 

The teenaged male was transported by ground to a local hospital as a precaution.

 

The preliminary investigation indicates that the juvenile had entered the roadway prior to the bus coming to a stop and activating its red flashing lights. The incident is still currently under investigation by Police Officers Trevor Crowley and Brad Reider of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

 

Jackson Student to Perform at Carnegie Hall

JACKSON-Katrina Zangrillo, a student at Jackson Memorial High School has been selected for the 2017 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. She will perform as a Soprano one in February with the Concert Choir Honors Ensemble. Participation in one of the five Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world.

Earlier this year, Katrina Zangrillo auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in her application and audition recording. Katrina will join other performers from all 49 United States, Guam, two Canadian provinces, and a number of foreign countries for a special performance at world-famous Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.

According to Morgan Smith, Program Director, “Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each Finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing. We processed more than 18,000 nominations this year and have selected nearly 750 of the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at Carnegie Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians never forget”.

Katrina has studied music for six years and is a member of Concert Choir, A Capella, and Tri-M, at JMHS and is also part of the Saint Aloysius choir. She has participated in the spring musicals at JMHS for the past three years. She has decided to pursue musical theater as a career.  She also is active in the study of piano, acting and dance classes. She loves taking workshops at Sweet Music Academy and Count Basie Theater. In response to her selection as a Finalist, Katrina said, “Never in my wildest dreams would I have envisioned myself to be considered for a momentous and impacting honor such as this. Words cannot express how jubilated I feel. To all my fellow contenders, I cannot wait to be united with you to not only create beautiful music, but hopefully form great friendships”.

Finalists will come together in New York City for five days in February 2017. They will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other Finalists, and get a taste of New York City. Two performances, an Honors Choral Performance and an Honors Instrumental Performance, will take place Sunday, February 5, and are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased beginning 60 days prior to the performance through the Carnegie Hall box office.

The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual high school performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in the celebrated venue, Carnegie Hall. The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented by WorldStrides, the nation’s leading educational travel organization. Learn more by visiting www.honorsperformance.org and www.worldstrides.com.

Brick High School: Wrestling match a lost opportunity to teach courage, acceptance

Brick Township High School defended itself against parents and adults who criticized the school and it’s wrestlers over the handling of an opportunity to showcase a wrestler with disabilities.

“During this year’s Brick vs Brick Memorial Wrestling match, there was a wonderful opportunity to showcase a very special young man, David Richards,” the district said. “Unfortunately, this opportunity was missed, due to the poor planning, communication and decision making on the part of adults from both schools and administration.”

What could have been a conversation about courage and acceptance turned into something negative, the district said.

“The students on both wrestling teams respect and admire the courage that David exhibits every day,” they added. “It is sad that misinformed adults on social media have questioned our wrestlers’ character and motives, for which they are completely wrong.”

Brick Township High School and its students have a long history of embracing exceptional students.

The Challenger league and many other fine organizations serving students with disabilities began at this school.

“Today, the entire Brick Township High School community celebrates David’s achievements and congratulates him on his Wrestler of the Week Honors,” the district said.

David got his shot to wrestle three days later against Middletown North.

 

WATCH: Emotional win by pin for special needs wrestler from Brick Memorial

MIDDLETOWN – A Brick Memorial wrestler made his varsity debut on Saturday and won his match. While that might not sound remarkable, it was a moment that won’t soon be forgotten by those who witnessed it. Moments after No. 17 Middletown North “officially” put a 32-29 victory over Brick Memorial in the books, David Richards, a…

No Gun in Jackson School Bus "Gun Incident"

by Capt. Steven Laskiewicz, JPD


JACKSON-On Wednesday January 11, 2017 at approximately 7:05 am, multiple Jackson Police Officers responded to the Jackson Memorial High School on the report of a subject on a bus being in possession of a gun.

 

Upon investigation, it was discovered that two teenaged males on the bus were talking when for unknown reasons, one of the males reportedly yelled “gun”. In response, another teenaged male loudly exclaimed that the other subject had a gun. The bus driver then stopped the bus and called for assistance.

 

Responding officers escorted all students off of the bus and conducted a search for any weapons. No weapons were found and it was determined that no threats were made to any students. The two teenaged males involved in the incident were taken into custody and later turned over to family members. The incident is being followed up on by School Resource Officer Colin Menafra.

 

 

–          The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

 

Dems Retain Power on Toms River School Board; Giovine President

TOMS RIVER-Despite some confusion about how to nominate and vote on a new board president and vice president, the Toms River Regional School Board managed to get the vote done at their annual reorganization meeting.

Democratic political operative Ben Giovine will lead the Toms River Regional School Board in 2017 after securing the nomination and election as president by his fellow board members. The board, minus Joe Nardini, Chris Raimann and newly elected board member Daniel Leonard voted in favor of Giovine.

Board member Christopher Raimann was also nominated for presidency, but a vote was not held after the Giovine vote cleared the board successfully.

For Vice President, Loreen Torrone and Nardini received nominations, but after a 4-4 board split, Torrone cast a vote for herself to break the tie.

Outgoing board President Rob Onofrietti was joined by Nardini, Raimann and Leonard, all of whom voted against Torrone’s nomination.

Giovine, was a former Democrat political field agent, organizer and Ocean County director for the campaign of the late John Adler.

The board in their first two votes, maintained political party lines.

Democrat political powerbroker and board attorney Steven Leone addressed those in attendance and let the audience know he would leave the meeting early to make a flight to Florida.

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Brothers gets back to winning wins in victory over Hackettstown

RANDOLPH–After losing a tight game to Toms River North on Saturday, Christian Brothers wanted to jump on Hackettstown early when the two faced off in the Hoops to Help Showcase at the County College of Morris on Sunday. That is exactly what CBA did. It took a nine point first quarter lead and never trailed on…

Toms River Scout Honors Fallen Marine for Eagle Scout Project

Eagle Scout Christopher Plate chose to honor one of Toms River’s fallen war heroes for his Eagle Scout project last year.  At the December meeting of the Toms River Board of Education, Plate was recognized by the board.

Plate built a retaining wall and landscaped the area around the sign on Old Freehold Road which was dedicated in honor of Major James Matthew Weiss, a Toms River North alumni who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. Weiss was a Marine Corps helicopter pilot.

Weiss was piloting a Cobra helicopter when he was shot down providing air support for Marines pinned down by Taliban fighters.

School district pays out $60,000 on sexual harrassment suit

BARNEGAT — The township’s board of education agreed to pay $60,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by the family of a middle school student alleging the district failed to stop sexual harassment by another student that went on for years. The girl, who was a student Brackman Middle School from 2011 to 2014, was subjected to…

On the Agenda: 2017 Jackson Township Council Reorganization Meeting

by Phil Stilton

JACKSON-Few changes will occur at Tuesday night’s township reorganization meeting, the town’s 173rd such meeting.  The township will swear in incumbents Ken Bressi, Barry Calogero and Robert Nixon after the trio won an uncontested election in November.

Some changes are on the agenda, most notably the addition of former Superior Court judge Melanie Donohue Appleby is expected to replace New Jersey legislator James Holzapfel as township’s labor lawyer.

In 2014, Appleby was suspended by the New Jersey Supreme Court over after being found guilty of conduct violations related to her own child custody battle.   Appleby is a former Toms River Township councilwoman.  Appleby reportedly retired from her position as a judge in December, nearly two years shy of the end of her seven year appointment. As a judge, she earned $165,000 annually.

Another move by the township this year is the addition of Carlos Ferreira, esq. as an alternate public defender.

Down the list of professional appointments, the roster for the township remained the same.

The meeting will take place Tuesday night at 7pm.  Originally, the meeting was scheduled for 7:30pm, but a public notice published on New Year’s Eve changed moved the start time up by 30 minutes.