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WINNERS FROM PAST YEARS: 2007 | 2008 | 2009
Each year at the Winter Convention, ten member schools are recognized for outstanding projects and/or activities that they conduct in their schools. Nominees for these "Top Ten Project" awards are carefully reviewed by the NJASC Treasurer and then decided on by the entire Executive Board...
2010 NJASC Top Ten Projects
The 2010 Top Ten Project winners are pictured above. Below is a summary of each award-winning project...
Bayonne High School
Powder Puff & Boys' Cheer Competition
This SCHOOL SPIRIT project featured a flag football tournament where the senior girls played the sophomore girls, the junior girls played the freshmen girls, and the winner of these two games played for the championship. Each grade level also had a cheer squad that consisted of 20-25 boys, who performed a routine both at the Spring Pep Rally earlier in the day and at the tournament that night. This was the first year Bayonne High School conducted this event, and to plan it they visited a similar event at South Brunswick High School to get ideas. There was much planning, both within the school to organize and promote the event and with the city of Bayonne to secure the field. Each class decorated the halls to match their class colors, and on the day of the event wore spirit clothing as this also marked the first Spring Pep Rally in many years. The community was also invited to this event, and all proceeds from a full stadium of attendees benefited the American Cancer Society.
A total of 200 out of 2600 (8%) students, 18 out of 50 (36%) Student Council members, and 30 out of 250 (12%) teachers became involved. In the words of Principal Richard Bacarella, "The stands were full of students, families, and members of the community having a great time...the Bayonne High School Powder Puff and Cheer Competitions were a great success and seem to be a new BHS tradition."
For more information, contact Bayonne Advisor Jeanine Jensen.
Belvidere High School
"Slime The Teacher"
This FUNDRAISING project raised over $500.00 to support the Joshua Tresslar Memorial Scholarship Fund, named in honor of a former Belvidere student government president and 1999 graduate who passed away from lymphoma in January 2009. This scholarship was started by his family to keep his memory alive and to support current Belvidere students in continuing their education after high school. During Spirit Week, seven teachers volunteered to "get slimed". Their names were placed on canisters in the cafeteria, and the three with the most money at the end of the week would get slimed. Student goverment members promoted this event and so did some of the teachers, with a rivalry developing between two of the seven that volunteered to participate. The actual sliming took place at the Pep Rally, whih was great fun for the students as well as the "slimed" teachers.
A total of 300 out of 570 (62%) students, 100 out of 149 (67%) Student Council members, and 7 out of 55 (13%) of teachers became involved. In the words of Principal Chris Halloran, "The students had a great timem, the faculty enjoyed seeing their colleagues get slimed, and most importantly we are reminded of a student that worked hard to achieve success but lost a battle to cancer far too early in life."
For more information, contact Belvidere HS Advisor Joan O'Neil.
Cherokee High School
"Ambassador Training"
This EDUCATIONAL project was designed to give homeroom ambassadors some of the same skills and training that the nine Cherokee delegates to the NJASC Leadership Training Conference (LTC) received the past summer. In August, a planning committee was created and council officers worked through September to develop a lesson plan to use at this event, based on some of what they experienced at LTC. At first, the officers were apprehensive and wondered if the homeroom ambassadors would actually attend, but when the training took place on October 2, 39 out of 40 did. After this event, each ambassador completed an evaluation form and the feedback was very positive. In the coming year, these evaluations will be used to help plan the next Ambassador Training session. Since the training homeroom ambassadors have been more energetic, interested in council events, and better at public speaking when delivering information to their respective homerooms.
A total of 53 out of 2433 (2%) students, 53 out of 125 (42%) Student Council members, and 2 out of 250 (1%) teachers became involved. In the words of Principal Linda Rohrer, "The skills learned at Ambassador Training will not only help with student council, but are transferable skills that can be used throughout high school and life. I am proud that the student council took the initiative to bring formal leadership training to Cherokee High School."
For more information, contact Cherokee HS Advisor Staycee Milligan.
Columbia High School
"Fall Pep Rally"
This SCHOOL SPIRIT project involved the entire student body and school community as they resurrected the Fall Pep Rally as an assembly. In prior years, the school administration did not allow Pep Rallies, due to concerns about safety and order in the gym. The Student Council proposed that a new Fall Pep Rally be held in the auditorium and created a plan that included a step-by-step blueprint for the event, believing that the new venue would allow for a more orderly and well-planned activity. Prior to the Pep Rally, each team involved has to submit their music and lyrics were reviewed by the advisors. In addtion, two full rehearsals were conducted prior to the actual Pep Rally, to ensure that all was in order. The week of the Pep Rally became Spirit Week, for which the halls were decorated and each day had a different dress up them, such as "Wacky Wednesday" or "Farmer Thursday". There were two Pep Rallies, one for each half of the school. At each, student council members were the MC's and teacher volunteers dressed up to provide comic relief between the introductions for each sports team. The Pep Rally excited Columbia students and increased school spirit and pride, while showing support for the marching band, color guard, cheerleaders, and athletic teams.
A total of 1950 out of 1950 (100%) students, 22 out of 22 (100%) Student Council members, and 185 out of 185 (100%) teachers became involved. In the words of Principal Dr. Lovie Lilly, "the essence of school spirit is alive and well due to the dedication and support of our Student Council...the ethos of the school is notably improved and should benefit students' experiences for years to come."
For more information, contact Columbia HS Advisors Hannah Edelmann and Beth Dalzell.
Kawameeh Middle School
"Multicultural Week"
This MIDDLE LEVEL project encouraged students to display their heritage by wearing colors of their native flags, shirts showing pride, as well as traditional costumes and garb. Each day for the whole week students could purchase tickets for a raffle, the prize being an international food basket that contained all kinds of things from various cultures. Each day there was a different food theme in the cafeteria, such as Chinese Food or Soul Food Day. There was also a Heritage Banner contest, where each homeroom created a banner to address the theme "What Does Diversity Mean To You?" A Heritage Festival was held in the school gym at night, featuring students' artwork and multimedia presentations. Students and their family members enjoyed food samples from different cultures at an International Cafe. A Heritage dress up day was also held, where students (within the dress code) could show ethnic pride while homerooms competed against each other for points toward Spirit Week. There was also a Heritage Logo contest with the winning entry used for the cover of programs, shirts, and cookbooks.
A total of 750 out of 750 (100%) students, 17 out of 17 (100%) Student Council members, and 20 out of 72 (28%) teachers became involved. In the words of Chief School Administrator Dr. Thedore Jakubowski regarding Multicultural Week, "this is a real reflection of the heritage in this community, and you can see how the kids are really proud of their heritage."
For more information, contact Kawameeh MS Advisor Christina Santoro.
Mount Olive High School
"Thanksgiving Drive Competition"
This SERVICE project entailed Student Council members concentrating on providing a full Thanksgiving dinner to local families in need. Instead of just collecting money the goal was to make 25 Thanksgiving baskets complete with a full dinner of mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, vegetables, and a $15 gift card to purchase a turkey or ham. Each class was assigned the task of collecting these food items and selling paper turkeys to raise the funds for the gift cards, and a competiton was created to increase overall involvement. The paper turkeys were sold during lunch periods and displayed in the school lobby. Collection boxes for each grade were placed in the cafeteria to collect the food items. In the end, not only was the original goal met, but additional food items brought in were donated to the Mount Olive Food Pantry to further help families in need. Working together with the Director of Family Services for Mount Olive Township, the baskets were distributed to local families in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
A total of 250 out of 1475 (17%) students, 30 out of 55 (55%) Student Council members, and 10 out of 122 (8%) teachers became involved. In the words of Principal Kevin Stansberry, "Student Council members worked tirelessly in promoting and organizing the drive, and enthusiastically prepared the 25 full Thanksgiving dinners."
For more information, contact Mount Olive HS Advisor Christine Nelson.
Parsippany Hills High School
"Halloween at the Hills"
This SERVICE and FUNDRAISING project, held each October 30, brings out over 1000 attendees, providing kids with a safe place to trick-or-treat and an event where families can come together for a fun and safe time. From 5:00-7:30 p.m., each club in the school sets up and decorates a classroom for the kids to enjoy with games, music, candy, and numerous Halloween themes. In this event devoted to the youth of Parsippany, there are both scary and friendly rooms provided for all ages of trick-or-treaters. This project is overseen by the Student Council, which relies on all active clubs to participate. The community is also an important part of the success for this project, which not only provides a safe and secure night for younger kids but also helps to keep older kids out of trouble on "mischief night". Local businesses donate candy and pizza, with all proceeds from admission and food sales becoming part of the State Charity donation for Parsippany Hills High School. Kids from outside Parsippany also come to this event, which has grown to the point that shuttle buses are being looked into for the future.
A total of 300 out of 1250 (24%) students, 90 out of 95 (95%) Student Council members, and 75 out of 160 (47%) teachers became involved. In the words of Assistant Principal Mike DiSanto, "this event is one of the most anticipated happenings of the school year, and is great for parents looking for a safe, fun, and not so scary Halloween experience. This year's attendance was so high that we will have to look for additional parking areas for next year's date."
For more information, contact Parsippany Hills HS Advisor Kitty Reinhard.
Phillipsburg High School
"Haunted High School"
This SERVICE and FUNDRAISING project not only benefits the children of the Phillipsburg community, but also serves as a primary fundraiser for the NJASC State Charity. The Student Council works closely with numerous clubs and organizations to provide an event where Halloween amusement for children is exciting and safe. Preparation begins months prior to the event as clubs, athletic teams, and organizations are contacted about hosting a room and deciding on a theme for it. Rooms can be friendly or scary, and the Student Council coordinates all room submissions through a planning committee while also sponsoring a club room of their own. Local businesses provide donations of candy, decorations, and bags for trick-or-treating. Press releases as well as flyers sent to all local schools promote the event. This event is always scheduled on a half-day of school, so that the students have enough time to transform Phillipsburg High School into a haunted house. On the night of the event Student Council members not already involved with a room hand out bags, deal with ticket sales, conduct a costume contest, and oversee the event. After the event, an evaluation meeting is held to discuss the positive and negative aspects of the night and make adjustments for the future.
A total of 650 out of 1650 (39%) students, 120 out of 180 (67%) Student Council members, and 35 out of 120 (29%) teachers became involved. In the words of Principal Gregory Troxell, "each year, we get various letters from parents of children who are very touched by the generosity of our Student Council's effort with respect to Hanuted High School."
For more information, contact Phillipsburg HS Advisor Bill English.
Sayreville War Memorial High School
"Say No To Drugs"
This EDUCATIONAL project was designed to lead the younger children of Sayreville on the path of a drug and alcohol free life. In this project, Student Council members visited four elementary schools, an upper elementary school, and the middle school. Planning includes coordinating visit days and times with several school principals, obtaining shirts and other supplies, and making a banner for each school with a catchy slogan declaring that school drug free. On the day for each visit, council members break up into groups of 3 or 4, going into each classroom to introduce themselves and conduct this activity. First, they ask the younger students what they might already know about drugs and how they can affect you. Then they lead these younger students through a series of fun activities that send the message to "Say No To Drugs". The younger students are entertained as they learn about the dangers of drugs and other harmful substances, while council members enjoy interacting with the younger children and listening to their opinions.
A total of 75 out of 1725 (4%) students, 75 out of 75 (100%) Student Council members, and 2 out of 120 (2%) teachers became involved.
For more information, contact Sayreville War Memorial HS Advisor Jen Pesci.
Union High School
"Spirit Week"
This SCHOOL SPIRIT project included several events throughout one week in March to increase interest and participation among both students and faculty. Featured among these events were the Student-Faculty basketball game and a Spring Dance. Planning begins months in advance as council members decide on dress-up themes for each day, such as Wild West Wednesday and Twins Thursday. Well over half of a large and diverse student body dress up for every day of Spirit Week. Local businesses were also contacted to donate food, and over a dozen volunteered to do so. The Student-Faculty basketball game was held in conjunction with the Girls' Basketball team, council members promoted the game and sold tickets for it. The theme for the Spring Dance was a luau, with leis for all that attended and a gym decorated with a volcano, waterfall, and palm trees. Council members worked hard to plan this dance; booking a DJ, ordering supplies, acquiring food, promoting the dance, and selling tickets. The celebration of school spirit throughout the week and at each major event was definitely worth it, and has given the school something to look forward to each March.
A total of 1500 out of 2600 (58%) students, 200 out of 200 (100%) Student Council members, and 100 out of 230 (44%) teachers became involved. In the words of Principal Edward Gibbons, "Spirit Week was very successful and it served to have a positive effect on our school climate. The entire Union High School community is very proud of our Student Council."
For more information, contact Union HS Advisor Meredith Getsinger.
