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Each year at the January 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...
2008 NJASC Top Ten Projects
The 2008 Top Ten Project winners are pictured above. Below is a summary of each award-winning project...
Cherkoee High School
Operation Holiday
This SERVICE project benefited the Displaced Women's Opportunity Center in Mount Laurel, and was honored by the Displaced Homemakers Network of New Jersey at its 19th annual Legislative Reception in Trenton last May. This organization serves single working mothers whose lives have been disrupted by divorce, death, or spousal abuse. The Cherokee student council "adopted" two families, and fundraised to buy every item on their holiday wish list. They also obtained gift cards with which the "adopted" families could purchase groceries, utlities, and dinner at a local restaurant. Student council ambassadors and representatives collected from students and staff, and coordinated efforts with other clubs. A purchase team of student council members devoted one Saturday to buying all the gift, and another wrapping team prepared some of the gifts while leaving others for the mother to be able to wrap on her own for her kids.
Nearly 2000 out of 2523 (79%) students, 80 out of 89 (90%) Student Council members, and 200 out of 210 (95%) of teachers became involved. In the words of Principal Linda Rohrer, "our Student Council remains one of the most supportive and spirited organizations at Cherokee High School. I am positive that Cherokee would not be the same place if it wasn't for the efforts of our Student Council members, advisors, and the student body." For more information, contact Cherokee HS Advisor Marilyn Trotta.
Columbia High School
9/11 Memorial Courtyard
This SERVICE project honored the graduates of Columbia High School who lost their lives in the attacks of September 11, 2001. The courtyard that was renovated to become the 9/11 Memorial Courtyard was mistreated and neglected for several years. Alumni, administration, teachers, students, and community members came together to assist this effort with manual labor, funds, and/or words. Several school and outside groups were also involved, including the South Orange-Maplewood Education Foundation, Cougar Boosters, Home School Association, as well as the art and athetic departments of Columbia High School. The Community Service committee headed this project which involved a pond renovation, fundraising efforts, contacing 9/11 related alumni, organizing the dedication ceremony, and working with the school district to install a new electrical supply for a waterfall. The result is a beautiful courtyard where students and staff can escape the busy school environment and listen to the sounds of a running waterfall or center themselves in a Zen garden while remembering those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
A total of 50 out of 1950 (3%) students, 22 out of 22 (100%) Student Council members, and 15 out of 153 (10%) teachers became involved. In the words of Principal Dr. Lovie Lilly, "today the courtyard is a vibrant part of the school, admired and enjoyed by adults and students alike, that symbolizes the spirit of renovation, reflection, and more importantly community." For more information, contact Columbia HS Advisors Hannah Edelman and Beth Dalzell.
Kawameeh Middle School
Heritage Week
This MIDDLE LEVEL project allowed students to display pride in their heritage throughout the week in many ways. A Heritage Dress Up Day was held, where students were allowed to wear traditional costumes and garb to honor their ethnic heritage. The highlight of the week was the Heritage Festival, held at night in the gym. This celebration included students' artwork, multimedia presentations, traditional dances, and even salsa lessons for anyone interested. An International Cafe offered food and beverage samples from different cultures, all donated by volunteers. Homerooms competed against each other in the Heritage Banner Contest, in which each homeroom created a 20 x 24 inch banner for the theme, "What does diversity mean to you?" The winning banners were put on display in the main lobby for the Heritage Festival. Throughout the week students could purchase tickets for a raffle to win an International Food Basket. Speaking of food, each day there was a different international theme in the cafeteria.
A total of 675 out of 675 (100%) students, 85 out of 85 (100%) Student Council members, and 65 out of 65 (100%) teachers became involved. In the words of Vice Principal Jason Malanda, "this week made our school a better place, as students had a greater appreciation for each other and each other's cultural differences." For more information, contact Kawameeh MS Advisor Deborah Wieczezak.
Lopatcong Middle School
Almost Anything Goes
This MIDDLE LEVEL project raised funds for the Lopatcong Rescue Squad while providing students, teachers, and parents am enjoyable team-building activity. In this event, there are six student teams (grades 5-8), an alumni team of former Student Council Executive members, and three adult teams (teachers, parents, Rescue Squad members) that compete. The teams compete in many games and challenges that involve much preparation and equipment such as ping-pong balls, ropes, plastic spoons, rubber tubes, volleyball poles, styrofoam cups, gloves, buckets, scooters, and more. Money is raised through admission tickets and a donation table at the event. Parents volunteer as referees, score keepers, prop managers, and to sell refreshments. Local businesses donate items that are raffled off to raise even more money for the Rescue Squad. This event raised over $1700.00 for the Lopatcong Rescue Squad, and everyone that participated or watched has a good time.
A total of 217 out of 409 (10%) students, 135 out of 147 (92%) Student Council members, and 22 out of 57 (39%) teachers became involved. In the words of Assistant Principal Stephen Geisel, "Almost Anything Goes brings all stakeholders in the school and community together, and the Student Council makes it all happen." For more information, contact Lopatcong MS Advisor Kenney Lutz.
Monsignor Donovan High School
Breakfast With Santa
This SERVICE project intends to unite the whole community of St. Joseph's Parish. On the first Sunday of December, the Monsignor Donovan High School Cafeteria is transformed into a winter wonderland where kids of all ages can enjoy themselves. Children can have their pictures taken with Santa Claus, who is one of the senior boys. Santa's Elves assist young children with easy-to-do arts and crafts projects set up in Santa's Workshop. The whole family enjoys a full breakfast including pancakes, sausage, bacon, donuts, and other treats - local restaurants donate the food for this charitable cause. High school students spend valuable time with both the children as well as elderly parishoners, who are among over three hundred people that attend this event each year. Proceeds from this event, raised through ticket sales, are donated to a less fortunate family who the Student Council "adopts" for the Christmas season.
A total of 70 out of 980 (7%) students, 70 out of 70 (100%) Student Council members, and 3 out of 60 (5%) teachers became involved. In the words of Assistant Principal Eileen McCullion, "this provides a wonderful opportunity for the community to enjoy a quality Christmas program, while contributing to a family in need during the holiday season." For more information, contact Monsignor Donovan HS Advisor Joan Fraclose.
Nutley High School
Spirit Week Decathlon
This SCHOOL SPIRIT project was actually inspired from an idea shared at the 1990 NJASC Convention, and has since grown to the marquee event on the student activities calendar. Over the years, the competition has outgrown the gym and moved to the football field. Decathlon is held on the fifth day of Spirit Week, when the entire school is covered in signs and posters that cheer each grade on. No other event inspires class pride like Decathlon - class officers assemble their teams, and ensure that everyone gets a shirt. Each of the four classes had over 100 students participate. The Student Council publicizes the event, gathers required equipment, arranges for chaperones, and officiates events. The ten events vary from year to year, but perennial favorites include pie-eating, arm wrestling, pie eating. and the three-legged race. Admission is three dollars, and all proceeds go to a charitable cause chosen by the Student Council.
A total of 650 out of 1400 (46%) students, 145 out of 160 (91%) Student Council members, and 17 out of 140 (12%) teachers became involved. In the words of Principal Gregory Catrambone, "no other event in the school year brings so many students, parents, and teachers together. This event continues to be extremely successful and has earned its place in Nutley High School tradition." For more information, contact Nutley HS Advisors Gerald Ryan and Nicole David.
Parsippany Hills High School
PHHS Volleyball Night
This SCHOOL SPIRIT project gives students the chance to exercise, have fun, meet new people, and develop a positive competitive spirit. During the third marking period the Physical Education classes conduct their own volleyball tournaments, so to capitalize on student interest and continue the enthusiasm this event is held in May. Volleyball Night is open to the entire student body, it is up to any student who wants to be a captain to organize and register his or her team. Once registered, teams create unique names and uniforms which help to result in team unity, better chemistry, and overall performance. While some Executive Board members participate on teams, all keep score of the games when not playing. Physical Education teachers serve as referees for the games. Awards are given for the top three teams in the tournament, and also for the team with the best spirit and best uniforms. There is a small admission charge at the door, with all proceeds donated to the NJASC State Charity.
A total of 200 out of 1200 (17%) students, 30 out of 70 (43%) Student Council members, and 15 out of 120 (13%) teachers became involved. In the words of Assistant Principal Dr. Nancy Gigante, "this event has brought together students of all grade levels, different athletic abilities, and cultural backgrounds." For more information, contact Parsippany Hills HS Advisor Kitty Reinhard.
South Brunswick High School
Powder Puff
This FUNDRAISING project is held every November under the lights at the high school football field, and serves to solidify student connection to their respective classes. The freshmen play the juniors, and the sophomores then take on the senior class. Randomly selected groups are placed in their respective class and then led by their fellow male classmates who volunteer to be coaches or cheerleaders. Over 200 students participated as players, coaches, cheerleaders, or spirit squad members. A huge pre-Powder Puff dinner is held before the big games, which includes the "Miss Muscles" contest where students vote for the best muscles of randomly selected Powder Puff players. The community comes out in force for this event, whether it is be involverd with the pre-Powder Puff dinner or to join the over 1500 spectators at this annual event. All ticket proceeds are donated to charities selected by the Student Council, including the NJASC State Charity.
A total of 220 out of 2660 (8%) students, 14 out of 14 (100%) Student Council members, and 20 out of 247 (8%) teachers became involved. In the words of Activities Coordinator Gina Welsh, "the entire student population is caught up in the Powder Puff frenzy, it is so big and so fun that students, staff, and parents often cite it as their favorite event of the year." For more information, contact South Brunswick HS Advisor Lauren VanHook.
Toms River High School - South
Battle of the Classes
This SCHOOL SPIRIT project is a week-long event each April that consists of several events in which the classes battle it out to see who "rules the school", giving all a chance to truly show their "Indian spirit". The Battle of the Classes consists of the following events - Participation Battle, Spirit Streamers, Penny Wars, and Pep Rally Contests. The Participation Battle goes throughout the week as each day has a theme, such as Crazy Hats Day, Favorite Sports Day, etc. The themes are chosen by the Student Council to allow for and encourage creativity and individuality. The Spirit Streamers activity is a spirit-based fundraising effort, from which proceeds are donated to the NJASC State Charity. The week culminates with the Pep Rally, which incorporates the entire student body and includes many contests that give the classes a chance to compete and strengthen their identity.
A total of 600 out of 1600 (38%) students, 30 out of 50 (60%) Student Council members, and 30 out of 120 (25%) teachers became involved. In the words of Assistant Principal Anne Baldi, "this project is very impressive not only because it involves the entire school, but because it does so with minimal expense to the student body." For more information, contact Toms River HS-South Advisor Marcie Cantillo.
Union High School
Jardine Academy Sweethearts' Ball
This SERVICE project was inspired by an idea shared at the 2004 NJASC Convention. After volunteering at Jardine Academy, a school for special needs students with cerebral palsy, the Student Council decided to host a winter dance for these students. Although only a small number of Union HS students participate (due to the small size of Jardine Academy) the impact this event has on students of both schools is significant and worthy of the Top Ten Projects award. Before the ball, Union Student Council members visit Jardine Academy to assist in their classrooms and get to know their students. They also choose decorations and make party favors for each indiviudal Jardine student. On the day of the dance, Union Student Council members work for hours to decorate and prepare the Jardine gym for the Ball. Part of this is to create a special picture taking spot around a three-step climbing podium, to help Jardine students meet an Alternative Site Assessment standard. Union HS students assist the Jardine students to climb the stairs with the motivation to have their picture taken, which is then placed into a party favor frame. Throughout the Ball, Union Student Council members dance and interact with Jardine students, and the look on the faces of both is priceless.
A total of 25 out of 2600 (1%) students, 25 out of 146 (17%) Student Council members, and 35 out of 215 (16%) teachers became involved. In the words of Principal Edward Gibbons, "everyone involved with Union High School is very proud of our Student Council and our students' commitment to serving the students at Jardine." For more information, contact Union HS Advisor Meredith Getsinger.
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For more news on what's happening in our NJASC member schools, read the latest edition of our award-winning publication: NJASC REVIEW - March 2008 What's going on in YOUR school? Tell us about it, and maybe we can spread the word! To submit an article for consideration in future editions of the NJASC Review, e-mail it to review08@njasc.org. |
