NJ students: Mount Saint Mary Academy victors travel to Washington, D.C.

The victors of this year’s Euro Challenge competition − Zoe Daly of Piscataway, Victoria Fekete of Livingston, Lillian Del Rossi of Union, Charlotte Jotz of Scotch Plains, Akshaya Karanam of Woodbridge, Katie Ferris of Westfield, and Gwen Oakley of Maplewood−traveled to Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 13, where they were celebrated for winning the contest last month with the topic of Gender Inequality in Germany.

Kathleen Brennan, department of mathematics chairperson at Mount Saint Mary Academy, accompanied the team, which also had the opportunity to explore various local historic attractions such as the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, the Museum of American History, and a piece of the Berlin Wall where they met officials from the German Embassy.

The next day, the team met with officials at the European Delegation who explained their leadership roles and responsibilities to the students. The Mounties also received gift bags filled with goodies from the delegation. Next, they visited the German Embassy where they offered their Euro Challenge presentation and answered questions about their research. They concluded that day with a trip to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) where they listened to an overview of the IMF’s responsibilities, and they sat in the seats which are occupied by the delegates. The students also traveled to the Netherlands Embassy to hear the second-place team from Princeton deliver their presentation on fiscal policy in the Netherlands.

Fekete said, “Participating in the Euro Challenge has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my time in high school. I’ve learned how to problem-solve, effectively communicate my ideas, and think on my feet with poise and skill. The countless fun memories I’ve made on this team are enough to last me a lifetime − I’m so grateful that I got to learn and grow in both my academic skills and confidence, and I’m going to carry the lessons I’ve learned in Euro throughout my schooling and career!”

David Brearley High School

Juniors from David Brearley High in Kenilworth got a lot out of a recent assembly focused on college planning, but just one also got a major surprise − a $40,000 scholarship. Adrianna Blaise was presented with a scholarship from BigFuture, an online college planning tool offered through College Board − the organization that administers the SAT and Advanced Placement courses. Blaise was entered into a scholarship drawing because she used the resources available on the BigFuture website, bigfuture.collegeboard.org.

Brearley held an assembly on Friday, June 17, to encourage students to take advantage of college-prep programs. Principal Jeremy Davies said Blaise had no idea she’d be awarded a scholarship, nor did her family, who were in the audience. “The student's family members were informed that she would be recognized in some way, but they didn’t know exactly what was coming,” Davies said.

Representatives from BigFuture also took part in the surprise. When they presented Blaise with an oversized $40,000 sign to represent her scholarship, shock quickly turned to joy. She couldn’t stop smiling and embraced the family members who turned out.

Blaise, who will be a senior at Brearley in the fall, has been planning for college with the help of guidance counselor Jamie Lugo.

Brearley has accelerated its college preparation activities in recent years to include workshops and panels for students and parents. Incoming seniors like Blaise can also take advantage of the Camp College summer program for practice in writing college essays and resumes. The recent assembly included information on that program as well as a summer to-do list to get ready for the fall college process.

Blaise now has a head start, thanks to the BigFuture scholarship. She was awarded just one of two $40,000 scholarships that are available monthly. BigFuture also holds drawings for hundreds of $500 scholarships each month. Students can increase their number of drawing entries by completing multiple steps on the BigFuture website that include building a college list, practicing for the SAT, exploring scholarships, applying for financial aid and applying to colleges.

More than $14 million in BigFuture scholarships have been awarded to more than 15,000 students since the program launched in December 2018.

Readington Middle School

The Readington Middle School Vikings Band and Jazz Ensemble attended the Music in the Parks competition at Hershey Park, Pennsylvania, on Friday, June 3. The Readington Middle School student musicians had a very successful day winning the following awards: Jazz Ensemble and seventh and eighth grade Orchestra both won first place in their division with a rating of Superior; eighth grade band won second place honors in their division with a rating of Superior; and seventh/eighth grade chorus received a rating of Excellent. Readington Middle School also won the following soloist awards: Nora Kemecsei won the outstanding jazz soloist award and Natalie DiStefano won the outstanding vocal soloist award. The seventh/eighth grade orchestra having scored the highest out of all orchestras in every division won the best overall orchestra award and the Jazz Ensemble received the highest score out of all middle school or junior high school performing ensembles that participated in the competition at Hershey Park.

Somerset County 4-H Scholarships 2022

Somerset County 4-H provides yearly scholarships to 4-H members who exhibit outstanding leadership, service, and teamwork. These scholarships grant differing amounts to students furthering their education beyond high school. Ben Strasser of Warren has been an active 4-H member since Kindergarten. He has been involved in science, theater, cooking, community service, and archery clubs. He often will take on the roles of president and vice president for his clubs. He enjoys working with the newer and younger member of his clubs − helping them learn about 4-H and guide them through new techniques and challenges within the project area. Strasser's leadership skills continued to grow with his involvement in Leadership Washington Focus, National Congress, Citizenship Washington Focus, and as a member of the North Jersey Teen Conference Planning Committee. These leadership opportunities enabled Strasser to decide to attend Wake Forest as an Army ROTC and he plans to graduate and become a commissioned office in the Army. Strasser is receiving the 4-H Association Scholarship and the 4-H Prep Scholarship.

Larissa (Lara) Millan of Somerville has been a part of 4-H since Kindergarten, but for the past five years she has been in the Anime Club and the Cardboard Gamers. In both, she has been the president for many years. One of her favorite things to do is help plan, organize, and implement the Clover Con that the Anime club runs. This event attracts more than 400 people. She enjoys working with her leader, Betty, to organize the book room at the rummage sale. She will be attending RVCC and says, “My career choice is not set in stone because 4-H taught me that even if you don’t know your end goal, the interim can still be a fun experience.” Millan is receiving the 4-H Association Scholarship.

Joshua Negin of Whitehouse Station has been a part of the Trainmasters Club for seven years. Most recently, he holds the role of president of the club. He enjoys helping the newer members get comfortable with meeting people, and likes to lead ice breakers, give them tours of the 4-H Center, and explain the functions of the club. He makes it his mission to make sure every member feels welcome, and he embraces the 4-H culture of belonging. Negin will be attending Raritan Valley Community College in the fall. This will allow him to continue to stay involved in the club and help the younger members grow and learn. Negin is receiving the 4-H Association Scholarship and the 4-H Trainmasters Scholarship.

Dale Brochinsky of Bridgewater has been in 4-H since Kindergarten. In those years, he has been involved in 11 different clubs. His longest tenure of nine years was in the Clover Ensemble-theater club and the On Target Archery club. In addition, Brochinsky has taken on numerous leadership roles − from club president, vice president, secretary, and other officer roles, to teen member of the 4-H Association, Co-chair of the North Jersey Teen Council Planning Committee. He has been a Somerset County 4-H delegate to Leadership Washington Focus and Citizenship Washington Focus. Throughout his 4-H career, Brochinsky has demonstrated his ability to plan and coordinate large events. He will be studying Event Planning at Florida International University starting in the fall. Brochinsky is receiving the 4-H Association Scholarship and the 4-H Prep Scholarship.

Robert (Robbie) DeVergillo of Bedminster has been an active member of Somerset County 4-H for the past 11 years. His love for planes started at a young age and blossomed in the Broken Props Airplane club. He’s held many positions in the club but the one he prides himself most on is flight instructor. He was one of the youngest instructors in the club and only grew as he aged in the club. Through this position, he was able to help members learn the proper safety and use of RC planes. His mentorship throughout the years has helped many club members learn many different techniques when it comes to all types of planes. DeVergillo's dedication to both his club and the program are something that will leave a lasting impact. DeVergillo will study Aviation Management at Purdue University this fall. Devergillo is receiving the 4-H Association Scholarship.

Tessa McDonald of Bridgewater has been a 4-H member for 11 years. She is active in a small animal, dog, and photography club. Not only has she held numerous officer roles within the clubs, but she is also a co-founder of the photography club! McDonald is known for her caring and giving nature. She has collaborated with the local animal shelter to help get small animals adopted. She enjoys coaching and teaching the young members how to train their dogs. She has helped at the 4-H Holiday Dinner and brings her dog to the Elder Care Center. She has enhanced her public speaking skills and leadership training through participation in North Jersey Teen Conference, Leadership Washington Conference, Citizenship Washington Conference, and the 4-H National Photography Conference. Her experience with animals led her to volunteer with the Woodlands Wildlife Refuge, which has helped her choose a career path. McDonald will be studying Forensic Science in the Honors Program at the University of New Haven starting this fall. McDonald is receiving the 4-H Association Scholarship.

Justin Menendez of Whitehouse Station has been a member of Somerset County 4-H for the past six years. Through his years in the Remote Control Car club, he found his passion for Mechanical Engineering. Menendez's selfless efforts have helped get many club members back to racing fast. While he loves to race his own car, he understands that wrecks happen. Over the years, he has gathered parts for all different cars so when a wreck happens, he can help fix the car on the spot. Helping others goes beyond his club. He has done quite a bit of community service as well. He has overseen organizing and delivering backpacks and supplies for needy children and holiday cards for veterans. His leadership towards the club’s community service projects was recognized by the Daughters of the Revolution who awarded a community service award to the RC Car club three times. His impacts on the program have definitely made the best better and will continue for years to come. Menendez will study Engineering at Virginia Tech in the fall. Menendez is receiving the 4-H Association Scholarship, the Rob Fellows Memorial Scholarship, and the Maureen McHale Memorial Scholarship.

Eliza Rothenburger of Three Bridges has been involved in 4-H for 13 years. She participated in nine different clubs, eventually focusing on small animals, alpacas, sewing, double Dutch jump rope, and archery clubs. She enjoys taking on leadership roles, and was a teen leader in some of her clubs, the co-chair of the North Jersey Teen Conference Planning Committee, and was on the Youth Leadership Team for National 4-H Congress. Her experiences in 4-H have led her to her passion and she just finished her first year at Virginia Tech studying Wildlife Conservation. She is spending time this summer in Southern Illinois catching, tagging, and tracking White Tailed Deer fawns. In her interview for the summer internship, when asked if she had ever worked with deer, she said, “No, but I have worked with alpaca and they are very skittish animals too.” Rothenburger is receiving the 4-H Alpaca Scholarship.

Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School

On Thursday, May 19, 32 Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). The students were nominated by their Career and Technical Education (CTE) Instructors based on their program grade, cumulative GPA, conduct, and personal commitment to excellence. Their applications also passed through a review committee. Certificates were presented to the students by SCVTHS Principal, Hector Montes. The inductees are: Sabrina Abella of Bridgewater, Hector Alvarenga of South Bound Brook, Kristie Barry of Somerset, Sophia Bongiovanni of Hillsborough, Cody Booker of Neshanic Station, Samantha Chavez of Hillsborough, Nathaniel Conti of Gladstone, Dakota Coords of Princeton, Chase Craig of South Bound Brook, Sophia Davis of Branchburg, Randi Fender of Hillsborough, Yuliana Fernandez-Vega of Hillsborough, Michael Gaspar of Raritan, Madison Hidalgo of Hillsborough, Emily Jones of Branchburg, Jenna Kilpatrick of Branchburg, Cameron Knauf of Bridgewater, Karina Kocanowski of Bound Brook, James Marvits of Hillsborough, Dahlia McGarvey of Basking Ridge, Kiara Munoz of Manville, Maeve O’Sullivan of Hillsborough, Kennedy Rice Parker of Somerset, Bryanna Pasternak of High Bridge, Jonathon Paulis of Hillsborough, Audrey Pennimpede of Bridgewater, Jordyn Stahl of Bridgewater, Alexa Speeney of Watchung, Aleksander Starzynski of Manville, Kalina Trent of Skillman, Jayden Yap of Bridgewater, and Madison Zarzecki of Branchburg.

NTHS Advisor Susan Santiago extended her congratulations to the new members, saying, “Holding the Induction Ceremony again in person for the first time in two years was very special.”

Additionally, during the ceremony, the following members were pinned as the new 2022-2023 NTHS Officers: President, Bryanna Pasternak of High Bridge; Vice-President, Emily Herman of Stockton; Treasurer, Cameron Knauf of Bridgewater; and Secretary, Alexa Speeney of Watchung.

Finally, Santiago wanted to thank the following individuals for helping to make the induction ceremony a success: NTHS members Jason Spinrad of Hillsborough, Arielle Handler of Hillsborough, Paris Bozzuti of Branchburg, Riley Sibilia of Raritan, Emily Herman of Stockton, Armando Garcia of Bridgewater, Ashish Lal of Somerset and SCVTHS staff members Hector Montes, Maria Johnson, Maureen Lawler, Susan Kiser, Maura Lella, Sharleen Leahey, Laurie Reader, Joseph Alfieri and Phil Eng.

Also: Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) alumna Mary Belford recently visited the SCVTHS Cosmetology program to hold a bridal makeup class for the current students.

Belford, the owner of Mary Belford Makeup Artistry, LLC, performed a “bridesmaid’s look” for the students while explaining the process, as well as giving some tips. Since graduating from SCVTHS, Belford continues to take bridal makeup classes to advance her skills and learn the business side of the trade.

Cosmetology Instructor Julie Francis said, "‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work. Belford has both the talent and the work ethic! She is an amazing makeup artist that has been working professionally and crafting her trade since 15 years old. I think it was eye-opening for the students to hear that she focuses solely on bridal makeup and is currently booking weddings 1-2 years out, as well as traveling to do destination weddings as well! The presentation was professional, fun, and informative!” Francis also said, “The students really enjoyed watching her work and hearing about her journey. She is an inspiration for them and they are now all following her Instagram account.”

Also: On Wednesday, June 1, Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) held its first annual Seal of Biliteracy award ceremony. The ceremony was held to recognize the 15 SCVTHS students who successfully met all criteria to earn the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy certificate.

The New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in at least one language in addition to English by high school graduation. In order for students to be eligible to receive the Seal of Biliteracy, they must meet certain criteria: Students must demonstrate a proficiency level of Intermediate Mid in a World Language; Students must demonstrate proficiency in English by meeting State high school graduation requirements in English or its alternatives, including through State ELA assessments.

According to the New Jersey Department of Education, the “State Seal of Biliteracy program (began) in 2016 to help students recognize the value and the tangible benefits of bilingualism. This designation on a student’s high school diploma also provides employers and universities with a method of identifying bilingual candidates, students with 21st-century skills, and those who have prioritized the study of other languages and cultures.”

The purpose of the Seal of Biliteracy seeks to: Encourage students to study languages; certify attainment of biliteracy; provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills; provide universities with a method to recognize and award academic credit to applicants seeking admission; prepare students with 21st-century skills; recognize and promote second language instruction in public schools; strengthen intergroup relationships, affirm the value of diversity, and honor the multiple cultures and language of a community.

Also: Earlier this school year, students from the Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) Science Olympiad team competed in two virtual competitions. The Olympiad team, led by co-captains Bhavya Deshaboina of Belle Mead, Nidhi Shah of Hillsborough, and Ayank Maiti of Bridgewater, competed in the Bird Science Olympiad and the New Jersey Science Olympiad. As a result, five SCVTHS juniors received medals.

At the Bird Science Olympiad competition, SCVTHS juniors Alexander Zheng of Bridgewater, James Saba of Somerset, and Laksh Patel of Hillsborough received fourth-place medals in the Science Quiz Bowl event. “Our team was very excited when we found out that we advanced to the buzzer round,” said Saba. “We were all very proud to have gotten fourth place, and overall it was a great competition.”

At the NJ State Competition, SCVTHS juniors Jiya Mody of Martinsville and Sharan Krishnan of Hillsborough received sixth place medals in the Environmental Chemistry event. Krishnan said, “Although I would have preferred the competitions to be in person this year, online scioly (Science Olympiad) still taught me more about some of my favorite concepts in science. And the fact that I placed in Environmental Chemistry only made studying and learning even more worth it. I look forward to what is to come in Science Olympiad next year!”

“Being on the Science Olympiad team was a great learning experience,” said Shah. “It was great getting to work with so many bright individuals.” Maiti said, “I really enjoyed learning the subjects and helping my peers succeed in many different aspects of science that are not really taught in school. It was an enlightening experience, and I would 100% do it again.”

Also: Jayla Austin, a junior in the cosmetology program, has been selected as Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School’s (SCVTHS) Student of the Month for June 2022.

SCVTHS Cosmetology Instructor Julie Francis spoke of Austin being named the Student of the Month, saying, “Jayla is a kind, compassionate, conscientious, and motivated student. She is always willing to participate in activities and help with behind-the-scenes activities. Austin is a hard worker and always strives to do her best.” Photography Instructor Deb Gichan said, “Jayla is helpful and engaged in the work. She has done additional artwork for the class.”

Outside of school, Austin works at Journeys in the Bridgewater Commons Mall and Dunkin’ Donuts in Bridgewater. In her free time, Austin enjoys crocheting, reading, and writing.

After graduating from SCVTHS, Austin plans to attend Raritan Valley Community College, with her ultimate goal of becoming a dermatologist.

When asked if she had anything to add, Austin said, “My mom is my inspiration.”

Also: One hundred forty-eight students received their diplomas in 18 different vocational programs ranging from Automotive Technology to the Performing Arts. The ceremony was held on Monday, June 20, at 3 p.m. on the campus of Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School in Bridgewater.

Principal Hector Montes welcomed graduates and their guests. Diplomas and awards were presented by Acting Superintendent Pat Pelliccia, Board of Education President William Hyncik, Jr., Board of Education Vice President Gregory Lalevee, Board of Education members Nadine Wilkins and Randell Burch. Additionally, Somerset County Commissioner Douglas Singleterry addressed the graduates on behalf of the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners.

The Career and Technical Education valedictorian for the Class of 2022 was Agricultural Science student Parthavi Patel of South Bound Brook and the Career and Technical Education salutatorian was Mechatronics, Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing student William Mente of Bridgewater. The valedictorian from the Academy for Health and Medical Sciences was Rachel Yuh of Somerset and the Academy for Health and Medical Sciences salutatorian was Christopher Masiello of Hillsborough.

Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School

On Tuesday, June 14, Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School (TEECS) held its High School graduation at The Villagers Theater in Somerset. Families and staff gathered to honor the senior class. Students were presented with academic, community service and scholarship awards. Azuka Zuke was there as the guest speaker. He is an author, coach and disciple of the movement for positive change. Zuke has written 12 books on the topic of motivating young adults to do their best and succeed.

Students showed great determination and perseverance over the past few years earning a 100% graduation rate and 100% college acceptance.

Student and School news appears on Saturdays. Email: cnmetro@mycentraljersey.com

Carolyn Sampson is Executive Office Assistant for the Courier News, The Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com, and handles the weekly Student News page.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Mount Saint Mary Academy victors travel to Washington, D.C.