NJ students: Mount Saint Mary Academy names valedictorian, salutatorian

Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung's Directress Sister Lisa Gambacorto, recently congratulated Diana Neste of Whitehouse Station for being named valedictorian and Jerrine George of Edison for being designated salutatorian. The formal announcement was made during a Convocation in Immaculate Conception Chapel by Jacqueline Muratore, assistant directress for Faculty, Curriculum, and Planning.

Neste said, "I am beyond honored to be the valedictorian of the Mount Saint Mary Academy's Class of 2022! This recognition carries so much weight as I know that, as a grade, we are such a talented group that has persevered and thrived during our four years together."

"I am very grateful to have been able to learn and bond with each one of my classmates. I must thank God for the many gifts He has bestowed upon me, including the support of my devoted family, friends, teachers, and entire school community, because without them this would not have been possible," said Neste. "The Mount has provided me with a plethora of amazing opportunities that have ultimately culminated with this title that I will proudly bear as I fondly remember and praise my time here in all of my future endeavors."

"I am so grateful and honored to be named the salutatorian of the Class of 2022," said George. "I would first and foremost like to thank God for this blessing. I thank my parents for their love and support, my teachers for their guidance and encouragement, and my classmates, who were a part of my journey during my four years at the Mount."

Also: On the morning of Friday, April 29, members of the Student Council Executive Board at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung presented S. Lisa Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S. with balloons and a special card to thank her for all of her compassion, care, and tireless work as directress of Mount Saint Mary Academy. The presentation was made to mark Principal's Day, which was officially celebrated on Sunday, May 1.

Also: Gabriella Robinson, a senior at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung and a resident of Piscataway, has earned her Gold Award after completing more than 80 hours of community service in partnership with the Lower Raritan Partnership, the 4H Club, Jack and Jill of America, the Central NJ chapter, and the township of Piscataway and Middlesex County.

The nature of the Gold Award, which is presented to fewer than 6 percent of Girl Scouts annually, is to bring awareness to the water pollution of the Raritan River. Go Green Central New Jersey's goal is to protect the Raritan River Watershed and educate residents about the importance of environment at Raritan via cleanups. Robinson created a rain garden in Columbus Park in Piscataway.

Robinson faced a great deal of adversity to accomplish Gold Award distinction. Working on the award since 2019, she worked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Hurricane Ida nearly curtailed her plans and she had to move the location, with the aid of the township of Piscataway, because the original location was flooded because of Hurricane Ida.

“This award is important because it shows not only the importance of each of us helping the environment but why community partners are so important,” said Robinson, who appreciated the hard work, time, and dedication that it took to accomplish this distinction. “I couldn’t have completed this project without their help and my advisor, Walter Andrews, who is a member of the Franklin Township Environmental Commission of Somerset County.”

Robinson will attend Seton Hall University in the School of Diplomacy and International Affairs where she hopes to make a difference on the global scale. She will receive her award during the spring at the 2022 GIRL Awards Ceremony.

To view a video featuring the rain garden and Robinson speaking about her project, visit https://youtu.be/Lnyt3CfpBZM.

Also: Elizabeth Roper, director of College Counseling at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, announced Mary Claire Scheck of Metuchen and Renee Vozza of Westfield have been accepted to the Summer Academies of two military institutions. Scheck will attend USMA (U.S. Military Academy/West Point) Leadership Experience and Vozza will attend USNA (U.S. Naval Academy/Navy) Summer Seminar.

“These are quite selective programs and very influential to individuals who participate in regard to their preparation and orientation to a U.S. service academy and eventual application as a candidate,” said Roper.

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point Leadership Experience, a week-long immersion into the academic, military, and social life of a cadet, will provide Scheck with the opportunity to explore West Point from a variety of angles, including educational facilities, team-building athletic activities, and realistic military training. Upon completion of the program, she will receive a Certificate of Graduation for West Point Summer Leader Experience.

“I am most looking forward to learning more about the cadet lifestyle at West Point and what it is like to serve in the military. It’s an honor to be chosen for this program,” said Scheck. “I have always been interested in the military and I feel like a calling to serve others around me and my country. So, I really wanted to attend the Summer Leadership Experience at West Point.”

The U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar will introduce Vozza to life at the academy through first-class academic, athletic, and professional training.

Vozza said, “"In 2016, while attending soccer camp, one of my coaches attended the Naval Academy. That week we talked about her experience, and I was an inspired 11-year-old. The following year, my lacrosse team played a tournament at the Academy where I met a member of the women’s lacrosse team there. We discussed her training for both lacrosse and the Navy, after which, I told my parents I really wanted to consider the Academy. From then on, I have done research and came across the summer seminar this past January, and I knew I had to apply.”

“To be chosen for such a prestigious program is a great honor,” she said. “During the summer program, I hope to really immerse myself by participating in the academics, physical training and leadership at the academy and meet people from all over country."

Also: Taryn Murphy of Westfield, a junior at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, was selected to participate in the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State that will take place the week of Sunday, June 19, at Georgian Court University.

Joanne Cadigan-Peters, Social Studies department chairperson said, "Taryn was selected for this program based on her academic achievements, leadership, and extra-curricular activities.”

"Taryn will participate in a Mock New Jersey State Government and Election simulation. She is the current president of the Mount's chapter of Junior State of America and a former Advanced Placement Government and Politics student. She is taking Advanced Placement United States History in the Social Studies Department this year,” said Cadigan-Peters.

“I am so excited to participate in a program where I can meet other girls from all over the state who are interested in government, politics, and policy,” said Murphy. “I look forward to all of the amazing opportunities this program has to offer.”

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Raritan Valley Community College

Learn about all Raritan Valley Community College has to offer and how to enroll in summer classes at a Virtual Summer Open House, Thursday, May 19, at 6 p.m. During the event, participants may apply for free and learn about:

• Innovative academic programs designed to help students transfer to top colleges and universities

• Career training programs created in partnership with local industry

• Earning credit for life and work experience

• Financial aid options, including scholarships, loans, and grants

• Special support services to help students successfully transition to college

Registration is now open for RVCC’s summer classes, with sessions beginning Monday, May 23; Monday, June 13; and Monday, July 11. Summer is a great opportunity for college students to earn extra credits and save money and for high school juniors and seniors to jumpstart their college education.

Registration is strongly suggested for the Virtual Summer Open House. To register for the webinar, visit www.raritanval.edu/openhouse. For additional information, contact the Admissions Department at 908-526-1200 (select option 2) or email admissions@raritanval.edu.

Also: Raritan Valley Community College students Connie Looi of Hillsborough and Sangeetha Punnam of Bridgewater are among the 38 NJ community college students who are being honored by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) for being named to the 2022 New Jersey All-State Academic Team.

The students — who are being celebrated for their outstanding academic achievements and exceptional service to their communities and colleges as members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for community colleges — were honored at the New Jersey Community College Scholars Celebration, held Thursday, April 28, at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton.

“These students truly exemplify the true power of community colleges. The New Jersey All-State Academic Team members have worked incredibly hard to become the state’s very best community college students. They have remarkable stories and serve as an inspiration to all,” said NJCCC President Aaron Fichtner, Ph.D.

“They have become leaders on their college campuses and have contributed to their communities in myriad ways,” said NJCCC Chair Mary Zimmermann. “As we emerge from the pandemic, New Jersey community college students continue to prove their perseverance and achieve.”

In addition, RVCC student Punnam was selected to the 2022 All-USA Academic Team, sponsored by Cengage, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). She is one of 20 of the nation’s top community college students to receive this honor. The All-USA Academic Team members are recognized for being high-achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.

Looi and Punnam also were among eight NJ community college students recognized by Phi Theta Kappa and the Coca-Cola Foundation with scholarships as part of the USA All-State Academic Team competition. Team members were nominated by their college administrators based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service. As part of this honor, Looi received a Coca-Cola Gold Scholarship and Punnam received a New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship.

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges provides statewide leadership for the advancement of NJ community colleges, performs coordinating responsibilities as required by law, and coordinates statewide efforts to build a skilled workforce and improve student success. For additional information, visit www.njccc.org.

Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School

Seven Agricultural Science students in Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) in Bridgewater's Future Farmers of America (FFA) club created and prepared flowering plants and permanent flowers for judging at this year’s NJ FFA Horticultural Exposition. This year’s exposition was held at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor on Friday, March 11, and Saturday, March 12. The seven SCVTHS students who competed in the Horticulture Division and Arrangement Divisions, planned and created eight entries, resulting in five of the students receiving awards for their work.

The SCVTHS students who received recognition include:

• First place for Banquet Table: Meghan Caughron of Bridgewater

• First place for Flowering Bulb Plants: Madeline Bates of Hillsborough

• Second place for Trendsetters: Rigby Pellettiere of Raritan

• Fourth place for Mother's Day: Erin O'Brien of Bridgewater

• Fifth place for Terrariums: Mariangelis Mitchell-Vargas of South Bound Brook

At the event, students from 19 middle and high schools submitted more than 600 entries of their best floral and horticultural talent at the New Jersey FFA Horticultural Exposition. Twenty-two industry representatives severed as judges throughout the entire event.

“I am so proud of the work, effort, skill development, and creativity students demonstrated to earn awards this year,” said Agricultural Science Instructor Erik Fargo. “Competing students are interested in pursuing careers within agricultural art areas including the floral industry and landscape architecture. I am glad they took advantage of the opportunity to practice some of these basic skills."

Also: On Thursday, March 10, students in the Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School’s (SCVTHS) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club attended the New Jersey FBLA State Leadership Conference at Harrah's Convention Center in Atlantic City. At the event, two groups of students competed and placed first in their respective categories. With their first-place finish, the students are now able to compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference, which will be held Wednesday, June 29, through Saturday, July 2, in Chicago, Illinois.

The list of SCVTHS students who placed during the competitions includes:

First place in Sports and Entertainment Management:

• Bobby Pasquale of Ringoes

• Rohil Singh of Hillsborough

• Shrey Mehta of Princeton

First place in Parliamentary Procedure:

• Laksh Patel of Hillsborough

• Sasha Kapur of Bridgewater

• Gagan Voona of Somerset

• Janvi Patel of Hillsborough

• Manu Datta of Hillsborough

SCVTHS FBLA Advisor Becky Hovey said, “Our outstanding FBLA members competed against students from all over the state in business-related competitions. Students spent the day competing and attending workshops with other like-minded students creating friendships and future networking opportunities.” Hovey said, “As an advisor, this is the first time I have been able to bring students to Atlantic City to compete in person. I am extremely proud of their performance and resilience at the state leadership conference.”

Union County College

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program recently named Union County College as one of 25 semifinalists for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The $1 million Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of community colleges that are achieving high, improving, and equitable outcomes for students. Union County College is the only community college in NJ to be selected as a semifinalist.

In November 2021, Union County College was named an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and invited to apply for the Aspen Prize. This is the second consecutive time the college has received this designation. Next, the committee will review interviews with leadership teams and narrow down the 25 semifinalists to 10 finalists. This is the first time in the award selection process that 25 semifinalists have been named. In the past, the Top 150 was narrowed down to 10 finalists. The 10 finalists will be announced in early June.

“It is an incredibly proud day here at Union College to be recognized as one of the top 25 community colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute. Achieving this designation is a direct reflection of the extraordinary efforts of our faculty and staff and their commitment to our mission of transforming our community, one student at a time,” said Union County College Board of Trustees Chair Victor M. Richel.

“I would like to acknowledge the steadfast support we receive from the Union County College Boards and the Union County Board of County Commissioners. Being named a 2023 Aspen Prize semifinalist is an acknowledgement of our students’ hard work, and our employees’ dedication to student success,” said Union President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

Awarded every two years, the Aspen Prize honors colleges with outstanding performance in five critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, and equitable outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. The Aspen Prize winner will be announced in the spring of 2023.

“We are thrilled to see America's community colleges making meaningful and measurable progress, educating people from all backgrounds and preparing them for good jobs,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. He cited graduation rates that have risen more than six percent for all students since 2015, and five percent for students of color. “These twenty-five colleges represent our dreams for a better country and a reinvigorated democracy.”

For more information on the Aspen Prize and to read more on the selection process, visit www.highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize.

Also: The Union County College Foundation recently launched a new student success initiative, the Women 100 Project which helps to raise funds to support Union’s female students. The mission of the project is to empower the next generation of women leaders — a critical endeavor for the success of the community and nation. Through the support of Women 100 Project donors, the foundation was able to develop a new Single Mothers Scholarship to assist eight single mothers who are working toward their degrees at Union College, with $500 each.

According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, “Just eight percent of single mother undergraduates in the United States earn an associate degree within six years of enrolling in college, compared with nearly half (49 percent) of women in college who are not mothers.” This is why the Women 100 Single Mothers Scholarship is so vital. As shared from one of the recipients, “I am currently unemployed due to COVID. I also have an eight-year-old son and trying to take care of him while on unemployment is really difficult. This scholarship will help me better myself in life,” said Alexsandra, a Single Mothers Scholarship recipient. This scholarship will aim to ensure that single mothers at Union receive the assistance they need to achieve their dream of a college education.

“This is just the start of the Women 100 Project,” said Union County College Foundation Executive Director Doug Rouse. “We look forward to raising more funds and helping to support many female students through programming and scholarships at Union County College.”

To support the project, a donation of $100 can be made from an individual, corporate, or community leaders. For more information on the Women 100 Project and how you can support this initiative, contact Brittney Mack, senior development manager of the foundation, at Brittney.Mack@ucc.edu or visit www.ucc.edu/women100.

Also: Union County College announced four of its students are semifinalists for the Jack Kent Cooke (JKC) Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The semifinalists are Mark Farag of Elizabeth, Sophia Morales of Linden, Luana Rampelotti of Hillside and George Stevens of Kenilworth. This scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year for community college students to continue their education at a four-year accredited undergraduate school in any area of study. All four of Union’s semifinalists are members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, and maintain a 3.8 GPA or higher.

Students that are considered for this scholarship are hard workers, leaders in their community, and demonstrate a need for further support to continue their education. To qualify for this highly competitive award, students must have at least a 3.5 GPA. When a student is selected as a JKC Transfer Scholar, they receive financial support for two to three years to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Union’s four semifinalists are all heavily involved on campus with high aspirations for their careers and are using the solid foundation Union College has provided them as they continue to further their education.

Farag is currently majoring in Engineering and has a 3.824 GPA. He is also the president of PTK and is an American honors student. Farag is an international student, works full time, and is currently serving as an ambassador for NASA. His career goal is to become a project manager engineer in the aerospace.

Morales is a Visual Arts major with a 3.94 GPA. She is an active member of PTK and serves as the vice president of Fellowship. Morales is also an American honors student, part of the History Club, and the Gay Straight Alliance. Morales would like to work as a video game or short film animator.

Rampelotti is an Engineering student with a 4.0 GPA. She is a member of PTK and co-captain for the college’s track and field team. She was selected to be part of the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars and hopes to continue her education in creation and design of autonomous robots.

Stevens is also majoring in Engineering with a 3.824 GPA. He serves as PTK’s committee leader of communications and is an American Honors student. Stevens hopes to major in Electrical Engineering when he continues his education at a four-year school. With this education, he strives to create something new and innovative that everyone can use.

”We are proud of these bright, hardworking students and are thrilled that the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has recognized their potential. The opportunity of not having to worry about the cost of continuing your education is priceless, and I hope that all four of these fantastic students receive the Scholarship,” said Union’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

Finalists for the JKC Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship are expected to be announced in May.

For more information about Union, visit www.ucc.edu and for more information on the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, go to www.jkcf.org.

Westfield Public Schools

Washington fifth grade teacher Matthew Cognetti is the 2022 recipient of the Rotary Club of Westfield’s Philhower Fellowship in recognition of outstanding teaching at the elementary school level.

Cognetti received the news on Thursday, April 28, as Superintendent Dr. Raymond González and Washington Principal Dr. Andrew Perry paid a visit to his classroom.

“It was great to surprise Matt with this well-deserved recognition,” said González. “Students, parents, and colleagues who nominated Matt noted his experiential instruction, caring nature, and willingness to support students and staff in so many ways.”

Raised in Westfield, Cognetti attended Tamaques Elementary School, Edison Intermediate School, and graduated from Westfield High School. He attended Penn State University and Kean University for his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and the University of Scranton, where he received a Master’s in Educational Administration.

Cognetti joined the Westfield Public School District in 2001 as a fourth grade teacher at Washington, a position he held for one year before moving to the fifth grade.

“I’ve been teaching fifth grade at Washington ever since,” said Cognetti. “I have always loved working with children and teaching. I was a camp counselor at Wilson when I was younger and really enjoyed it. Having 7 younger siblings also gave me numerous opportunities to teach, helping with homework and various projects.”

Cognetti also serves as an Instructional Technology Support teacher at Washington, helping his colleagues to implement technology in their classrooms.

“Mr. Cognetti is a true example of what a teacher should be in Westfield,” writes a colleague in one nominating letter. “He loves his job — not just the time between 8:40 and 3:05, but every minute he spends working outside those hours. His dedication to his students and colleagues is contagious and we all are better because of him.”

Another nominating letter from a parent lauds Cognetti as a “calm and caring” teacher who has “a wonderful, even-keeled approach to the kids that make his classroom feel like a safe space that is predictable and reliable.”

“Mr.Cognetti has always been making sure that I get the right education,” writes one student nominator. “Anytime he notices a problem that I am having, he is always trying to help me understand or solve the problem.”

Cognetti was recognized as the 2022 Philhower Fellow at the Tuesday, May 3, Board of Education meeting. He will receive the Philhower Award on Tuesday, May 17, as a guest of honor during a Rotary Club luncheon.

The Philhower Fellowship was established in 1993 by the Rotary Club to honor former Westfield Rotarian Charles Philhower and to recognize the importance of teaching in the elementary grades. An educator for more than 50 years, Philhower, who died in 1962, was supervising principal (superintendent) of Westfield schools for three decades as well as co-founder and past president of the Rotary Club of Westfield.

A committee of three Rotarians, a previous Philhower Fellowship recipient, two elementary school principals and the superintendent reviewed all nominations and selected Cognetti as this year’s recipient.

Asked about the most rewarding aspect of the job, Cognetti said, “There are so many but I think every teacher loves the smile on a student’s face when they achieve something they never thought they would or that moment when a concept ‘clicks.’”

Cognetti said, “At the end of the day, I hope my students develop a love of learning, a sense of curiosity about every subject, and a belief that they can push through and overcome any challenge with hard work and help from others.”

Also: For a fifth consecutive year, the Westfield Public School District has been named one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” in the nation for its outstanding commitment to music education. The designation is awarded by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

Additionally, Edison eight grader Madeline Yong (violin) and seventh grader Mai Kim (violin) were accepted into the All-State Intermediate Orchestra, while 24 Westfield High School vocalists will perform with the All-State Chorus in the 2022-2023 school year.

“As a department, the students and staff continued to work through many obstacles this year relating to COVID protocols that challenged the delivery of music education in the traditional sense. To be recognized for the 5th consecutive year by NAMM as a best community for music education further validates all their efforts to provide meaningful, quality experiences,” said Visual and Performing Arts Supervisor Thomas Weber. “Despite all the challenges, our students continue to achieve excellence at the regional and state level, and this year in record numbers! We appreciate all the faculty, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education an essential part of a well-rounded education.”

The students who will perform with the All-State Chorus in 2022-2023 are:

Mixed Chorus:

• Aprameyo Chakravarty

• Sophie Erneta (9th overall in Soprano 1)

• Joey Gamba

• Garret Gao

• Sophie Havens (5th overall in Soprano 1)

• Sarah LaMonica

• Sam Laitman (9th overall in Bass 1)

• Evan Leone (5th overall in Bass 2)

• Skyler Lipkind

• Olivia Marino

• Angie Mora

• Nadia Rego

• Lucie Saint-Denis (4th overall in Alto 1)

• Ryan Williamson (1st overall in Bass 2)

• Ethan Young

Treble Chorus:

• Avery Brooks

• Giada Cammarano

• Charlotte Cotroneo

• Kaitlyn D’Alessandro

• Natalie Gonzalez

• Rachel Klemm

• Kyra Lentzner

• Caroline Morrelli

• Isabella Shreyhane

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: NJ students: Mount Saint Mary names valedictorian, salutatorian