NJ students: Mount Saint Mary Academy senior named Cadet Captain
Rigorous training and a commitment to aiding others in their time of need recently led Claire King of Basking Ridge, a senior at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, to be named a Cadet Captain of the Berkeley Heights EMS.
“I have always been interested in helping people and I have a deep concern for those around me,” she said. “The rescue squad was a great opportunity to meet new people, help my community, and get experience in the medical field.”
To become a nationally certified EMT, King completed the NREMT (National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians) exam and a six-week course leading up to it.
“The course involved learning how to operate equipment, studying anatomy, and practicing patient interaction,” said King. “After being certified, I was able to lead the calls, being the first person to contact the patient and the one to sit next to them the whole ride to the hospital.”
For her Cadet Captain distinction, King was nominated by other cadets and selected by the cadet committee.
“That meant interviewing potential incoming cadets, organizing and leading monthly trainings among cadets, and presenting at the monthly business meetings with the entire rescue squad,” she said.
One of King’s most memorable experiences as an EMT did not happen on call.
“I was volunteering at a town event when a man came up to me. He said he recognized me from the Trunk or Treat Halloween event a few months earlier. He had noticed how I had stayed out in the cold for many hours at both events for the sake of the community and he was proud of me for it. That was when I realized that I am making an impact on everyone around me, not just the patients I treat on calls,” she said.
While King isn’t sure if she would like to pursue a career in the medical field, she knows that she would like to make a difference in the lives of children.
“I have taught children martial arts for about five years and currently have a job at Mathnasium Learning Center tutoring children in mathematics,” she said. “I always have a great time working with children because I like to listen to all they have to say and try to relate to them.”
When asked about why she would recommend experiencing work as an EMT, King said, “This experience has been so rewarding in so many ways. It was certainly scary in the beginning, jumping into high stakes situations with lots of emotions involved, but you grow close to your team and build a trust so you can feel confident in these situations. I have made such strong bonds with my crewmates in the two years I have been on the rescue squad that I feel like I could go to them for anything.”
“And while it’s not for everyone, if you’re like me and love to help those around you, it’s a great community to look into at any age,” she said.
Adele DeLeeuw Scholarship Fund
High school seniors wishing to apply for the Adele DeLeeuw Scholarship should obtain applications now from their school guidance office. Submission deadline is Wednesday, March 9.
The Adele DeLeeuw Scholarship Fund, a fund of the Plainfield Foundation, has provided more than 1.3 million dollars in scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 over a 26-year period. The awards are made in accordance with the terms of a bequest from Adele DeLeeuw, author of 75 books, journalist and arts activist.
The Plainfield Rotary Scholarship Foundation, headed by Michael R. Townley, acts as selector for the scholarships. Eligible students are those who attend public, parochial or private high schools in Plainfield, North Plainfield, South Plainfield, Warren, Watchung, Scotch Plains, Fanwood and Edison. Applicants must major in one of the following areas of study: art, poetry, writing, journalism or engineering, and must also be accepted to an accredited college or university. They must demonstrate the scholastic aptitude and interest in the area of study and prove financial need.
Interested high school students should consult their guidance counselors to obtain the necessary application information or go to the Rotary Club of the Plainfields website at https://bit.ly/3qHKsEM. Questions may be directed to Johanna Salvemini, scholarship administrator, at 908-755-8098.
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Raritan Valley Community College
The Raritan Valley Community College Institute of Holocaust and Genocide Studies will present two virtual programs in February, including a book talk on Wednesday, Feb. 9, and a theater performance on Friday, Feb. 11.
Dr. Elizabeth R. Baer, author of The Genocidal Gaze: From German Southwest Africa to the Third Reich, will speak about her book during a virtual presentation, Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 7 to 8 p.m. In her book, Baer examines the threads of shared ideology in the Herero and Nama genocide and the Holocaust. She examines concepts such as racial hierarchies, living space, and the Final Solution that were deployed by German authorities in 1904 and again in the 1930s and 1940s to justify genocide. The Genocidal Gaze offers an original and challenging discussion of such topics as colonial practices, the Nazi concentration camp state, European and African race relations, definitions of genocide, and postcolonial theory.
The event, moderated by Dr. Jeff Benvenuto of Gratz College, is being co-sponsored by The Mercer Holocaust, Genocide & Human Rights Education Center at Mercer County Community College. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3tmS9C9.
A “live” virtual theater performance, "Letters From Anne and Martin," will be presented Friday, Feb. 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. The production combines the iconic voices of Anne Frank and Martin Luther King, Jr. While both were born in 1929, they seemingly represented drastically different times and cultures. Developed from excerpts from "Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl" and King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” the piece evokes the important messages from these legendary figures, who write of their hopes and plans for a peaceful and unified world.
The Friday, Feb. 11, program, which is an online learning through experience event, is being held in partnership with The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3K3Z0pG.
For additional information about any events sponsored by RVCC’s Institute of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, contact Michelle Edgar at michelle.edgar@raritanval.edu.
Also: Members of the community who are interested in training for careers in municipal court administration are invited to register for an online Principles of Municipal Court Administration (POMCA) program that’s being offered by Raritan Valley Community in partnership with the New Jersey Judiciary. RVCC is the only training institution to offer this certification track to jumpstart a sustainable career in the courts.
The 11-week program, which was previously offered only to Judiciary employees, runs Monday, Jan. 24, to Monday, April 4. The class meets virtually on Mondays, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., via Microsoft Teams.
The program provides prospective municipal court employees with an understanding of Judiciary policies and basic municipal court procedures, including case processing, case management and financial fundamentals, in order to prepare them for career opportunities.
The cost to participate is $830 per person. To register and for information about the POMCA program, visit https://bit.ly/3tKbI7A. For additional information, contact Aubrey Flanagan at 908-526-1200, ext. 8529 or aubrey.flanagan@raritanval.edu.
Also: The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium will present in-person laser concerts and star shows for all ages on Saturdays in January. Face masks are required in all campus buildings, including in the Planetarium. The Planetarium also will have reduced capacity seating and social distancing will be followed.
The following shows will be offered at the Planetarium in Branchburg:
Magic Tree House: Space Mission, Saturday, Jan. 22, 3 p.m.: Join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more. Who can help them answer the questions left for them by the mysterious "M"? This show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels. Recommended for ages 5 and older.
Laser Kids laser concert, Saturday, Jan. 22, 4 p.m.: The show features a new song mix with music to entertain kids and kids at heart while lasers “dance” on the dome overhead. Songs include “Bright” by Echosmith, “YMCA” by the Village People, “Mia” by Bad Bunny, and “Waka Waka” by Shakira. Recommended for ages 6 to 12.
First and Farthest, Saturdays, Jan. 22 and 29, 7 p.m.: From the first rockets to the first man on the Moon, “First and Farthest” celebrates humanity's great accomplishments in the Space Race. The show may bring back memories for those who experienced the Space Race, and inspire new generations to keep exploring the universe. With its discussion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematical concepts, “First and Farthest” supports a STEM-focused pursuit of knowledge. The presentation is made possible with a grant from NASA’s New Jersey Space Grant Consortium. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. Recommended for ages 10 to adult.
Laser Grateful Dead, Saturdays, Jan. 22 and 29, 8 p.m.: This show features a psychedelic experience of light, sound, and color. Take a musical journey with Grateful Dead’s classic hits including “Truckin’,” “Touch of Grey,” and “Sugar Magnolia.” Recommended for ages 10 to adult.
Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Saturday, Jan. 29, 3 p.m.: Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun, and planets. A lively experience for young people, the show offers selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.
SkyLights, Saturday, Jan. 29, 4 p.m.: The youngest audience members can sing along with songs by mr. RAY (“Family Ride,” “Kalien the Alien”) and Jane Murphy (“Moon Rock Rock,” “The Planet Song”). Some songs are illustrated with lasers, while other songs feature video images. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.
Planetarium tickets cost $10 for one show, $18 for two shows back-to-back on the same day. Reservations are recommended, but all ticket sales are done at the door on the day of the show. Late admission to Planetarium shows is not permitted. For reservations and information, call 908-231-8805. For additional information, visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.
Readington Township School District
The Readington Township School District is currently conducting full-day Kindergarten and First Grade pre-registration for the 2022-2023 school year. If your child will be attending kindergarten or entering first grade from a private kindergarten in fall 2022, call either Three Bridges School at 908-782-2141 or Whitehouse School at 908-534-4411 to pre-register.
Registration materials will be mailed to all pre-registered families before the dates of in-person registration. In order to be eligible to enter kindergarten in September, your child must be 5 years of age on or before Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022.
In-person registration is planned for both Three Bridges School and Whitehouse School on Thursday, Feb. 24, and Friday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Somerset County Vocational and Technical Schools
Philip Eng, an automotive-diesel technology instructor at Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS), has been selected as the 2021-2022 Educator of the Year. Eng is known for being a caring, engaging, and generous instructor, who continually goes above and beyond his job duties to assist students and community members alike.
Eng was in the middle of teaching a lesson when he heard a commotion entering his classroom. Eng, with a blowtorch in hand, was shocked to see a group of administrators greeting him with a banner and the announcement that he was named the 2021-2022 Educator of the Year. “I was really shocked,” said Eng. “I was not expecting it at all.”
“Mr. Eng has a great relationship with his students,” said Principal Hector Montes. “His lessons are interactive, address safety and customer service. His shop is organized and clean, demonstrating the importance of an inviting environment for business and clients. Eng is part of the fabric of the school. He is a Yearbook Co-Advisor.”
Supervisor Rob Carrig said, “Mr. Eng is one of the most passionate, and dedicated instructors that I have had the pleasure of working with. He is continually creating new, innovative ways to teach Automotive-Diesel Technologies and has spent a great deal of time creating a modern, real-world work experience. Eng sets high expectations for his students, providing them with engaging and challenging work while guiding them from start to finish. He is well-liked and highly respected by our entire school community. We are lucky to have him as part of our team!”
Admittedly, Eng viewed teaching as a backup career, but after years in the field, working with many former trade school students who claimed to know very little after graduating, Eng wanted to “make a change” and “give back to the community.” Seeking the transition from industry and looking to make a positive impact on students’ learning in the automotive field, Eng enrolled at Brookdale Community College to participate in their alternate route teaching program.
Throughout his alternate route experience and time at SCVTHS, Eng contributes much of his personal success to his colleagues at SCVTHS. Eng said, “I'd like to thank the administration and staff, some of whom I had not yet met at that time, for helping me during my beginning years. A special thanks goes to Alan Creveling (retired automotive instructor), my mentor, who taught me the ropes of the educational system, since coming from industry, I had no clue.” Eng also thanked Carene Jegou in the SCVTS Superintendent’s Office for all of her help and assistance.
Now in his eighth year at SCVTHS, Eng stays busy outside the classroom serving as a Yearbook advisor, where he takes photos for and assists with the creation of the school’s yearbook. Additionally, Eng always has a project with the automotive live-work program, which assists community members by fixing their vehicles.
“The automotive industry has been good to me and I try to give back by teaching kids today. It's great seeing the students' faces when the theory and the practical ‘click,’” said Eng. “It's wonderful watching the students grow up over the three or four years into fine young respectable adults.”
“I am extremely honored and grateful to receive the Educator of the Year award,” said Eng. “I would like to thank those who got me to where I am today. I could not have accomplished anything without the staff at SCVTHS.”
Eng is a resident of Bridgewater, where he resides with his wife and two children. In his free time, Eng enjoys taking photographs, as well as “spending time on warm, breezy days at the beach and on the boardwalk.”
Also: Riley Sibilia of Raritan, a senior in the Graphic Communications program, has been selected as Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School’s (SCVTHS) Student of the Month for January 2022.
SCVTHS Science Instructor Shannon Melick nominated Sibilia for the Student of the Month award, saying, “Riley is a hard-working and responsible student. She always has a positive attitude and is a strong participant in class.”
At SCVTHS, Sibilia is a member of the varsity girls’ soccer team, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Rotary Club, Girls Who Code Club, a continuous member of the Principal’s Honor Roll, and a previous Stellar Student recipient. Sibilia also serves as a peer mentor, student ambassador, and the SkillsUSA CTE Ambassador.
Outside of SCVTHS, Sibilia is a member of Morris Rugby, the Somerset County Youth Council, and the Raritan Gardening Club. In her free time, Sibilia enjoys playing rugby, running, baking, and hanging out with her siblings. Additionally, during the summer months, Sibilia works as a lifeguard at a community pool.
After high school, Sibilia plans to attend Mount St. Mary’s University to play rugby and study entrepreneurship.
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Union County College
Union County College will be offering a course to prepare individuals to take the New Jersey sales/licensing exam to become a licensed real estate agent in NJ. Consider the real estate market if you are looking to change careers or seeking additional income.
This 75-hour course meets the Real Estate Commission requirements for the NJ sales licensing exam. If you are new to this field, you must meet the requirements for the state examination and must work as a sales associate within one year of completing the course and passing the exam. Topics include property interests, mortgages, deeds, title closing, liens, real estate law and ethics, agency relationships, and real estate calculations. The class will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays starting Monday, Feb. 28, through Wednesday, June 1, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. This course is a hybrid program with in-person sessions being held on the college’s Scotch Plains campus. The cost of the course is $495 and includes the cost of the textbook.
To enroll online, visit www.ucc.edu/ce or call 908-709-7600 for additional details.
Westfield High School
A popular tradition and learning experience took place at the Westfield Municipal Courthouse on Friday, Jan. 14, as Westfield High School legal eagles in the Mock Trial class of social studies teacher Kimberly Leegan tackled the roles of prosecutor, defense attorney, plaintiff, and witnesses in a fictitious case entitled, “Avery Mansion v. Captain Kidd’s Pier.”
“The students were greeted by Mayor Brindle at the start of the day. Parents attended and were able to serve as jurors,” said Leegan, saying two full mock trials were conducted. “Both trials were presided over by the Honorable James Hely of the Superior Court, Law Division in Union County. Hely is a resident of Westfield and a graduate of WHS.”
The fictitious civil case — the first in-person Mock Trial event by WHS students since the start of the pandemic — involved a plaintiff who claimed that insufficient safety warnings led to her injury while riding a roller coaster. The student defense team argued that the ride and warning were adequate and that injuries sustained were caused by the plaintiff diving off of the pier.
Student and School 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 Academy senior named Cadet Captain
