NJ students: Parthhiban named 2021 New Jersey District Student of the Year – My Central Jersey

Akshat Parthhiban, a senior at Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School, was named the 2021 New Jersey District Student of the Year from the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA).(Photo: ~Courtesy of TEESCS)

Akshat Parthhiban, a senior at Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School, was named as the 2021New Jersey District Student of the Year from the National Speech andDebate Association (NSDA).

Each NSDA District has the opportunity to name a District Student of the Year award, presented to a graduating senior who best represents the tenets of the Associations Code of Honor: integrity, respect, humility, leadership, and service. Nominees must also demonstrate strong academic credentials and a commitment to the speech and debate community. District winners wereselected and reported to the national office by Friday, May 1, 2020.

Each year, six students who win the district award are selected as finalists for the William Woods Tate, Jr., National Student of the Year award. Finalists interview with a panel of educators during the National Speech & Debate Tournament and the National Student of the Year is announced during the National Awards Assembly.

In addition, Parthhibanhas been accepted to University of Pennsylvania's Computer Science program. Through this program, Parthhiban will earn a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree.This degree prepares students to utilize, analyze, and create information processing systems for whatever career, advanced education, or personal interests he/she chooses to pursue.

As part of Autism Acceptance Month, students at Valley Road School (VRS) had a very special visitor, a former graduate, Gabriella Smith. Classes from kindergarten to grade five met with Smith remotely. She shared a memoir, My Life With Aspergers, that she wrote in sixth grade. The memoir captured the moment she first learned she had Aspergers Syndrome. Smith went on to explain what autism is and her experience. She spoke of the challenges she faced as well as the strategies she used to face those challenges head-on. At the end of the presentation, Smith interacted with the students, engaging them in a conversation on inclusivity. Students also had an opportunity to ask Smith questions.

Valley Road hosted former graduate, Gabriella Smith, as a guest speaker on Autism acceptance.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Clark Public School District)

Supervisor of Educational Initiatives Christine Broski said, We want to thank Gabby for sharing her story. Her honesty and bravery helped our students gain a better understanding of autism and encouraged a message of inclusivity and kindness. Sharing her memoir today was just as powerful as it was when she shared it back in sixth grade when I had her as a student. I couldnt be more proud!

Special Education Teacher Dominique Smith said, Gabbys story touched the lives of all students and faculty members. She shared a personal story in an effort to encourage inclusion and acceptance within the Valley Road School community.

This month, Valley Road Students wore red, blue, or gold to show their support for Autism Acceptance. They also decorated puzzle pieces that fill the hallways at VRS, and signed a mural to promote inclusion that hangs in the school hallway. Teacher Nicole Semon said, Gabbys story inspired students and staff alike and it promoted an overall attitude of acceptance and understanding of everyones differences and unique strengths.

In addition, students inSmith and Semons classes ended the month by planting flowers in the Autism Acceptance Is Growing Garden. Semon said, This was a great month here at VRS and we are so happy to see and hear all of the wonderful conversations that were sparked from these events!

Middlesex College student Natalie Kazar of Old Bridgewas selected to present her research investigating variations in features of ocean water at the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum virtual research poster session held on Wednesday, May 5.As part of an on-going Middlesex College research study that began in 2016,Kazar has been conducting water quality testing at Sandy Hook beach since December 2020. Her findings, which focus on analysis of pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen and water temperature measurements, will take place on the third day of the forum.

Middlesex College student Natalie Kzar was selected to present her research at the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum virtual research poster session held on Wednesday, May 5.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Middlesex College)

Kathleen Brennan, department of mathematics chairperson, learned recently that Mount Saint Mary Academy was named one of the 100 Best High Schools Teaching Personal Finance by W!SE (Working in Support of Education).

First published in 2013, the 100 Best W!SE High Schools national ranking recognizes the top 100 performing high schools in W!SEs national network, showcases excellence in financial education and motivates schools to race to the top in personal finance instruction. W!SE is a leading educational nonprofit based in New York City with a mission to improve the lives of young people and at-risk adults through programs that develop financial literacy and readiness for college and careers.

Brennan said, Im so proud of our financial literacy program at Mount Saint Mary Academy.We are committed to graduating females who are financially savvy and its wonderful to be recognized as one of the top high schools in the country.

Renee Vozza, a sophomore fromWestfield, said, Ms. Brennans financial literacy program taught me many practical skills that I will need through high school, college, and beyond. The information on credit scores, savings, and especially paying for college, I found extremely valuable and is sure to benefit me in the real world.

Francesca Streicher, a senior ofAnnandale, said, Taking a financial literacy class with Ms. Brennan has supplied me with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions by studying real-world examples. As I prepare for life after the Mount, I will know what is needed to make financial choices that are both responsible and sustainable.

Mounts financial literacy program has benefited me immensely, said Kaelyn Twaskas, a junior of Fanwood. I find myself applying the knowledge I learned to my everyday financial decisions, especially when it comes to saving for college. When I got my part-time job, I realized that I already knew how to budget, save, and manage my money.

Vozza, Streicher and Twaskas, who scored in the top 10th percentile on the national test they took in December, are currently enrolled inBrennans spring business analytics course.

Also:On Saturday, April 24, the Mount Saint Mary Academy Dance Club took part in the Thats Entertainment Performing Arts Competition in Whippany. Their two performances earned them atrophy for the overall high score.

(Left to right) Julia Pierce, Mount Dance Club Advisor and Admissions Associate; S. Lisa D. Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S., Mount Saint Mary Academy Directress; Marisa Mazzuca of Watchung, Class of '21 and Ainsley Klein of of Warren, Class of '21.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Mount Saint Mary Academy)

The lyrical number, choreographed byAinsley Klein of WarrenandMarisa Mazzuca of Watchung, won best overall scores in the Rising Star category. The jazz arrangement, also choreographed by Klein and Mazzuca, received a judges award for Fiercest Number. Both of the clubs performances received a Gold Award, andthe lyrical earned an invitation to the National Competition to be held in Atlantic City in July.

Successfully representing the Mount were club membersAinsley Klein of Warren, Marisa Mazzuca of Watchung, Tara Schilke of Pittstown, Kayla DeAngelis of Basking Ridge, Aryana Perez of Union, MaryPerez of Lebanon, Arianna Salerno of Watchung, Dena Mistichelli of Watchung, Kelsie Neidenbach of South Plainfield, Marina DeNezza of Clark, Kailey Fahy of New Providence, Kathleen Altobelli of Bridgewater, Emma Szabo of Fanwood, Victoria Fekete of LivingstonandNina Heim of Westfield.

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Drew M. English of Avenel graduated summa cum laude from Norwich University, Corps of Cadets in Northfield, Vermont. He earned a bachelor of science in international business, with a minor in Mandarin Chinese. He has commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division, Military Intelligence Officer.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Alison M. English)

Kavya Venkatesan, a freshman at Old Bridge High School, participated in a virtual financial literacy summit presented by CNBC and the Junior Achievement organization.

Kavya Venkatesan, a freshman at Old Bridge High School, participated in a virtual financial literacy summit presented by CNBC and the Junior Achievement organization.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Old Bridge Township Public Schools)

The focus of the summit was on levelling the playing field for students through education and financial literacy.

Venkatesan was selected to represent NJ through the local Junior Achievement organization and ask a question to a panel.

She was selected by CNBC producers after providing them with a list of questions she wanted to ask the panel.She was among 23 teens selected from a nation-wide applicant pool.She asked the panel: How can todays teens develop an adaptive mindset and prepare for the future of work?

It was definitely an empowering conversation, the 14-year-old said.

Venkatesan was featured in a CNBC news article and shared how she developed her knowledge in financial literacy and investing through courses, leadership opportunitiesand clubs.

My valuable experiences in writing have definitely enabled me to grow as a public speaker and communicator so that I can be involved in initiatives like this summit, said Venkatesan.

New Jersey in one of 21 states who mandate personal finance coursework. To date, Venkatesan completed an online class last summer with the Future Business Leaders of America. In addition, her parents have taught her about investing and buying stocks.

Venkatesan saidher counselors Katelyn Tivald and Amanda Walsh informed her about a course acceleration process. So, she opted to complete an online Personal Finance course last summer through Educere. The credit for the course was recognized by Old Bridge High School.

The knowledge I gained from this allowed me to be involved in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club, she said.

Venkatesan also credited her FBLA advisers Maria Simone and Liz Todaro with supporting her to create online training for FBLA members as well as complete and earn Business Achievement Awards.

Mrs. Simone and Mrs. Todaro have definitely provided a platform through FBLA to connect, learn, share ideas, and get involved, she said.

Simone was not surprised by the teens success at the summit.

Although I have only known Kavya since September 2020, she has continuously stood out among her peers throughout this school year, said Simone.She has taken on projects by her own initiative, cultivates school camaraderie, and accomplishes her academics with the highest achievements.I look forward to making our FBLA chapter the best that it can be over the next three years with Kavya as one of our leaders.

The teen also enrolled in another independent business course entitled Bloomberg Market Concepts.

This course taught me about investing, the economy, and stock market, she said. I was also able to use this knowledge to invest in stocks and have my own portfolio. This course was great for personal growth and inspired me to gain financial independence at an early age.

At the summit, she said she was able to develop critical thinking skills and learned how to make strategic decisions.

The summit went really well, and I enjoyed being a part of this insightful conversation, said Venkatesan. There were a lot of valuable takeaways from the summit, and I wanted to share it with other Knights so that more students can feel empowered to own their economic success.

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Monica Chan of Chathamand Luc Francis of South Orange, seniors at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge, each earned a Certificate of Accomplishment from The Princeton Prize in Race Relations for Northern New Jersey.

Moncia Chan of Chatham, a senior at The Pringry School, earned a Certificate of Accomplishment from The Princeton Prize in Race Relations for Northern New Jersey.(Photo: ~Courtesy of The Pingry School)

Princeton University established the prize to recognize and reward high school students who, through their volunteer activities, have undertaken significant efforts to advance racial equity and understanding in their schools or communities.

Luc Francis of South Orange, a senior at The Pingry School, earned a Certificate of Accomplishment from The Princeton Prize in Race Relations for Northern New Jersey.(Photo: ~Courtesy of The Pingry School)

Last summer, Chan and Francis launched the student-led Pingry Allyship Collective (PAC), a collaboration among students from a variety of Pingrys affinity groups, the Black and Asian Student Unions, the Student Diversity Leadership Committee, and the Civic Action and Social Engagement Club.

The PAC is part of Pingrys larger efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In Chan's and Francis' words, the PAC aims to transform the realizations and lessons from education and discussion-based DEI work into tangible changes in the student culture, curriculum, and extracurricular activities.

In addition to being recognized for PAC, Chan was recognized for her work as co-president of the Asian Student Union, and Franciswas recognized for his work as co-leader of the Black Affinity Group.

Since my freshman-year English class and throughout their journey with the Asian Student Union and Black Affinity Group, Monica and Luc have represented and been inclusive in their work, and that matters, said English Teacher Audrey Enriquez, who nominated the pair for the award. I could not be prouder that they are being recognized.

Also:The Pingry School has welcomed 28 members of the Class of 2021 into The Cum Laude Society. Established in 1906 as the secondary school equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa, the countrys oldest collegiate honor society, The Cum Laude Society honors academic excellence and superior scholarship among its 382 member schools. Membership in this academic organization is limited to 20 percent of the Senior class.

(Front row) Helen Liu, Narayan Murti, Olivia Volpe, Claire Keller, Meghan Durkin, Carolyn Coyne, Christian Colella, Anushka Agrawal and Lily Arrom. (Middle row) Hugh Zhang, Guanyun Liang, Noah Bergam, Eva Schiller, Monica Chan, Rhea Kapur, Sydney Stovall and Jessica Yatvitskiy. (Back row) Science Teacher and Cum Laude Secretary Jeffrey Jenkins, Matthew Mandel, Justin Li, Jessica Lin, Julian Lee, Dean Koenig, Aneesh Karuppur, Emma Huang, Luc Francis, Sophia Cavaliere, Joseph Castagno, and Head of School Matt Levinson. Not pictured: Teodora Kolarov.(Photo: ~Courtesy of The Pingry School)

New Members:Anushka Agrawal of Metuchen,Lily Arrom of Warren, Noah Bergam of Short Hills,Joseph Castagno of Basking Ridge,Sophia Cavaliere of Bernardsville,Monica Chan of Chatham,Christian Colella of Mendham,Carolyn Coyne of Morristown,Meghan Durkin ofMaplewood,Luc Francis of South Orange,Emma Huang of Short Hills,Rhea Kapur of Basking Ridge,Aneesh Karuppur of Warren,Claire Keller of Summit,Dean Koenig of Warren,Teodora Kolarov of Bernardsville,Julian Lee of Summit,Justin Li of Warren;Guanyun Liang,Jessica Lin,Helen Liu, and Matthew Mandel, all of Basking Ridge;Narayan Murti of Summit,Eva Schiller of Califon,Sydney Stovall of West Orange,Olivia Volpe of Watchung,Jessica Yatvitskiy of Martinsville, andHugh Zhang of Basking Ridge

According to The Cum Laude Society, each Chapter may elect students who are enrolled in a college preparatory curriculum and who have had an honor record up to the time of election and stand in the first fifth of their classEach Chapter shall determine the method in which an honor record and class standing shall be ascertainedChapters shall be free to elect members who have demonstrated academic excellence in accordance with the philosophy and policies governing their individual schools.

Pingry students must meet each of the following criteria to be considered for election: maintain at least an A- grade point average, achieve honor roll status throughout their years in the Upper School, be in good academic standing, and carry a full college preparatory course load.

However, The Cum Laude Society emphasizes more than academic grades. It recognizes individuals who in all areas of their lives love to learn, share their knowledge with others, and demonstrate scholarship, honor, integrity, and good character.The Society also hopes that all of its members will continue their cooperative and selfless pursuit of knowledge while serving as lifelong examples of The Cum Laude Society motto: Arte (Excellence), Dik (Justice), Tim (Honor).

At the Piscataway Board of Education meeting held on Thursday, April 29, Dr. Alex Gray was named the districts Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, a newly-created position designed to promote equity, inclusivity, cultural competence and greater community understanding of vital issues, and to ensure effective utilization of available resources across the district.

Dr. Alex Gray was named Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Piscataway Township Schools.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Piscataway Township Schools)

This new position is part of the districts focus on the intersection between social and emotional learning, equity, and culturally responsible teaching strategies, which together, lead to overall student achievement.

Raised in Piscataway and a graduate of Piscataway schools, Gray has worked in the Piscataway School District since 2000, first at Quibbletown Middle School, where he served as a school counselor and social worker before moving to an assistant principal position in 2012. For the past seven years, Gray has served as principal at Martin Luther King Intermediate School. He will begin his new role in the district on July 1, 2021.

In his new role, Dr. Gray will share his wealth of knowledge and experience in diversity and inclusion across the entire district. He has attended countless workshops, led professional development programs, and used data to make real changes in these areas at Martin Luther King School, said Piscataway Superintendent of SchoolsDr. Frank Ranelli. I look forward to working with Alex in this very important role he brings a great deal of talent to the central office team.

Gray received his Doctor of Education from Rowan University, a master of social work from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor of social work from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

More than 200 golfers, diners, and volunteers from around NJ and beyond joined together at the Union County College Foundations 29th Annual Scholarship Golf Outing. Held on Monday, April 26, this event raised more than $155,000 in support of its mission to accelerate the pace of student success. The annual Golf Outing is held each spring and the foundation was pleased to host the event at Fiddlers Elbow in Bedminster. Thanks to the generosity and support of key community and business leaders over the last five years, the foundation has had a generational impact on the Union County community by funding nearly $6 million in direct scholarship and grant support in furtherance of the core mission of the college, to provide students with a high-quality and affordable education.

Three Union students hold the Big Check presented to the Union County College Foundation from the golf committee. From left are Union County College Foundation Executive Director Doug Rouse, Union County College Board of Trustees Chair Victor M. Richel, Union students, Union County College President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin, and Golf Committee Co-Chairman John Richel.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Union County College)

This year, White Claw Hard Seltzer was the key sponsor for the golf outing. Their support will help the foundation continue to expand the opportunities available for Union students.

Thank you to White Claw for being this years signature sponsor for our golf outing. Your corporate leadership in support of our mission will translate into our ability to have a positive impact on student success.White Claw is helping to ease the financial burden on our students that will allow them to focus on their academics and graduate, said Foundation Executive Director Doug Rouse.

This years golf committee was comprised of 16 members of the community who led the charge to ensure a successful day for everyone. As we have all seen over the past year, trying to organize and produce a successful event has been trying.The pandemic has impacted everything that we do.However, our committee did not sit idly by but instead worked tirelessly so that we could have a great day for all our golfers. Their dedication to our mission helped make this years outing one of our most successful, said Rouse.

For information about the foundations annual events, contact Rouse at douglas.rouse@ucc.edu or 908-709-7505.

At its virtual public meeting on Tuesday, April 27, the Westfield Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Mary McCabe as assistant principal at Franklin Elementary School, effective Thursday, July 1, 2021.McCabe has served as Franklin Interim Assistant Principal since last July.

At its virtual meeting on Tuesday, April 27, the Westfield Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Mary McCabe as assistant principal at Franklin Elementary School, effective Thursday, July 1, 2021.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Westfield Public Schools)

As a graduate of Westfield High School and mother of two children in the Westfield Public School District, I have been delighted to serve as a teacher for many years at Franklin School, said McCabe, addressing board members after her appointment. This school year I have enjoyed my role as Interim Assistant Principal and I am so excited to continue in this position moving forward.

McCabe was appointed to the interim position last year as Dr. Paul Duncan began his new role as principal of Franklin. Her responsibilities included collaborating with colleagues to plan hybrid instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic, reviewing, communicating, and implementing health and safety protocols, organizing student cohorts, creating weekly bulletins to share updates and information, supervising more than 40 teachers and staff members while developing professional growth plans, and facilitating one-to-one meetings with students to provide needed encouragement and guidance.

Mrs. McCabe is a caring and knowledgeable leader. When we had to move to all-remote learning last spring, we did not have time to conduct a thorough search for a new assistant principal, said Superintendent Dr. Margaret Dolan. Mrs. McCabe was appointed to the interim position and began work immediately. Now, having been able to set up an interview committee to vet candidates thoughtfully and thoroughly, we are very happy to recommend Mrs. McCabe as assistant principal at Franklin School.

Mary immediately hit the ground running as interim assistant principal and I am grateful for her calm leadership during this challenging year, said Duncan. We work well together and it is with great confidence that I, too, recommend her for this important position.

McCabe joined the district 17 years ago, teaching 4th grade at Franklin while serving as a literacy coach for grades 1-5. Prior to her years in Westfield, McCabe was a 4th grade teacher at Holy Trinity School for two years and an assistant track and field coach for four years at Union Catholic High School.She earned a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University in 2009 and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2002 from St. Josephs University.

The Westfield School District is an exceptional community to be a part of and I am very proud to be Franklin Schools Assistant Principal, said McCabe.We have learned so much from this extraordinary school year and I believe that we will be stronger because of it. I look forward to continuing my work with Dr. Duncan and the teachers, students, and families of Franklin School.

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.

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NJ students: Parthhiban named 2021 New Jersey District Student of the Year - My Central Jersey