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Student news: Gala to mark 60 years of Catholic education in Somerville

Staff Report
@MyCentralJersey
Principal Sr. Mary Chapman IHM joins with student council officers to promote the 60th anniversary of Immaculate Conception School in Somerville.

The year was 1957 and the race for space was about to be launched, the beloved Brooklyn Dodgers headed to Los Angeles, and the Civil Rights movement was in its early stages.

Perhaps less known was a miracle happening in Somerville, where the parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church reached deep into their pockets and hearts to create the town’s first Catholic school. The dream had first been proposed by the pastor, Rev. Robert Graham, and carried on by his successor, Father Eugene B. Kelly, who expanded the concept to include a K-12 system. On Day One that September in 1957, Immaculate Conception School (ICS) included students from K-4 and each subsequent year a grade was added, followed by the opening of Immaculata High School in 1962.

To celebrate these 60 years of Catholic education and National Catholic Schools Week, Immaculate Conception School has planned several events, including the upcoming Diamond Ball to be conducted on Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Doubletree Hotel in the Somerset section of Franklin. The evening of dinner and dancing will honor 60 years of faith and academic excellence and will include a silent auction. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.icsschool.org or call the Advancement Office at 908-722-0200 ext. 222.

Prior to this event, the school hosted a huge Spirit Day with an all-school Mass, Spirit Pep Rally, and a Backlot Anniversary Bash, as well as an all ICS alumni reunion. Still to take place is an upcoming Anniversary Mass and Reception on June 9 at 5 p.m.

Msgr. Seamus Brennan, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish and director of Immaculate Conception School, applauds all those who contributed to the on-going success of the school. “In the United States, there are approximately 25 parish-supported Kindergarten through Grade 12 Catholic school systems," he noted. 

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

The following Central Jersey residents at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania were named to the fall dean's list: Amanda Marie Izzo of Flemington, Derek William Kugelman of Miford, Brett Alexandra Lelie of Lambertville, Angela Marie Norment of High Bridge, Kylie Madeline Ryan of Flemington, Katherine Julia Penrose, Brianne Eileen Pizzigoni of Middlesex, Scott Michael Cooper, Jenna Marie Figliano, Ryan J. Hummer, Katherine Barton Matassa, Nicholas Alcide Monteschio, Mark Anthony Pirella of Bridgewater, Kate Anne Mochnacz of Hillsborough, Heather Ann Chernoff of Scotch Plains.

READ: The good things students are doing in Central Jersey and beyond

READ: Education news from around the region

Centenary University programs

Centenary Stage Company’s January Thaw Music Festival continues with Danny Bacher in Swing That Music! A Jazz Tribute to the Three Louis on Sunday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. in the university's Lackland Performing Arts Center in Hackettstown. Vocalist - saxophonist, Danny Bacher swings the praises of the three Louis —  Armstrong, Prima and Jordan — in a performance paying homage to the era of jumpin' jive with a dollop of Dixieland.  

The show will be presented in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25 for adults and $17.50 for children under 12 in advance. 

The college closes the annual January Thaw Music Festival on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 8 p.m. with the Brazilian bluegrass of Matuto in the Lackland Performing Arts Center.  Matuto, Brazilian slang for “country boy,” infuses the syncopations of Brazilian music with the folk traditions of the American South. 

Centenary Stage Company's January thaw music festival closes with the Brazilian Bluegrass of Matuto.

This show also will be in the Sitnik Theatre. Tickets are $22.50 for adults and $17.50 for children under 12 in advance. 

As with all concerts, jazz and special events ticket prices for both shows increase $5 on the day of the performance. Matuto is sponsored in part by Heath Village Retirement Community and Home Instead Senior Care.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at 908-979-0900.  

ALSO: This spring Centenary Stage Company offers a variety of educational programs for all ages. The TYRO Acting Program returns for ages 8 to 10 with the spring session running Feb. 14 through April 18. The Young Performers Workshop spring session for ages 8 to 18 returns running Feb. 10 through June 3. Centenary Stage Company and Centenary University’s Theater / Dance Department are conducting their Conservatory of Dance from Jan. 16 through May 7, for ages 14 and up.

For more information or to register for any of the 2018 educational offerings visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at 908-979-0900. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 1 – 5 PM and two hours prior to every performance.  

Dr. Lisa Mastrangelo, an Associate Professor of English at Centenary University, has been selected as a top-three finalist for the 2017 Theresa J. Enos Anniversary Award.  Dr. Mastrangelo won an Honorable Mention from Rhetoric Review for her summer 2017 publication in their journal.

Centenary University educators 

Dr. Lisa Mastrangelo, an associate professor of English at Centenary University in Hackettstown, has been selected as a top-three finalist for the 2017 Theresa J. Enos Anniversary Award.  Dr. Mastrangelo won an Honorable Mention from Rhetoric Review for her summer 2017 publication in their journal.

Mastrangelo’s essay “Changing Ideographs of Motherhood: Defining and Conscribing Women’s Rhetorical Practices during World War I” focuses on the roles of women in the peace and preparedness movements in the first World War. Throughout both of these movements, women were labeled as "maternal" and "protective.” The essay details the two movements, as well as the language of motherhood that was used for, by, and against the women as they fought for their causes. 

Rhetoric Review is a scholarly interdisciplinary journal of rhetoric that publishes in all areas of rhetoric and provides a professional forum for its readers to consider and discuss current topics and issues.  

ALSO: For the Spring 2018 semester, Centenary University will offer adult English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for the community. This service is offered to adults who are not full time matriculated students at the University, as there has been a growing demand for a class like this in the Hackettstown area.

The classes will be conducted on Thursdays from 5:30 through 8:00 p.m. beginning on Jan. 25 through May 3. Classes will be taught by Professor Lauren Lesce, Linguistic Studies at Syracuse University.

Members of this class are eligible to obtain a library card from Centenary University. Students may use computers, printers, videos, books and magazines at the library to assist them with their English language studies. Also, the library has expanded its selection of bilingual and Spanish books.

 The cost for the course is $150.  For information or to register, contact Lesce at 908- 852-1400, ext. 2330, or at lescel@centenaryuniversity.edu. Online registration is available at http://www.centenaryuniversity.edu/international-programs/esl-program/.

Delaware Valley Regional High School

Miles Hudgins is being saluted by PBS-TV Channel 39 as its January Artist of the Month. Miles, who is a junior at Delaware Valley High School, is a jazz composer and performer on sax and piano. Channel 39 is based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Miles Hudgins’ music is influenced by jazz, hip-hop and rhythm & blues.

During his 90-second spot, Hudgins talks about his music and plays one of his compositions, “Astray,” explaining that it is inspired by jazz, hip-hop and R&B. His Artist of the Month segment can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KigRcGlM6Pw

Hudgins, who resides in Alexandria Township, leads the Miles Hudgins Trio, which recently performed at Shanghai Jazz, a restaurant and bar in Madison. It included another Del Val student Joe Carew. 

At Del Val, Hudgins is a popular entertainer at the Coffee House sessions. He is a member of the school Jazz Band, and is in the orchestra for this year’s musical, “Grease.”

ALSO: 

At the Skate Cancer Away event at Flemington Ice Arena, Delaware Valley High School senior Aaron Reers of Holland Township finds his balance, during the Dec. 8 American Cancer Society benefit. The event, spearheaded by Del Val senior Ethan Liebross, was sponsored by the National Honor Society and the rink. Donations totaling $187 were collected, and rink manager Paul Cavanaugh kicked in $900.

Hunterdon County Polytech

Hunterdon Polytech Career and Technical High School will open its doors to prospective students from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. The annual Open House is designed to make it easy for families to learn what the school has to offer for students who live in any Hunterdon County school district.

At the Bartles and Central campuses, school staff will be available to speak with families about the range of programs offered at this Career and Technical Education (CTE) standout. Current students will talk with prospective applicants about their experiences.

Each year more than 70 percent of Polytech’s graduates enroll in various colleges and universities in New Jersey and across the country. The remaining 30 percent go directly into the workforce or enter one of the military branches of service.

“Polytech provides a robust academic experience with a concentrated focus on specific careers,” said Tanya Nalesnik, coordinator of Student Services for Hunterdon County Vocational School District. “We stand out from traditional high schools by blending hands-on learning, college credits and industry certifications into curricula that are focused on specific career paths.”

Polytech’s 12 core program areas allow students to explore technical and career options in a hands-on environment while subprograms offer further specialization. Students attend their home high schools for all academic requirements and are bused to Polytech for half-day programs. Polytech courses run for a full year to comprise 20 elective credits with most students starting as juniors.

Polytech Career and Technical High School is an option for all Hunterdon County students. Its campuses are in Raritan Township: Bartles Campus, 8 Bartles Corner Road, is on the east side of Route 31. Central Campus, 10 Junction Road, next to the Hunterdon Central High School Field House. Alternate snow date is scheduled for Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; check social media and hcpolytech.org for event updates. 

ALSO: To support the career and academic goals of Hunterdon County’s high school students, Polytech has added three new shared-time programs: Fitness Specialist, Computer Science, and Heavy Equipment Operators. According to a news release, Polytech developed these programs to satisfy growing student interest and offer training in three distinct areas, each with strong career prospects.

The Fitness Specialist is a one-year program. Students will combine in-class learning with practical experience in the school’s fitness facility. Students will assess client fitness levels, design individualized exercise programs, and practice teaching proper execution of aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercises. Students will earn the American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification and meet required courses in RVCC’s Fitness Specialist certificate.

The Computer Science program is two years. In the first year, students will study a range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing. They will have the opportunity to pursue a Linux certificate to boost their post-secondary career prospects. Students will also be eligible to earn up to six college credits from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

The Heavy Equipment Operators Program is a two-year program, and the first of its kind for Central New Jersey high school students, according to the news release. Using simulators, students will learn how to operate various pieces of construction equipment, including backhoes, dozers, and excavators. 

Interested students must apply by March 1 for the 2018-19 school year by going to the homepage of the Polytech website, www.hcpolytech.org

Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation scholarships

Applications  are now being accepted for scholarships offered  by the Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation. The scholarships are offered through the Jean Alvater Baker Educational Fund, the Albert Kahn and Mary Kahn, R.N. Educational Fund, the Millie E. Apgar Educational Scholarship Fund for Health Professionals, the Wingover Scholarship Fund for Nursing Education, and the Patricia M. Psenisky Nursing Merit Scholarship Fund.  

These funds provide educational opportunities to individuals pursuing careers in healthcare, according to a news release. However, the Baker Fund, Kahn Fund, and Wingover Fund place a special emphasis on the nursing profession. The Patricia M. Psenisky Nursing Merit Scholarship Fund is for students, RNs or LPNs seeking a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a graduate degree in nursing.

Applicants must either be Hunterdon County residents or employees of the Hunterdon Healthcare System. There is a common application for the Baker, Kahn, Apgar, and Wingover Scholarship Funds. A separate application is available for the Psenisky Nursing Merit Scholarship Fund.

Scholarship applications are available in the Foundation Office or obtained online at: foundation.hunterdonhealthcare.org  The deadline for applications is March 1, 2018.  Call 908-788-6141.

Kean University

Famed Russian violinist Yevgeny Kutik, whose family fled rising anti-Semitism in Belarus in the 1990s, recently told his refugee story in words and music at the Human Rights Institute Gallery at Kean University in Union. He performed several pieces from his album "Music from the Suitcase," a collection of Russian miniatures from music sheets that his family almost left behind when they were forced to leave their homeland.

“Yevgeny’s work highlights the value of all art forms to critically engage students in human rights efforts,” said Sara Compion, director of Kean’s Center for Interdisciplinary Studies and interim coordinator of the Human Rights Institute. “He tells a story, through his violin and his voice, that helps us reflect upon a key 21st century concern, transnational refugees. His audience develops a deeper respect of human rights, dignity and tolerance for difference.”

“Donations are great, but the most precious thing you can give is your time,” he said to a captive audience. “Tutoring immigrant children, carpooling to jobs together, and other activities that are friendly and make them feel like they are at home—which is what everyone wants to feel—is the most valuable gift in this day and age.” 

Kutik rounded out his visit to Kean by leading a masterclass for music and theatre-performance majors. Later that evening, he performed at Kean Stage’s Enlow Recital Hall. 

For more information about Kean Stage, visit www.keanstage.com.

ALSO:  Kean University’s Office of Student Government implemented a “paws-on” approach to relieving the stress of finals –– therapy dogs.

Students were given two opportunities to pet, cuddle and talk to therapy dogs in between exams, project deadlines and portfolio reviews. Stress Less Fest on Dec.13, featured a four-legged visitor from Pet Partners, and Fuel for Finals on Friday, Dec. 14, included four furry friends from Creature Comfort Pet Therapy.

“The relationship of humans to dogs can be traced back to 12,000 years ago when these two species began to find an interdependence that developed between them for mutual goals,” said JoAnn Jarolmen, lecturer in Kean’s Department of Social Work. 
 
For more information about this and other events sponsored by Kean’s Office of Student Government, email stuorg@kean.edu

ALSO: Two events at Kean University’s Miron Student Center on Dec. 8, challenged students to expand their worldview. Human Rights Awareness Trivia explored the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, and a screening of Cop Shot: The Aftermath gave Kean students first-hand accounts of the dangers of police work.

The Aftermath followed by a Q&A with three officers who were shot in the line of duty on Friday, December 8. Pictured (l-r): James Drylie, Ph.D., executive director of Kean’s School of Criminal Justice & Public Administration and Cybersecurity Center; Deputy Chief Anthony Woodson of the East Orange Police Department; Patrolman John Sole of the Totowa Police Department, Sergeant Kenneth Hogan of the Irvington Police Department; Justina Vicioso, student president of KeanSAFE; and director of Cop Shot: The Aftermath and former New Jersey Police Captain Donna Roman Hernandez.

Sponsored by the Human Rights Institute and the Center of Leadership and Service (CLS), the trivia event was part of the commemoration of Human Rights Month. Students were encouraged to read a popup display of 17 of the 30 United Nations articles of human rights, and then asked to relay their meaning to the event coordinator to receive a free Human Rights Institute water bottle. 

“This activity was an opportunity for students to learn and reflect on their own freedoms, and to recognize that those rights are not guaranteed to everyone around the world,” said Sara Compion, director of Kean’s Center for Interdisciplinary Studies and interim coordinator of the Human Rights Institute. 

The other event, hosted by the student group KeanSAFE, featured a screening of the documentary, "Cop Shot: The Aftermath," followed by a question-and-answer session with three police officers who were shot in the line of duty. Sergeant Kenneth Hogan of the Irvington Police Department, Patrolman John Sole of the Totowa Police Department, and Deputy Chief Anthony Woodson of the East Orange Police Department shared their experiences.

“KeanSAFE hopes that providing an inside look at the line of duty educates those considering a career in criminal justice and builds a stronger sense of trust between college students and law enforcement,” said Justina Vicioso, student president of KeanSAFE. 

For more information about KeanSAFE, email keansafe@kean.edu. For more information about the Human Rights Institute at Kean University, including its upcoming conference on the global migrant crisis, email humanrights@kean.edu.

COLLEGE CONNECTION: Advice from local expert columnist

Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools

The culinary arts program on the Piscataway Campus of the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools has become the second public school kitchen in the nation to be certified “green” by the Green Restaurant Association in recognition of its sound environmental and sustainability practices.

MCVTS Piscataway Campus culinary students who worked to achieve “green” restaurant status included, from left, Lizeth Lopez, Brielle Grandell, Anahi Mendez and Yisel Hernandez.

Last year, the culinary program on the MCVTS Perth Amboy Campus was the first. The two school kitchens also are the only restaurants certified green in Middlesex County.

The Piscataway program, led by its instructor, Chef Thomas Povinelli, earned a one-star rating and 116.54 points in the categories of energy, food, water, waste, disposables, chemical and pollution, and furnishings and building.

Povinelli said that among the changes needed to add to the program’s sustainability score were placing aerators on faucets to reduce water flow, installing LED lighting and construction of container gardens and a compost heap outside the school. He said the school subscribes to the “farm to table” philosophy of using locally grown produce as much as possible.

“The benefit for our students is that we are now able to apply for scholarships,” he said. “A lot of higher education is transitioning to green restaurants, so our students will have a leg up when they apply.”

Povinelli said his students have been invited to a taping of “The Chew,” ABC’s panel show on food, in January to be recognized for the achievement.

The Perth Amboy culinary program, under Chef Stephen Moir, has graduated from a two-star to a three-star rating by the Green Restaurant Association. It was considered groundbreaking when it became the first public school kitchen to be certified green.

More information on the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools is available at www.mcvts.net. Additional Information on the Green Restaurant Association can be obtained at www.dinegreen.com

Pomfret School

Damoi Kermah of Princeton was named to the fall honor's list at Pomfret School in Pomfret, Connecticut. Students must have a grade-point average of 3.330

Dr. Sara Banfield, Raritan Valley Community College Associate Professor of Communication Studies, has been selected by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society as one of 30 chapter advisors, advisors emeriti, and alumni to serve as Faculty Scholars.

Raritan Valley Community College

Dr. Sara Banfield, Raritan Valley Community College associate professor of communication studies, has been selected by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society as one of 30 chapter advisors, advisors emeriti, and alumni to serve as Faculty Scholars. Those selected for the role also will lead groups of students and advisors at the 2018 and 2019 Honors Institutes.

Banfield, a resident of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, serves as co-advisor of the Branchburg-based college’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, and also chairs the college’s Communication and Languages Department. She is one of only two people from New Jersey community colleges selected for this honor.

Faculty Scholars serve as seminar leaders during the Honors Institute, Phi Theta Kappa’s annual summer conference held on a four-year college campus. The event brings nearly 500 associate degree-seeking students and PTK chapter advisors together for a week each June. The 2018 Honors Institute will be held at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

For the first time, the Honors Institute will focus on Phi Theta Kappa’s Leadership Development curriculum. Faculty Scholars will be certified to lead the curriculum, which has been hailed by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as one of eight exemplary leadership development programs in the country.

The 2018/2019 Honors Study Topic is Transformations: Acknowledging, Assessing, and Achieving Change.

ALSO: Raritan Valley Community College’s (RVCC) Visual and Performing Arts Department will present the annual RVCC Independent Study Students Exhibition, Jan 22 to Feb 9, in the Art Gallery at the college’s Branchburg campus.

"Fantasy Flowers," by Michael Brailove, ceramic, created Fall 2017

An artists’ talk will be presented Friday, Jan. 26, from 5 to 6 p.m., in the Art Gallery, followed by a reception from 6 to 7 p.m. Both are free of charge and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

This year’s exhibition, organized by RVCC faculty members Darren McManus and Christopher Koep, will include advanced work in such media as ceramics, visual communication, painting and digital/multimedia.

The annual exhibition highlights the artwork of students who completed an independent study during the Spring, Summer and Fall 2017 Semesters.

Gallery hours are Mondays, 3 to 8 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m.to 3 p.m.; Wednesdays, 3 to 8 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.; and Fridays, 1 to 4 p.m. For further information, contact the Visual and Performing Arts Department, 908-218-8876.

The Pennington School

The Pennington School invites residents to participate in the first annual Mercer Bucks Mini Maker Faire on Sunday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors, the Mercer Bucks Mini Maker Faire offers you an opportunity to show what you make and to share your knowledge.

The school is looking for Makers who want to show their work at the event. If you invent, design, create, or build things, consider applying to be an exhibitor at the Mercer Bucks Mini Maker Faire. To apply for space at the Faire, go to https://mercerbucks.makerfaire.com/call-for-makers/. There is no cost to exhibit work at the Faire.

A committee who is looking for dynamic exhibits that will collectively give visitors a diverse experience at the Faire will choose makers. If the creations are for sale (handmade goods, DIY kits, etc.), there is a cost of $100 per booth, payable to Maker Media.  

The call for Makers will be open until Jan. 31. The event will be conducted on the campus, 112 W. Delaware Ave., Pennington.

Troy University

Bala Rajesh Jakka of Bridgewater received a master's degree in environmental and biological sciences from Troy University in Troy, Alabama, during the fall semester/term 2 of the 2017/18 academic year. 

Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts

Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts (WIPA) announced that 10 students have been chosen for its advanced Musical Theater Company: Alysa Ali, 13 of Watchung; Kate Bloom, 11 of Westfield; Sara Bolden, 12 of Berkeley Heights; Payton Buckley, 11 of Berkeley Heights; Mariam Contractor, 13 of Watchung; Paloma Di Falco, 13 of New Providence; Sarah Duong, 10 of Summit; Nathan Scala, 11 of Warren; Isabella Thomas, 10 of Watchung; and Mia Ulrich, 10 of Berkeley Heights.

The WIPA Company is an intensive creative and professional experience for the motivated performer. Acceptance to the class is by audition only. Led by Musical Theater Arts Director Timothy Maureen Cole and faculty David Seamon, students will spend 27 weeks creating their own musical production with an original script and music based on Grimm’s Fairy Tales.  Rehearsals include a live accompanist and the course culminates with two performances with a live orchestra at the Performing Arts School on June 9 at 3 and 6 p.m. 

Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts is in Berkeley Heights, New Providence and Paterson, NJ and reaches students from 13 counties. Call 908-790-0700 or visit WhartonArts.org.

Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School

Samantha Immidisetti of Somerset was named to the fall dean's list at Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School in Kingston, Pennsylvania. 

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