Two students, a junior at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook, and a senior at Henry Hudson Regional School in Highlands, show their mastery of research, reporting and journalism as both gather information from their schools to keep the public informed.
At Henry Hudson, Julianna Werdann of Highlands, reports monthly to the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education, gathering information from the three schools within the district and giving an oral report at the monthly board meeting. Werdann is also prepared to respond to any questions at the meeting from either the board or the public. She determines which stories are most important, prepares her several page report and presents it at the meeting.
The senior will continue her post through the May board meeting since she graduates this year. Her successor will be determined when the next executive committee of the student council is decided in mid-June.
According to principal Kevin McCarthy, Julianna was able to earn free tuition to Brookdale because she qualified under the NJ Stars Program that awards the top 15% of the graduating class the opportunity to receive a free associate’s degree. She gave herself options, and decided to avoid school-based debt. And “we are very proud of her,” the principal said.
At MAST, Laila Caramanica, who lives in Ocean, is a cadet Ensign in the NJROTC program and is the Battalion Public Affairs Officer. She compiles all the information needed for press releases, focusing on the NJROTC program, in which every student at the 9-12 school is required to participate in order to graduate with a MAST diploma.
c/Ens. Caramanica also oversees the Battalion’s Twitter and Instagram pages and submits a monthly report to the Naval Science Instructors detailing cadets’ accomplishments, particularly those accomplishments that are earned by cadets outside of school, such as Eagle Scout or Girl Scout Gold awards.
“Cadet Caramanica consistently ensures the Battalion’s stories are told, thanks to her maturity, poise, and dedication to mission accomplishment,” said Senior Chief Mike Vaccarella, US Navy (Retired) and acting Senior Naval Science Instructor. “Her ability to stay informed about cadet activities ensures they receive the recognition they deserve.”
