Admirals “I’m truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to have served as your Student Board Representative this past year ,” wrote Julianna Werdann to the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education and local residents earlier this month.
Werdann read the last of her monthly reports at regular board meetings before graduating from the high school last week and heading to Brookdale College to continue studying and writing.
“It’s been an incredible experience, and I want to thank you all for your trust and support,” she continued, adding “ I’ve learned so much from this role, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for our school. Thank you again for everything.”
School principal Kevin McCarthy praised Werdann for her thorough and accurate reports each month and noted that “We will miss Julie and the rest of the Class of 2025,” but also noted that ‘ stellar student’ Cole Harbison has already been named to assume the role of Student representative to the Board and will be present at the September meeting when school reopens for another year.
In her final report citing activity in all three schools in the regional district, Werdann, who works with student council advisors Dawn DeSanto and Jessica Merrigan, noted some of the events at the Atlantic Highlands Elementary School which included Mrs. Wolff and Mrs. Furda leading student performances in band and chorus at the Spring Concert, with both groups performing beautifully and covering a nice range of musical genres.
She cited the excellent annual Art Show under the guidance of Mrs. Northrop citing a level of work that was amazing and displayed talents from students of all ages.
The school’s Photography Club featured additional projects and submissions from the Enrichment Art groups, and the report continued, with congratulations to Primrose Domanski as the winner of the 2nd annual Geography Bee. The student was one of ten finalists representing grades 4 through 6 .
Field Day was another huge success at the Highlands Elementary School, the report continued, with students enjoying a fun-filled day of outdoor activities, games, and school spirit. Werdann praised Ms.Cook, the Physical Education teacher, who dedicates an incredible amount of time and effort each year to planning this event, made excellent due to her organization and creativity, keeping students active and having fun from start to finish. Something new this year, a dunk tank, was the year’s biggest hit, she said.
HES Mindfulness Day was an incredible experience for students, with a theme focused on teamwork and collaboration, encouraging students to work together with friends and classmates for the betterment of the group. The day kicked off with an engaging and interactive assembly, which set the tone for a day of connection and positivity. A special thank you, Werdann said, for Student Council Advisors Ms. McBain and Ms. Harbstreet for their leadership and hard work in organizing such a meaningful event.
On May 28, 6th-grade students presented their annual James T. White Projects to a panel of judges. Students worked individually or in small groups to research local landmarks, write detailed reports about their history and impact on the Highlands community, and construct impressive models of their chosen sites.
The quality of work and student effort this year was outstanding. Winners of the James T. White Project will be announced at the 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony. White was the former Mayor of Highlands, a clammer who helped bring a clam purification plant to the borough and a teacher in the Elementary School.
At Henry Hudson regional School, Evelynn Knox earned first Place at the 2025 Poetry Ourselves Competition! New Jersey Poetry Ourselves is a program inspired by Poetry Out Loud’s National Competition. This year, State and Regional Finalists were invited to participate with the option to submit a written poem OR a spoken-word poem. Over a four-week process, students crafted their pieces with a mentor and sent finalized versions in for judging. Over the course of four days, five judges reviewed and scored each of the submissions on structure, voice and style, use of poetic elements, poetic diction, creativity and uniqueness. Each participant performed their original poem in front of an audience leading to Evie as State Champion.
The Advanced Film class wrapped up their cinematic masterpiece, “Stick with the Small Boys,” a delicious blend of Breakfast Club vibes and Reservoir Dogs edge. Picture this: five students stuck in detention, on a mission to unmask the snitch in their midst. The drama unfolds on the HHRS YouTube channel. Werdann then suggested readers “ grab your popcorn and dive into the intrigue!”
Under Mrs. Phair, the Performing Arts Students celebrated with a BBQ at school and recognized all seniors involved in one or more performing arts during their high school career. – Art Club students painted a mural for the Highlands Skatepark on June 6 for the community. And Mrs. DaSilva reported to Werdann that the 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Fair took place last month at Hudson.
When students, staff, and parents had the opportunity to interact with local agencies that provide health and wellness support to students and adults. Students learned and obtained information about local resources in the community and met with representatives of some agencies represented at the fair including the Mental Health Association, CPC Behavioral Healthcare, Municipal Alliance, Common Ground, a school dietician, and CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder). Mrs. DaSilva, Ms. LaFauci, and Mrs. Higgins provided information and resources, and Mrs. Higgins gave out free books to students.
The GSA marched for the fifth year in the Jersey Pride Parade with Mr. Bodnar and Mr. Boylan joining Mrs. Boylan and the GSA members in the march while Mrs. Way drove the bus. Werdann reported “The crowd loved seeing the big yellow bus decorated with flags and posters in the parade as a visual example of pride belonging in schools!” She added that “Mrs. Boylan said that watching the students get showered in affirmations and love from the crowd is a very special experience for her as an advisor and parent. She wishes they could bottle it up and save it for the other 11 months of the year after pride month!
The Boys Tennis Team finished a very successful season with an 11-5 record, making it into the 2nd round of the States. The team was led by #1 singles Ethan Hartsgrove with everyone contributing throughout the season. Coaches Scott Isaacs and Tom Lynch look forward to next season and the return of many players.
The Tri-M Music Honor Society hosted their first Henry Hudson Talent Show earlier this month consisting of eight acts featuring rock bands, musical numbers, and original poetry. Prizes were handed out to the top three acts of the night. Thanks to all the local businesses, the Highlands Business Partnership, and the Admiral Music Patrons for their donations.
Ms. DeSanto and Mrs. Merrigan report that Student Council Class Officer Elections for the 2025-2026 school year were held for students in grades 7-11. The Executive Student Council and Class of 2026 President will be Nathan Boms, and Harbison taking Werdann’s place with the Board of Education.
HHRS hosted its annual Senior Awards Night when more than 30 seniors were honored with scholarships and awards, generously given by members of the HHRS community and various outside organizations. In total, over $30,000 in awards were distributed, recognizing the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our graduating class.
The 11th and 12th graders enjoyed another successful prom! Prom in May at Windows on the Water. Over 100 students attended a night filled with music, dancing, and celebration, all capped off by a stunning sunset over the river, making for a perfect backdrop to a memorable event
Ms. DeWyngaert and Ms. DeSanto, National Honor Society Advisors, are very proud of this year’s group and of their charitable endeavors. As a result of their successful fundraising efforts and in the spirit of generosity, the National Honor Society ended the school year by distributing the following donations: – $380 to the purchase of yearbooks to seniors who otherwise could not afford them; – $250 to the Monmouth County SPCA – $250 to the Fulfill Food Bank of Ocean and Monmouth County; and – $250 in support of Boys Basketball Coach Brian Kelly and his son Brady, as Coach Kelly prepares to run the NYC Marathon this fall to benefit Children’s Specialized Hospital.
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