COLONIAHIGH SCHOOL
47th Annual
Awards Night Program
* Class of 2014*
C. H. S. Auditorium
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
6:30 p.m.
WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
P. O. Box 428, School Street
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
732-750-3200
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Brian Molnar, Board President
John Golden, Board Vice President
Frank DellaPietro III Monical Michelle Smith
Daniel Harris Ezio Tamburello
Judy Leidner Jonathan Triebwasser
Brian F. Small
Jonathan M. Busch, Esq., Board Attorney
…..
CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Robert Zega, Ed. D., Superintendent of Schools
John Bader, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Joanne Shafer, Director of Personnel Services
Julie Bair, Director of Special Services
Dennis DeMarino, Business Administrator/Board Secretary
…..
COLONIA HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Kenneth D. Pace, Sr., Principal
Jennifer Murphy, Vice Principal
Jamison Panko, Vice Principal
…..
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Scholarship Committee is two-fold:
- To investigate sources of scholarship aid
- To function as a selection committee
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Ms. Cheryl Galvin, Chairperson
Mrs. Linda Bowler Mrs. Jennifer Kirby-Jeter Mrs. Lynn Sheehan
Mrs. Ann Dinicola Mrs. Cristina Marretta Mrs. Andrea Simkovich
Mrs. Chantal Greffer Mrs. Kathleen Moran
NOTE: Scholarships and awards selected by the Colonia High School Scholarship Committee
are identified with an asterisk (*).
THIS EVENING'S PROGRAM
FLAG SALUTE
STAR SPANGLED BANNER
The Aca Patriots
A Word of Welcome
Kenneth D. Pace, Sr., Principal
Presentation of Scholarships and Awards
FACULTY BOWL AWARD
The Faculty Bowl is that award which is presented to the senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, has contributed the most to ColoniaHigh School. The person who receives this honor must be an individual who has demonstrated unselfish service to the school and who has maintained a good academic record. This individual must have demonstrated those personal qualities which make one an exemplary school citizen.
The recipient of this award will be announced at graduation.
A LIST OF AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
1.*THE MAYOR JOHN E. MCCORMAC COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD is presented to a senior who has given meritorious service to the community.
Presenter:Mayor John E. McCormac
Recipient:Simran Sangu
2.*THE MAYOR JOHN E. MCCORMAC ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP is presented to a student who is majoring in accounting.
Presenter:Mayor John E. McCormac
Recipient:Shannon Harmer
3.THE JOSEPH S. KOURY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP was established in 2006 by Carl and Maryann Palmisano to honor the memory of former Colonia High School Principal, Joseph S. Koury, who passed away in December, 2005. The recipient of this scholarship will have demonstrated the qualities of discipline, perseverance and commitment to overcome a potentially self-defeating life experience. This scholarship, in his memory,honors those values he held in highest esteem, and seeks to publicly recognize and reward this individual for this achievement.
Presenters:Ms. Denise Koury and Ms. Christy Palmisano
Recipient:Triana Powers
4.*THE KEVIN J. EVANKO MEMORIAL SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD is presented to a football lineman, football player or other athlete who possesses the exemplary qualities of Kevin Evanko, Class of 1972. The recipient is a student who demonstrates high athletic and scholastic ability, embraces a philosophy where "limitations" are non-existent, "challenges" are routinely overcome, and "dreams" are realized daily; sacrifices to attain personal goals, and acts as a leader and positive role model, sharing with others a "winning attitude" and inspiring them to always achieve their personal best. A plaque recognizing the recipient of this award is on display in the front lobby.
Presenter:Mr. Mark S. Evanko
Recipient:Joseph Fugaro
5.THE COLONIA VOLUNTEER CHEMICAL HOOK & LADDER FIRE COMPANY will present awards, in memory of Lamont Swain, to graduating seniors of ColoniaHigh School who will continue their education at an accredited institution and who have demonstrated service to the community.
Presenter:Mr. Corey Chandler
Recipients:Louis Bryan, Joseph Fugaro, Teigler Matty
6.*THE JOSEPH LEWIS AND ALVIN WILLIAMS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS - The Woodbridge Policeman's Benevolent Association - Local #38 is presenting two awards to students who have attained a satisfactory rank in class and who plan on furthering their education.
Presenter:Patrolman Ryan Karabin
Recipients:Teighler Matty (Lewis Memorial); Amy Patel (Williams Memorial)
7.*MAYOR FRANK G. PELZMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP in memory of Frank G. Pelzman, the mayor of Woodbridge Township from 2002 to 2006 and who, after completing twelve years in our school district, was graduated in 1952. The recipient of this award possesses the qualities of Mayor Pelzman. Among these qualities are a positive attitude, integrity, motivation, loyalty, concern for others, leadership and a commitment to community. The recipient of this award plans to pursue an education beyond high school.
Presenter:The Pelzman Family
Recipient:Kaitlin Busse
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8.*THE ST. ANDREW'S COUNCIL #5088 AVENEL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - THOMAS G. KUNIGONIS SR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is presented to a deserving student who plans on pursuing education beyond high school and who has taken an active role in community affairs.
Presenter:Mr. Frank Pelzman, PGK
Recipient:Rebecca Glinn
9.*THE AVENEL MEMORIAL POST #7164 V. F. W. LADIES AUXILIARY AWARD is presented to a student who has demonstrated service to ColoniaHigh School. The recipient has a parent or grandparent who is a Veteran.
Presenter:Ms. Marisa DaSilva Jacques
Recipient:Nathalie Breining
10.THE COLONIA MEMORIAL POST #6061 V. F. W. is presenting awards to deserving senior students who are residents of Colonia and good school citizens. The recipients of these awards have parents or grandparents who are veterans.
Presenter:Quartermaster Paul Bongard
Recipients:Teighler Matty, Caitlyn Murphy, James O’Donnell
11.*THE TONYELL F. MCDAY MEMORIAL AWARD – Tonyell McDay was a ColoniaHigh School 1994 graduate who beheld God's glory on September 11, 2001. A WorldTradeCenter heroine, Tonyell was a very cheerful, compassionate, ambitious and spiritual young lady. She honored her family and treasured education. This award will be presented to a senior young lady who exemplifies the qualities and virtues that Tonyell possessed. A plaque recognizing the recipient of this award is on display in the front lobby.
Presenter:Mr. Rufus McDay
Recipient:Olaoluwa Ogunnowo
12.*THE HELEN RACANO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – “CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF LOVE” is presented in loving memory of Helen Racano, an Italian instructor for the Woodbridge Township Enrichment Program, fulfilling her sincere desire to become a teacher. This scholarship is awarded to a student, matriculated from ColoniaMiddle School, whose goal is to continue his/her education and ultimately enter the teaching profession. Through this scholarship, the recipient must demonstrate the mission of the Leo Buscaglia Foundation, which Helen admired and reflected throughout her own life – always sharing and giving and influencing others to do the same. In this way, the roles of helper and helped are constantly interchanged.
Presenter:Ms. Celeste Racano
Recipient: Scott Washuta
13.*THE ROBERT A. GRANRATH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is presented to a graduating senior who has achieved an A- or higher in his/her Accounting/Business classes. This individual must be accepted in and plan to attend a four year college or university to study Accounting, Business Management or Law.
Presenter:Mrs. Mariann Granrath
Recipient:Shannon Harmer
14.*THE JOHN F. O’MALLEY – CENTRAL JERSEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION SCHOLARSHIP – In recognition of and to honor his service and dedication to the Central Jersey Federal Credit Union, this scholarship is given by Central Jersey FCU to a college bound student in good standing who plans to major in education. Mr. O’Malley served for 33 years on the Credit Union’s Board of Directors and also served as principal at Colonia High School.
Presenter:Ms. Cheryl Galvin
Recipient: Matthew Mizak
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15.*THE HUNGARIAN AMERICAN CITIZENS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP is presented to a student of Hungarian extraction (A or B average) who is pursuing education at an accredited college.
Presenter:Ms. Cheryl Galvin
Recipient: Edward Zubrowski
16.THE COLONIA CORNER NEWSPAPER AWARD – The recipient of this award demonstrates compassion towards others who are going through a difficult time in their life, and takes action to make this situation a little bit easier to get through.
Presenters:Mrs. Debbie Meehan and Mrs. Susan Filzen
Recipient: Caitlyn Murphy
17.THEISELIN GIANTSSPORTS AWARD is presented to a Colonia High School Varsity football player who participated in the IselinGiants Pop Warner program. The individual chosen exemplifies the strength in character andpositive attitude both on and off the playing field that are representative of the Iselin Giants ideals and values.
Presenters: Messrs. Ron Allen, James Anderson, Kyle Anderson
Recipient:Gadimi Dorielan
18.INDEPENDENT CLUB OF COLONIA SCHOLARSHIP AWARD is presented to a student who is continuing his/her education, exhibits a positive outlook on life and has been active in school and community activities.
Presenter:Mr. Phillip L. Hall, President
Recipient:Jordan Felder
19.ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE/PERTH AMBOY AWARDSare presented to students who have applied to the Woodbridge - Perth Amboy Rotary Scholarship Committee and have been selected as winners in the 2013 - 2014 scholarship competition. Awards are presented for consistent participation and service in the Interact Club.
Presenter:Mr. Thomas Cornell
Recipients:Jessica Lowrie, Sebastian Opar, Triana Powers
20.COLONIA HOCKEY PARENTS ORGANIZATION SCHOLARSHIP – The recipients of these scholarships have played hockey for at least three years, one being their senior year. These students have maintained good academic standing and will continue their education beyond high school.
Presenter:Mrs. Philis M. Rebetje, President, Patriots Hockey
Recipient:Michael Campione, Robert Coffman, Andrew Southern, Ryan Trudel, Scott Washuta
21.AMERICAN IRISH ASSOCIATION, INC. – JUSTIN MCCARTHY AWARD will be presented to a graduating senior of Irish descent who has performed outstanding community service.
Presenter:Mr. Tom Henderson
Recipient:Ashley Fitzsimmons
22.*THE JOSEPH G. MASCOLO MEMORIAL FUND AWARD is presented to a graduating CHS senior who is a resident of Colonia and will attend college. The recipient of this award is a male athlete who plays baseball or basketball.
Presenters:Messrs. Jay and Marc Mascolo
Recipient: Vincent Ferrentino
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23.RAINBOW ACADEMY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD is presented to a student who is enrolled in an accredited institution for the following year. The recipient of this award displays the core values of the Rainbow Academy…..caring, happiness, integrity, leadership, consistency, recognizes the efforts of others, and is nurturing and supportive.
Presenter: Ms. Leslie Morris
Recipient:Brian Cushman
24.THE FASHION LOVE ASHLYN EDUCATIONAL FUND SCHOLARSHIP is awarded in fondest memory of Ashlyn Marie Ferriero and her inspiring sense of generosity. Ashlyn was a resident of WoodbridgeTownship who touched many lives in our town. This scholarship is presented to a student who played CHS softball and plans to further her education in a college, technical or trade school.
Presenter:Ms. Laura Seiden
Recipient:Taylor Zimmerman
25.ERIC LeGRAND COURAGE AWARD – To be a scholar-athlete requires hard work, dedication and sacrifice. This scholarship exemplifies these characteristics of Colonia football and, most importantly, the courage it takes to play a sport which requires a person to face difficulty, danger and pain without fear. Eric LeGrand faced these dangers and pain without fear. He did this with love for his teammates, coaches and the great game of football. This award is named in honor of Eric LeGrand for his heroic courage. BELIEVE!
Presenter:Dr. Glenn Bager
Recipient:Joshua Brindley
26.THE BARRON ARTS CENTERAWARD is presented, in memory of K. Jude Gardiner, to that student who has excelled in the visual arts and plans to pursue education in this field. The Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission funds this award.
Presenter:Mrs. Cristina Marretta
Recipient:Tanya Martins
27. THEPINK SOCS FOUNDATION MEMORIAL AWARDS are presented to students who have had cancer affect their lives.
In memory of Joanne Pinkham Vargas
Presenter:Mrs. Cristina Marretta
Recipient:Bridget Netta
In memory of Elizabeth “Bette” Pinkham
Presenter:Mrs. Cristina Marretta
Recipient: Caitlyn Murphy
28.COLONIA YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE SCHOLARSHIPS are presented to students who were members of the Colonia Youth Basketball League and who participated in a sport at Colonia High School.
Presenter:Mr. John Galvinand Ms. Heather Hughes
Recipients: Timothy Pangborn, Kristen Wright
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29.*THE SANDRA F. SCHMIDTKE SCHOLARSHIP is presented to a deserving senior pursuing further education.
Presenter:Mrs. Lynn Sheehan
Recipient:Audris Oh
30.*THE ANDREW T. & NORA E. SCHUCK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to a senior who has distinguished himself/herself in computer courses at Colonia High School. This selected student has achieved good academic standing and has proven to be a good school citizen.
Presenter: Ms. Sandra F. Schmidtke
Recipient:Deborah Santo
31.*THE CORNELIUS POST MEMORIALSCHOLARSHIP is presented to a senior who best exemplifies the qualities of Mr. Cornelius Post including a strong work ethic, a sense of humor, dedication and loyalty to Colonia High School.
Presenter:Ms. Sandra F. Schmidtke
Recipient:Ariana Bladt
32.*THE CAROL ANN KIYAK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPis presented to a senior student who shows concern for humanity and is passionately involved with the school community. A plaque recognizing the recipient of this award is on display in the front lobby.
Presenter:Ms. Sandra F. Schmidtke
Recipient:Anastasiya Kaspruk
33.*THE JOSEPH H. SARNA, JR. MEMORIAL AWARD and a plaque are presented to a senior student who best exemplifies the qualities possessed by Joseph H. Sarna, Jr. Among those were a true concern and interest in his fellow man, a caring attitude, warmth, honesty, loyalty, kindness and an optimistic outlook on life. A plaque recognizing the recipient of this award is on display in the front lobby.
Presenter:Ms. Sandra F. Schmidtke
Recipient:Sebastian Opar
34.*THE LOTTA GRASTY MEMORIAL/AUXILIARY OF THE JFK MEDICAL CENTER SCHOLARSHIP, in memory of Lotta Grasty, is presented by the Auxiliary of the J. F.KennedyMedicalCenter to a student who will pursue a health related or science field.
Presenter:Ms. Kathleen Kowalczyk
Recipient:Brittany Bulger
35.TRI-M – The National Honor Society for Musicians, is honoring senior students at Colonia High School who have shared his/her music skills and have contributed time and effort in furthering the ideals of the organization.
Presenter:Mrs. Alaine Bolton
Recipients:Anastasiya Kaspruk, Sara Salotti
36.THE DENNIS F. PAKLA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR VOCAL MUSIC ACCOMPLISHMENT is presented to a student who is active in the vocal music department at ColoniaHigh School and whose parents are dedicated to supporting their child’s endeavors in the vocal arts by displaying their love and devotion to their child’s interests. This scholarship is meant to keep Dennis’ spirit alive by providing love and encouragement to the students of his daughter, Alaine Pakla Bolton.
Presenter:Mrs. Alaine Bolton
Recipient:Michelle Mitchell
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37.*THE WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP REPUBLICAN ORGANIZATION ACADEMIC & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD is presented to a deserving high school senior who is involved in community service.
Presenter:Mrs. Lorraine Luban
Recipient: Ezequiel Orellana
38.*THE FREDERICK C. GEOFFROY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is presented to a student who has demonstrated an intent to pursue education beyond high school, is a good school citizen, and has shown a determination to achieve.
Presenter:Ms. Cheryl Galvin
Recipient:Alexandria Warren
39.*THE WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP EDUCATION ASSOCIATION AWARD is presented to a student who has maintained a good academic standing and who exemplifies good school citizenship.
Presenter:Ms. Cheryl Galvin
Recipient:Kristen Wright
40.*THE SUZANNE BERON AWARD is presented to a deserving student at Colonia High School who has achieved an outstanding academic record and who aspires to a career in education. A plaque recognizing the recipient of this award is on display in the front lobby.
Presenter: Ms. Cheryl Galvin
Recipient:Bridget Netta
41.WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP PARENT TEACHER PRESIDENTS' COUNCIL AWARDS are presented to deserving seniors who plan to continue their education beyond high school, have maintained satisfactory scholastic records, good moral character and the motivation to succeed.
Presenter:Ms. Deborah Fugaro, President
Recipients:Tyler Bartlett,Amanda Benshoff,Kaitlin Busse,Robyn Hart, Jessica Lowrie, Larissa Oglesby, Sebastian Opar
42.*THE ADAM SAMBORA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is presented to a student who shows commitment to family, loyalty to friends, and demonstrates the spirit of helping people.
Presenter:Mr. Thomas Chmiel
Recipient: Hina Gupta
43.*BENJAMIN S. CHMIEL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Benjamin S. Chmiel was an avid sports fan in our township for over forty years. He took great pride in watching his family members coach and play. This award is presented annually to a Colonia athlete who, in addition to dedication to ColoniaHigh School’s activities, has a strong commitment to family and a good academic record.
Presenter:Mr. Thomas Chmiel
Recipient:Taylor Zimmerman
44.*THE PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE SCHOOL #27 FACULTY AND STAFF is presenting an award, in memory of Leonard A. Ciuffreda, to a senior student who is a graduate of PennsylvaniaAvenueSchool.
Presenter:Mrs. Arlene Grinnell
Recipient:Rebecca Glinn
45.*THE WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP RETIRED EDUCATORS AWARD is presented by the Woodbridge Township Retired Educators to a student who ranks in the top half of the graduating class, whose career goal is a teacher, and is active in clubs and organizations.
Presenter:Mrs. Arlene Grinnell
Recipient:Marissa Tennaro
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46.*THE LYNN CREST SCHOOL #22 PTO MEMORIAL AWARDS
An award, in memory of William J. Pohutsky, is presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding citizenship traits and has maintained a 3.5 GPA or higher.
Presenters:Ms. Patty Rodrigues and Ms. Brenda Salcedo
Recipient: Vincent Welch
An award, in memory of Eleanor Durek, is presented to a senior from Colonia High School in recognition of academic achievement and has maintained a 3.5 GPA or higher.
Presenters:Ms. Patty Rodrigues and Ms. Brenda Salcedo
Recipient:Alejandra Naranjo
47.*THE PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE SCHOOL #27 PTO is presenting an award to a graduating senior who, in the opinion of the scholarship committee, is most deserving. Also, awards are presented to students who are in the Top 20. These students attended PennsylvaniaAvenueSchool #27.