2025 Top Ten Project Awards

Burlington County Institute of Technology, Westampton
CULTURE DAY

This EDUCATIONAL project gives students the opportunity to take pride in their cultures and share knowledge and traditions with others they might not otherwise have the chance to connect with. The idea for Culture Day originated with several student council members over the years, who felt that the school’s diversity should be celebrated. After years of anticipation, the event finally came to life in 2024.

To prepare, event chair Jahnese Session sent out a Google Form to gauge student interest and determine how many cultures would be represented. Those who responded were then invited to a meeting where they collaborated with others from their cultural backgrounds across the school. They planned how to decorate their tables and showcase their cultures through food, decorations, infographics, and more. On the day of the event, each group set up a table in the atrium to display their decor. Countries represented included Pakistan, Trinidad, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Ecuador, Liberia, Panama, Turkey, Jamaica, Ghana, Puerto Rico, Nigeria, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Argentina, and African-America. During lunch, students, staff, and administrators visited the atrium to explore the tables, enjoying food, games, music, and cultural exchange.

A total of 12 out of 13 Student Council members (92%), 960 out of 1292 students (74%), and 5 out of 90 teachers (6%) participated. For more Information, contact Advisor Alex Mazella at amazella@burlcoschools.org or Advisor Jocelyn Hernandez at jhernandez@burlcoschools.org

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Bridgewater-Raritan High School
SO LONG SENIORS PROJECT

This SCHOOL SPIRIT project was targeted specifically to the graduating senior class of 2024. It was a completely new project, let alone an idea. Typically, the senior class would be recognized by gathering for a Senior Sunset. We not only donated money and volunteer members for senior sunset, but also on the day of the event, we evolved it into something bigger: So-Long Seniors. The ultimate goal for So-Long Seniors was to recognize not only those who plan to attend college, but graduates who plan to attend internships, trade schools, or 2-year community colleges.

The Student Council advisors and board members met with College Planning Administrator Jessica Kaiser to prepare for this event in March of 2024. The idea was to bring awareness and recognition to seniors who plan to attend college, but also those who aren't. At first, we planned to spread through social media and our high school news channel to reach out to graduates who are committing to 2-year community colleges or trade schools to wear a specific color on commitment day denoting where they attended school. The idea turned into a day dedicated to seniors. Student Council members volunteered to decorate the whole school for graduates on the last day of normal classes. Students wore shirts based on their future plans, cotton candy and popcorn were handed out, and balloon arches were set up for photo opportunities.

The senior class of 2024, which had a total of 695 students, was recognized on So-Long Senior Day. All 263 faculty members were also encouraged to represent their past plans. In the words of Jessica Kaiser, “The project was great for all seniors; whether they endeavored to go to a 4-year college, military, trade school, or anything else. We wanted to bring everyone together one last time and celebrate any and all plans seniors have after graduation.”

For more information, contact Advisors Michele Mammone at mmammone@brrsd.k12.nj.us or Sarah Cleary at scleary@brrsd.k12.nj.us

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Kinnelon High School
POWDER PUFF

This SCHOOL SPIRIT project aims to promote school spirit among students and the community while fundraising as well. Powder Puff typically features girls participating as players in a friendly flag football game while boys volunteer as coaches and cheerleaders, creating a fun role-reversal dynamic. The event fosters teamwork, inclusivity, and collaboration across grade levels. The concept of Powder Puff involves fundraising for future Student Council events while participating in and cheering for the girls' Powder Puff game. The Student Council sells tickets at the game and operates a concession stand with other clubs. This year, the club Operation Smile ran a concession stand to raise money for Cleft Lip Disease. Players and coaches sign up to participate, with boys taking on the role of guiding their respective teams as coaches, adding a layer of mentorship and camaraderie.

To prepare for the event, Student Council members market the game, coordinate with coaches, and check on practice schedules to ensure the teams are ready to compete. The teams are divided by grade levels, with the White team combining juniors and sophomores and the Black team comprising seniors and freshmen.

These dynamics are organized in a team to collaborate and participate in flag football. The processes involve student engagement and focus on accountability and student leadership. We will calculate the total amount raised once we finalize the number of tickets sold and members signed up for the game. 

For more information, contact Student Council Advisor, Hannah Sappio at sappioh@kinnelon.org or Elena DeStories at destoriese@kinnelon.org.

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Hillside High School
DECORATING INITIATIVE

This SCHOOL SPIRIT project was launched by Hillside High School’s Student Council to inspire and reinforce school spirit among students and staff. The rationale behind this project was to create a welcoming and spirited environment that celebrated each month’s unique events and holidays, enhancing the sense of community within our school. By transforming hallways, the Student Council aimed to foster pride and excitement in the student body, encouraging greater participation in school activities and a deeper connection to our school’s identity. T

The initiative was planned by our Student Council Officers and members, who met monthly to brainstorm and select themes that best reflected the upcoming month’s holidays and events. To bring their ideas to life, the council purchased necessary materials or used donated items from council members. Decorations were carefully hung in the final days of each month, allowing students to transition into the new month with fresh and meaningful displays. This hands-on decorating experience allowed students to collaborate closely, building camaraderie and strengthening bonds within the council as they worked towards a common goal of enhancing school spirit.

With participation from 40 students in each monthly decorating session, the project drew enthusiastic involvement from council members across grade levels, showcasing a significant commitment to making a positive impact. Principal Mr. Woolard remarked on the initiative’s
success, noting that “it is a very creative and positive space for the students that I believe has served to brighten the days of their classmates.”

For more information, please contact Student Council Advisor Noreen Deutsch at ndeutsch@hillsidek12.net.

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Neptune High School
HOMECOMING PEP RALLY - IT'S BACK!

This SCHOOL SPIRIT project was created to recognize various students, highlight school spirit, and bring back a pep rally. To prepare, the Executive Board and key members developed a proposal to ask for the return of the pep rally.  Once we had approval, we began to talk about what we wanted the pep rally to be and what we wanted it to not be.  We then began to plan the events that would take place (games) and who would be recognized.  We also reached out to others for their involvement and feedback in the planning.  In addition, we asked others for their assistance with certain aspects of the pep rally.

The entire school took part in the event.  All 31 Student Council members were involved in general discussions at meetings, and 12 (38%) members served on the committee.  There were 16 staff members that were directly involved as well as the additional students that took part in the games. In the words of Principal Mr. Tom Decker, The initiative demonstrated the power of student leadership in shaping a school’s culture. By championing the return of pep rallies, the Neptune High School Student Council not only restored a cherished tradition but also reinforced the values of community, teamwork, and pride that define Flier Nation.

For more information contact Catherine Crelin at crcrelin@neptune.k12.nj.us

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New Brunswick HS
ZEBRAS GOT TALENT

This SCHOOL SPIRIT project brings our school community together in an effort to validate and acknowledge one another while nurturing a school culture built upon ideals of kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. The event was born out of a desire to provide students and faculty with a platform to showcase their unique talents and passions, outside of the realm of academia. 

Our Zebras Got Talent event began in 2017. What initially began as an open call for talent has turned into a three-month long planning process with auditions, marketing, rehearsals, and the event itself! Our marketing team creates a promotional ad for Instagram and TikTok to generate excitement and entice students and faculty to showcase their unique abilities with our school community. Our executive board coordinates with our general membership to ensure all phases of the event - auditions, lighting and sound, rehearsal, ticket sales, concessions - are executed. 

A total of 500 students, 50 out of 50 (100%) Student Council members, and 50 out of 150 (30%) teachers have become involved in this endeavor. In the words of our Vice Principal, Dr. Jenna Anderson, “The benefits of the Talent Show extend far beyond the classroom. For our students, it builds confidence and self-esteem as their hard work and talents are celebrated in a supportive environment. For our school community, it strengthens our climate and culture, fostering relationships among students, staff, and families. In every aspect, the Talent Show embodies the principles of service, leadership, and school pride that organizations like the NJASC aim to promote.”

For more information, contact the Student Council Advisor, Joe Dziuba at joseph_garcia-dziuba@nbpsnj.net.

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Parsippany Hills High School
FRESHMAN FUN NIGHT

This SCHOOL SPIRIT activity was designed to welcome freshmen, familiarize them with the school environment, encourage new friendships, and build a sense of sportsmanship. 

Organized by the PHHS Student Council, with guidance from advisors and assistance from volunteers, the event featured various games and activities, including Cup Stacking Relay, Mummy Relay, Balloon Balance Race, Spoon Frog, and Crazy Cups. Each game took place in different rooms, and participants were divided into color-coded groups, with 4-5 freshmen and 3-4 seniors acting as team leaders and entertainers. Each group dressed in team colors to show their spirit, competing for points and the grand prize of donuts for the winning team.

The event was a huge success, with a total of 48 out of 250 (19.2%) freshmen, 25 out of 246 (10.16%) senior participants, 9 of the student council members, and both advisors. As our vice principal, Mr. Keegan said, “This year’s event was the first in many years. It was held due to the persistence, dedication and hard work of our Student Council advisors and members.”

For more information and questions please contact Elizabeth Mejia at esmejia@pthsd.net.

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Trenton Ninth Grade Academy
TGNA FOOD PANTRY 

This SERVICE project was intended to address food insecurity within the school and local community. Trenton has a high poverty rate compared to state and national averages, and many families may struggle to afford basic necessities. A food pantry provides students with access to nutritious meals and snacks, ensuring they have the energy and focus needed for academic success. Involving students in the operation of the food pantry can teach valuable skills such as organization, teamwork, and community service. In addition, since schools are central community hubs, integrating a food pantry into a familiar environment can reduce the stigma of seeking help compared to outside food banks.

The project began with a thorough assessment of student needs, allowing organizers to understand the specific challenges faced by those experiencing food insecurity. This was followed by efforts to secure funding or gather donations, facilitated through partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and dedicated volunteers eager to contribute.  Once the preliminary groundwork was laid, a designated space within the school became a processing area for the food pantry items, easily accessible to gain access to the items families need. Thoughtful organization of food distribution schedules ensured students could discreetly acquire the assistance they need. Careful attention was given to stocking the pantry with nutritious and culturally appropriate food items, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds of the student body.  Regular evaluations played a crucial role in assessing its effectiveness on student well-being and overall participation.  By providing essential resources, this project not only alleviated food insecurity but also fortified the bond between the school and the greater community.

A total of 173 out of 892 (19%) students, 20 out of 20 (100%) student government members, and 15 out of 85 (18%) teachers are involved in this service project. Dr. Caceres, Vice Principal of Trenton Ninth Grade Academy states “We are extremely excited about this new initiative and are already witnessing the powerful and positive impact this project has had on our students and families."

For more information, contact Nancy Myles at nmyles@trenton.k12.nj.us.

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Warren Hills Regional HS
MAY MENTAL HEALTH MONTH PROJECT 

This EDUCATIONAL project involved all students, staff, community organizations, and their families in order to  open conversations, education, and support for those struggling with mental health conditions, fostering a society where seeking help is normalized. By raising awareness, we can create a more compassionate and informed community that recognizes the significance of mental health care in leading a fulfilling life.

This month-long event involved: meeting and collaborating with several club advisors, student leaders, high school administrators, high school guidance counselors, and local organizational administrators; creating a calendar of daily events; facilitating lunchtime, before school, and after school activities, making daily announcements via intercom and social media featuring reminders about the importance of mental health. 

Approximately 800 students (80%), including  all Student Council members (100%), and 100 teachers (86%) were involved by leading and/or participating in the project. In the words of  Principal Christopher Kavcak, “The MHAM initiative has significantly contributed to raising awareness about mental health within our school and the broader community. Through a thoughtfully curated calendar of events, students and staff have been provided with valuable resources and opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions around mental health. These activities have fostered a culture of understanding, support, and inclusivity, breaking down stigmas and promoting well-being among participants.”

For more information, please contact Student Council Advisor Penny Giamoni at giamonp@warrenhills.org.

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Warren Township MS
FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS FOR ANTI-BULLYING WEEK

This SCHOOL SPIRIT project occurred in November during Anti-Bullying Week, and it was a great way for students to start the school year with a positive message and to meet someone new.

Anti-Bullying Week at Warren Middle School last November started with an Anti-Bullying banner for all students to sign. There were daily announcements about being inclusive and encouraging students to reach out to someone new. The highlight of the week was lunches on Friday, where a table was set up in the lunchroom for students to create friendship bracelets using colorful beads to create positive messages in bracelet form. Students were instructed to create a bracelet with a positive message and give it to another student who does not already have a bracelet or someone new that they want to know better. Taylor Swift songs played in the background while students listened to positive messages, they created positive messages to share with others in the student body

There was 100% percent participation of the student body. The excitement in the lunchroom was palpable and students from 6th grade to 8th grade embraced the positive messages being created. Teachers got in on the act too creating bracelets for new teachers in the building and creating a feeling of inclusivity. Principal George Villar stated, “This event has allowed students to look past their electronic devices and create a lasting declaration of the bonds of middle school friendships”.

For more information, contact SGA Advisor Lisa Lontai at llontai@warrentboe.org.

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