2026 Top Ten Project Awards

East Brunswick High School
HOLIDAY MARKET

This FUNDRAISING project aims to provide the students of East Brunswick HS with an easy and effective way to raise funds, while also fostering school spirit and a sense of community. The rationale behind this project is to give both clubs and individual vendors the opportunity to fundraise before the holiday season, without the excess competition coming from overlapping events. By hosting a single, unified market, everyone has the opportunity to sell, shop, and connect, while raising funds for the Student Council.

Inspired by real craft fairs, this project began by gauging student interest and drafting a proposal approved by our administration. Vendor agreements were then drawn up and students were able to reserve a table at the market. With 39 vendors, and earning $10 per table, the Student Council was able to make $390 in profit, while each club made almost the same themselves.This event truly expresses the diversity of our school community and allows students and teachers alike to purchase goods of different cultures. It was a great success and received widespread recognition.

300 out of 2,100 (14%) students, 24 out of 26 (92%) council members, and 40 out of 167 (24%) teachers helped demonstrate the diversity and unity of our school. In the words of Principal Dr. Edward Bucior, the Holiday Market truly creates “a platform for students to showcase their passions and their entrepreneurial spirit.”

For more information, contact Advisors Bonnie Benkard at bbenkard@ebnet.org or Kyle LaForge at klaforge@ebnet.org.

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East Hanover Middle School
PEP RALLY DANCE

This MIDDLE LEVEL project brought the entire school community together for a fun and engaging night designed specifically for our 6th–8th grade students. The student council organized a lively Pep Rally Dance that featured a DJ, games, a photo booth, raffle baskets, glow sticks, snacks, and more. The council spent weeks preparing by advertising around the school, posting on Instagram and TikTok, and promoting the event during the morning announcements. Leading up to the dance, they sold tickets during lunch periods for $10 each, with all proceeds benefiting the John Kinney Memorial Foundation, a cause deeply connected to our town.

To support the raffle baskets, student council representatives reached out to local businesses requesting donations and gift cards. They followed up with each business, collected the items, and assembled them into themed baskets. The PTA also generously contributed funds toward the baskets, DJ, and photo booth, helping elevate the entire event.

The turnout was incredible - 212 students attended, representing 60% of our student body. Students had a great time, and the night was a huge success. Because of the overwhelming participation and positive feedback, this event will definitely continue annually.

For more information, contact advisor Lauren Taormina at ltaormina@easthanvoerschools.org.

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Hillside High School
ELECTIONS & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

This EDUCATIONAL project was chosen because many high school students graduate without ever experiencing a real voting process. Our Student Council wanted to give students an authentic opportunity to learn how elections work and to understand the responsibility that comes with participating in a democracy. By using official voting booths on loan from the Union County Board of Elections, we aimed to create a meaningful, hands-on experience that mirrors real civic engagement. This project promoted student voice, strengthened our school culture, and prepared our peers to be active and informed citizens.

To prepare, the Student Council contacted the Union County Board of Elections several weeks in advance to secure three official voting booths. Working with our administration and custodial staff, we arranged the lunchroom to provide privacy and smooth traffic flow. Student Council members monitored each lunch period, assisted voters, and ensured that procedures were followed fairly. The project took place over one school day during freshmen, sophomore, and junior lunch periods. After voting concluded, results were verified and announced, and the Council reflected on participation trends to guide future improvements.

Out of our full student body, we saw strong turnout, with hundreds of students participating. According to our administration, this project “directly strengthens civic readiness and provides students with a real understanding of democratic participation.”

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

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Lakewood High School
SOLES FOR SOULS SHOE DRIVE

This SERVICE project ran for seven months, as the SGA launched a district wide Healthy Competition among schools, teams, and clubs. Students created flyers, posters, podcasts, and social media posts. Donation boxes were placed in schools, offices, and community sites. Weekly, students sorted and packed shoes, tracked data, and reported progress. Evaluation used pairs collected, participation rates, and student reflections.

The project involved the entire Lakewood community. All seven district schools participated, along with staff, families, and community partners. Former staff members returned to donate, and boxes were placed throughout the county. The effort was featured in the Asbury Park Press and broadcasted during Board of Education meetings, highlighting student leadership and community pride.

The drive collected 3,400 pairs of shoes, raised 1,593.35 dollars, and prevented 89,075 pounds of carbon emissions from entering landfills. According to Principal Richard Goldstein, “This project empowered our students to understand how one act of service can reach across borders and create real change.” If repeated, an educational component would be added so students can learn how their actions support families worldwide and deepen their understanding of compassion and global citizenship.

For more information, contact Advisor Brenda Douglas at bdouglas@lakewoodpiners.org.

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Little Ferry Memorial Middle School
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

This FUNDRAISING project, now in its 2nd year, targeted Veteran’s Day as an opportunity to fundraise for an honorable cause. This project has been created to provide students an opportunity to gain an understanding of what Veteran’s Day symbolizes and to support an organization that continues to work to “remember” our veterans. 

Students sold poppy pins to raise money for the organization “Wreaths Across America.” Wreaths Across America accepts donations to purchase wreaths and place wreaths at the gravesites of veterans across the country. The school district has staff that volunteer to lay the wreaths at gravesites in cemeteries across New Jersey. Leading up to Veteran’s Day, students laid out their “field of flags” display around a monument that is positioned in front of their school. Students also participated in Little Ferry’s town services for Veteran’s Day. At the conclusion of the fundraiser, the Little Ferry student government raised $186 which was enough to purchase 11 wreaths for Wreaths Across America!

This student government committee, dubbed the “Community Service” committee, consists of 20 students. All 20 students participated in the fundraising, the field of flags display, and attended the town services. There are 34 middle school teachers and one, the student government advisor, guided the students during this project. 

Principal Mr. George Peakler had this to share about the project,” These initiatives have not only enriched the educational experience of our students but have also had a lasting, positive impact on our community. They reflect the strong leadership of Mr. Reynolds and the dedication of our student leaders to meaningful service.”

For more information, please contact advisor Thomas Reynolds at treynolds@lfboe.org.

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Neptune High School
HOMECOMING DANCE

This SPIRIT project was created to bring back the high school tradition of a dance - a Homecoming Dance.  We wanted to bring back what students have been asking for for years. To prepare, the members discussed an initial plan and developed a proposal to ask for a Homecoming Dance.  Once we had approval we began to talk about attire, decorations, tickets, and food. We worked with the administration to follow the guidelines that they had put in place as well as make suggestions.  Students were also polled to see what they really wanted out of the dance.  We also created a video of Homecoming Dance rules that was fun and lighthearted but addressed what should and shouldn’t happen that night.

A total of 150 out of 1500 students (10%) came to the dance, 10 out of 30 (40%) members were on the committee, and 10 out of 100 staff members (10%) were involved by being chaperones.  In the words of Principal Mr. Tom Decker, “... each dressed impressively for the occasion, creating an atmosphere of excitement and pride.  The PAC atrium proved to be the perfect venue, and the energy throughout the night was nothing short of remarkable.  From the decor and music to the flow of the event, every detail reflected thoughtful planning, teamwork, and a clear commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for your peers.”

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

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Olson Middle School
CLASH OF THE CLASSES

This MIDDLE LEVEL project provides opportunities for students to build relationships, make connections with other students and the school community, and strengthen their overall sense of pride for their school.  Our Student Council’s big focus has been increasing school spirit and camaraderie, and this event has helped us improve the climate.

Clash of the Classes is a weeklong, schoolwide competition where staff and students collaborate in activities like Minute-to-Win-It challenges, trivia, and PE-based games. Points accumulate daily, culminating in revealing the winning class—a celebration of teamwork and positive school culture. It requires significant advanced planning to ensure that each student in the grade level is signed up for an event.  Full participation is paramount to the event’s success.  The grand finale brings the entire school back together for the Lip Dub, which engages the whole school in a choreographed, student-led music video that flows through the building and showcases school spirit.  Student Council students select the songs, themes, and dance moves, and they spend countless hours setting everything up in preparation.

Student Council ensures 100% participation from our entire student body, which consists of 384 students, and 100% participation from staff members (39 people).  The event is led by our Student Council officers, but every single member helps.  Principal Pina loves the event, stating, “Seeing every child involved—cheering, performing, or leading—creates an unforgettable sense of community to close the year.”

For more information, contact Student Council Advisors Heather Petersack (petersackh@tabschools.org and Brittany Murro murrob@tabschools.org. 

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Salem County Vocational-Technical High School
CHARGER MADNESS MONTH 

This SCHOOL SPIRIT project was created as a month-long event to engage students across different interest groups, clubs, and grade levels. The school was divided into two teams based on last name (A-K “Blue Team,” L-Z “White Team.) The initial ideas for this concept were inspired at the January 2025 NJASC Convention.

Members of the SGA, along with teachers from various clubs, designed and scheduled a month of friendly competitions and activities loosely modeled after “March Madness". Each team accumulated points as students participated in events throughout the month. SGA members served as planners and coordinators of these events, most of which took place during lunch periods. Teachers volunteered to supervise and design activities based on their interests and clubs. Activities included trivia contests such as Disney Trivia, Sports Mania, and Famous Movie Quotes. There was a week-long Chess Tournament, a Paper Airplane Contest, a canned food drive/contest, and several themed dress days. The biggest event was a Rock-Paper-Scissors Competition during the final week of the event.

A total of approximately 300 students (52%) participated in one or more activities. 54 (70%) of SGA members and 12 (27%) teachers helped to make our first Charger Madness Month a success. As our Vice Principal, Dr. Shoemaker observed, “[Charger Madness] not only generated excitement but also fostered teamwork, inclusion, and pride in being part of the Charger Community.”

For more information, contact Advisor Elizabeth Duaime at eduaime@scvts.org.

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South Brunswick High School
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS 

This SERVICE project was initiated in order to foster a collaborative environment in our school community by having students work together to fulfill a greater purpose. We had students come together and collect supplies for a current South Brunswick teacher who is serving in the US Army and is deployed overseas.

The teacher and his troop requested specific items to assist with their daily needs during their deployment. Initially, a flyer was created to inform the school about the new collection. There were then donation bins set up, categorized by each type of item needed. The council then had to inventory all donated items and complete customs forms for each box to send them overseas. Staff and students were also asked to write letters of encouragement and inspiration to help the deployed members maintain peace of mind. 

Led by 15 Council Members and their advisor, the schoolwide service project ended up a success, collecting over $1,000 in supplies for the troops. This service initiative was spread by over 150 faculty members, and over 300 students participated. The supplies being shipped will significantly improve their daily lives and mental well-being by providing valuable support during their deployment. In the words of Principal Peter Varela, “The success of this effort reflects the very best of South Brunswick High School, compassion, teamwork, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to supporting those who serve our country”.

For more information, contact Student Council Advisor Harlee Olsen at harlee.olsen@sbschool.org.

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Warren Hills Regional High School
MR. WARREN HILLS

This FUNDRAISING event uniquely blends student leadership, community engagement, and charity fundraising. This parody-style male pageant not only energizes the entire school community but also raises meaningful donations for the NJASC State Charity. This year, the event generated over $2,000 for AVA’s VOICE, demonstrating its significant impact beyond our campus.

The event features ten Grade 12 contestants, each sponsored by a faculty member, who compete for the Mr. Warren Hills Crown through segments showcasing talent, fashion, and personality. The Student Council manages all planning, including auditions, promotion, ticket sales, rehearsals, backstage coordination, and the Candidate Coin Collection—a student-run fundraiser that crowns Mr. Humanitarian. Additional titles include Mr. Mic (most talented) and Mr. Vogue (most fashionable), ensuring multiple opportunities for students to shine and fostering broad school excitement. Extensive preparation occurs over several weeks, with representatives working collaboratively to ensure a professional, spirited final production.

This year, more than 400 students, staff, and community members participated or attended. According to our administration, “Mr. Warren Hills strengthens school pride while demonstrating the power of student-led service; it is one of the most influential and unifying events of our year.”

For more information, please contact the Student Council Advisor Sarah Reichard at reichards@warrenhills.org

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