RED BANK: COUNCIL LAUDS PRINCIPAL CLAY
The Red Bank council meeting Wednesday night began with an ending: a sendoff for Risa Clay, who’s retiring this summer as principal of Red Bank Regional High School.
RED BANK: PARKING, NEWS RACKS AND MORE
News boxes outside the Post Office on Broad Street. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
By JOHN T. WARD
Red Bank’s borough council is expected to introduce an ordinance Wednesday requiring alternate-side parking throughout town.
Also on the agenda: a law to regulate news racks, and honors for an educator who is retiring.
LITTLE SILVER: GRAD KEYNOTES HISPANIC FETE
Dance majors from the RBR Visual and Performing Arts Academy onstage at the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Monica Urena, classe of 2014, below, was the keynote speaker.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
Red Bank Regional High School (RBR) welcomed its students to its fifth Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Principal Risa Clay stated in English (with RBR junior Esperanza Minyety translating in Spanish), “Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community. We are proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and recognize the achievements of a culture that is prominently represented in our school and community.”
LITTLE SILVER: RBR HONORS COACH STRANGIA
Friends, family members, school administration and Board of Education members gathered at Red Bank Regional to celebrate the memory of Robert Strangia, the most-winning coach in RBR history. The event, which took place prior to the RBR’s first home football game on September 15, saw the dedication of the street leading to the school’s stadium as Robert Strangia Way.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
On September 15, history was memorialized prior to the first home football game of the season at Red Bank Regional High School. Robert Strangia, the legendary football coach who tallied the most wins in the school’s history, was honored by friends and family, and many of the students whose lives he touched and changed forever.
Two of the former students, Jerry Agee and Pete Soviero, petitioned the RBR Board of Education to honor their hero and mentor, and fundraised for the event. At the ceremony, the road that leads around the school building to the football stadium was officially designated as “Robert Strangia Way” in honor of the beloved coach, who resides now in Florida but was unable to attend due to health reasons.
LITTLE SILVER: A REAL FORUM ON FAKE NEWS
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
“(Is it) hoax, conspiracy, propaganda, or just a moneymaker for Macedonian teenagers?” asked Joseph Amditis (pictured), as he addressed some 250 students at Red Bank Regional High School recently.
“The definition of fake news has been debated since the election. But that debate has mostly referred to one thing: the spread of inaccurate, misleading, otherwise invented articles passed on as real news.”
Amditis, the associate director for the Montclair State Center for Cooperative Media (affiliated with Montclair University), was invited by the Student Public Policy Group at RBR (partnering with the Network for Responsible Public Policy) to speak at the school, for an audience that included many of the students in the AP English and Journalism classes. During his presentation, Amditis gave the students some examples of fake news — that is, articles that are completely fabricated for the purpose of profit or political persuasion.
RBR SENIOR STUDENT JOURNALIST OF YEAR
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
Ella Brockway of Shrewsbury, a senior at Red Bank Regional High School and editor in chief of the school’s student newspaper, was recently named the Garden State Scholastic Press Association’s New Jersey Student Journalist of the Year.
The honor comes with her winning the Bernard Kilgore Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the New Jersey Press Foundation (NJPF) and the Garden State Scholastic Press Association. Ella will be honored by the NJPF at its annual Spring Awards Celebration in Hamilton on April 20, and will represent New Jersey in the 2017 Journalism Education Association’s National Student Journalist of the Year competition.
RBR BOARD COMMENDS TOP SCHOLARS
Left to right: Red Bank Regional Assistant Principal Rob Donohoe is pictured with RBR students Robert Villaluz, Jack McNally, Chase Hintelmann, Makoto Brown, Ella Brockway, Paige Whittle, RBR Principal Risa Clay, and RBR Guidance Director Jason Sabino.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
At its February 1 board meeting, the Red Bank Regional (RBR) Board of Education commended its top academic scholars. Six students — Ella Brockway, Shrewsbury; Makoto Brown, Tinton Falls; Chase Hintelmann, Little Silver; Jack McNally Little Silver; Robert Villaluz, Shrewsbury; and Paige Whittle, Little Silver — were all recognized as Commended Scholars. This is honor is achieved by students who scored among the top 2.4% of over 1.4 million students who took the PSAT in their junior year.
RBR CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Pictured above left to right at Red Bank Regional’s Black History Month celebration are event emcee senior Corey Van Huff, Multi-cultural Club co-advisor Odilia Lligui, keynote speaker Lynese Rawlins, RBR Principal Risa Clay, and Multicultural Club co-advisor Karina Tedeschi. Below, RBR Dance majors presented their own original choregoraphy during the program.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
“Education is the key to life,” Lynese Rawlins told her audience at Red Bank Regional High School, as she addressed the student body during the school’s Black History Month observance on February 2.
A college student who recently graduated early from Montclair State University, and who plans to attend law school in the fall, the Class of 2013 RBR grad returned to her alma mater as keynote speaker for the special event.
A high-achieving student at RBR as president of her senior class, captain of the cheer-leading squad and recipient of the NJ Governor’s award in 2013, Lynese serves as a as a local role model and example of how hard work and determination breeds success.
LEGRAND BRINGS MESSAGE OF HOPE TO RBR
Inspirational speaker Eric LeGrand (center) is pictured during his recent visit to Red Bank Regional, surrounded by just a few of his fans. Left to right: Ella Brockway; Richard Bakalian; Dontrell Alston; Jalen Willis; Luke Jurek; Tyrese Morris; Al Zager, ESQ (Class of 1966); Risa Clay (Principal, RBR); Dr. Bill Setaro (Class of 1966); Evenel Garriao.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
“My head coach told me to pray,” recalled Eric LeGrand of the fateful day in 2010, and the play that changed his life forever. “I thought my life was over.”
Speaking from the stage of the Red Bank Regional High School auditorium, the former Rutgers football star recounted in a soft-spoken voice the moment of impact to his head, when he suddenly could no longer take a breath. He described the blur of the next few days, when he would wake intermittently to a room full of doctors and later to an empty room filled with noisy machines. Then, finally one day he opened his eyes to the delight of smiling loved ones and teammates. He remembers being excited that the former coach of the NFL’s Giants came to visit him — and he considers himself fortunate for not initially knowing the magnitude of his condition at the time, having broken his C3 and C4 vertebrae.
On Tuesday, December 7, RBR welcomed the motivational speaker who, after being paralyzed from an injury sustained during his junior year, went on to work as a sports broadcaster, support a foundation dedicated to curing paralysis, and lead a most inspirational and consequential life. LeGrand’s visit was made possible in part by a grant from the Red Bank High School Class of 1966.
LITTLE SILVER: LET’S TALK GENDER AT RBR
Author, performer and internationally renowned internet celebrity Sam Killermann gave a well-received presentation on Gender Identity to the Red Bank Regional student body during the Week of Respect.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
In observance of the recent Week of Respect, Red Bank Regional High School partnered with makeitbetter4youth.org to bring a special multi-disciplinary artist to RBR for a an engaging and insightful presentation on the topic of Gender Identity.
Samuel (Sam) Killermann is an author, performer and internationally renowned internet celebrity on matters of social justice. Students from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s Gay Straight Alliance, as well as the Collier School, were also invited to the presentation.
Mr. Killermann explained to his audience that his fascination with gender had personal roots which crystallized in college, when he learned that his prospective girlfriend assumed that he (a heterosexual male) was gay. This misperception of his sexual identity seemed to occur often in college; so he sought counsel at the college’s LGBTQ center. He was told that people were confusing his sexuality for the way he expressed his gender.
NJ MONTHLY LISTS RBR IN TOP 100 SCHOOLS
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
For the past decade, Red Bank Regional High School has made the prestigious New Jersey Monthly list of Top 100 High Schools in New Jersey. The magazine’s website made the list public on September 1, with RBR sharing this year’s spotlight with eight other Monmouth County High Schools: Rumson-Fair Haven, Middletown High School South, Holmdel, Marlboro, Shore Regional, Colts Neck, Wall and Manalapan.
In a statement, Principal Risa Clay was “thrilled” to have once again been selected for the prestigious list; going on to attribute the school’s consistent high marks to “a talented and dedicated staff that supports our students in their quest for advancement.”
“Our exemplary Visual and Performing Arts Program delivers one of the most outstanding arts education in the state,” the principal continued. “We offer a multitude of AP and IB courses coupled with solid supports for all students. Most recently, we introduced a policy of open enrollment allowing students who have the desire to take the most challenging courses offered at RBR.’’
LITTLE SILVER: RBR WELCOMES CLASS OF 2020
Checking out their high school schedules for the first time are incoming Red Bank Regional freshmen Erin O’Kane and Marissa Auriemma, both of Little Silver.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
The first day of school isn’t until this coming Tuesday, September 6 — but on August 24, Red Bank Regional High School welcomed the newest members of its student body: the incoming freshmen who represent the Class of 2020.
The students were greeted by upper classmen student-to-student peer leaders, who directed them around their new high school, assisted them in opening their lockers, answered their questions and created a friendly atmosphere with “ice-breaker” activities. Each member of the Class of 2020 was gifted with their first official RBR t-shirt, courtesy of the RBR BUC Backer Foundation. They also received their student I.D., as well as an email account for their student portal.
Incoming freshman Erin O’Kane from Little Silver felt the preview day for freshmen was most helpful, stating that “I learned where my classes were from upper classmen and got the scoop on my classes and my teachers. It was helpful to get a feel for the school.”
RBR TECH TEACHER HONORED AS ROLE MODEL
Red Bank Regional technology teacher Mandy Galante is pictured with her former student Luke Matarazzo, now an Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar at Rochester Institute of Technology. Luke nominated her for special recognition during his last semester at college as the “best” teacher and role model that influenced his future.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
In the 14 years since she left corporate America to become a technology teacher at Red Bank Regional High School, Mandy Galante has been named Monmouth County Teacher of the Year, and New Jersey’s Teacher of the Year by the Air Force Association. Her CyberPatriot teams have won state, regional and national titles every year since 2011. Lieutenant Governor Kim Gaudagno has twice visited RBR to commend her students, while WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News and NJ Channel 1 have each aired reports on the curricula she designed.
That said, Mrs. Galante holds no accolade in higher esteem than the recognition and appreciation she receives from her students — such as a 2012 honor she received from Yale University, when a former student nominated her for Yale’s Educator Award.
This past semester, Galante found herself the recipient of a certificate of recognition from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) — an honor that came about when she was nominated by another RBR graduate, Luke Matarazzo.
RED BANK BUCS’ DEL PRA NAMED A.D. OF YEAR
Red Bank Regional Athletic Director Del Dal Pra is pictured with RBR student athletes Joel Rivera of Union Beach (Indoor Track and Outdoor Track), Hayley Rienzo of Deal (Bowling and Softball), and Thomas Lloyd of Shrewsbury (Student Athletic Trainer).
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
In a year during which Red Bank Regional High School has experienced several sport championships in football, girls’ cross country, girls’ swimming and girls’ tennis, it is only fitting that the 2015-2016 session concludes with the recognition of RBR’s Athletic Director Del Dal Pra as Jersey Sporting News’ pick for Athletic Director of the Year.
Del Dal Pra came to RBR eight years ago. During that time he has been able to establish feeder teams to the high school program with the Little Bucs Program. He succeeded, in partnership with parent groups, to finally put lights on the football stadium. This year, he helped fulfill a long-standing school-wide need and opened a state-of-the art fitness center, something which will benefit the health of RBR students for years to come.
RBR INDUCTS SIX INTO HALL OF FAME
Red Bank Regional Distinguished Alumni present at their 2016 induction include (left to right): Dr. S. Thomas Westerman, Dean Ross, Tahj J. Holden and Dr. Lindsay Maggio. Not present: Dr. Janice A. Egeland, CPT Bo Olsen.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
Recently, the Red Bank Regional High School Buc Backer Foundation held its 15th annual induction of Distinguished Alumni into its Hall of Fame. RBR Principal Risa Clay welcomed the inductees and their families, explaining that “this event has become a wonderful tradition. It combines the occasion to learn more about the rich history of our school and it gives us an opportunity to honor our past heritage.”
This year’s inductees included award-winning psychiatric researcher Janice A. Egeland, Ph.D. (Class of 1952); otolaryngologist and inventor Dr. S. Thomas Westerman (Class of 1952); Red Bank businessman and community leader Dean Ross (Class of 1969); physician and professor Dr. Lindsay Maggio (Class of 1998); financial advisor, coach and collegiate star athlete Tahj J. Holden (Class of 1999), and Army Troop Commander, West Point graduate and athlete CPT Bo Olsen (Class of 2004).
LITTLE SILVER: A ‘WORK OUT DAY’ CHALLENGE
Red Bank Regional principal Risa Clay (center) is joined by WOD team members (left to right) Christina Emrich, Renee Koblan and Whitney Breckenridge in preparation for their Work Out of the Day on June 11. The get-fit challenge will benefit the SOURCE program at RBR.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
Principal Risa Clay of Red Bank Regional High School has challenged both her school and her entire community to get fit with her. Jumpstarting that resolution, RBR will host a WOD — Workout of the Day — on Saturday, June 11. Evolv3 Training of Tinton Falls will orchestrate the workout, which will take place throughout the day on the RBR Lacrosse field.
The timed workouts will be staged in four timed-heat rounds of a workout circuit, which will consist of jump-roping, burpees, broad jumps, rowing, and tire flips, among other events. Entrants may compete individually or in teams, and all proceeds will benefit the RBR-based program The SOURCE, which offers such free services to the community as mental health counseling, academic support, preventative medical, dental and eye care, recreational and cultural events, scholarship opportunities and summer programming for incoming freshmen.
LITTLE SILVER: RBR RATES AMONG BEST IN U.S.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
In its just-released 2016 rankings, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Red Bank Regional High School as one of the best high schools in the nation.
In the list released on April 19, RBR received silver medal status, ranking in the top 10 percent of high schools in the nation, or number 1,889 out of 19,908 qualifying for the study. RBR held the number 57 position out of 422 high schools in New Jersey (a total of 109 NJ schools made the 2016 list).
RBR and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional represent the only Monmouth County public, non-magnet schools on the list.
RED BANK: RBR PRINCIPAL AIRS HEALTH ISSUE
Risa Clay in 2010, when she was named principal at Red Bank Regional High. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi. Click to enlarge)
Red Bank Regional Principal Risa Clay is speaking out — about a health issue that has limited her ability to speak.
In a essay posted on the school website last week, Clay opens up about the physical and emotional challenges of dysphonia, a a neurological disease of the vocal cords that she’s been battling for the past six years.
RBR CELEBRATES CHINESE NEW YEAR
Red Bank Regional Principal Risa Clay welcomed the students of The Jersey Shore Chinese School, and the star of their Lion Dance, at the Chinese New Year celebration at RBR on January 31, ushering in the Year of the Monkey. (Photo by Chimin Hu)
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
On January 31, the Red Bank Regional High School community welcomed The Jersey Shore Chinese School students to their school, to usher in the Year of The Monkey. RBR Chinese students emceed the festive celebration, in sharing the Chinese cultural education experience with their peers.
The program was a feast of color, pagentry and skill. Chinese students displayed their talents with the Chinese yo-yo; beautifully festooned dancers performed an elegant folk dance, while others manipulated the serpentine dragon in his traditional dance. RBR Principal Risa Clay courageously fed the red envelope to the Lion, which signifies warding away evil spirits and bringing good luck.
A MOVING BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM AT RBR
The Red Bank Regional VPA orchestra accompanied Jazmin Graham as she sang the Nora Jones ballad “Don’t Know Why,” during the annual Black History Month program at the school.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
Every February, Red Bank Regional High School celebrates Black History Month with a heartwarming program for its student body. Sponsored by the school’s Multi-cultural Club and History Club, the event spotlights the talents of RBR Visual and Performing Arts Academy students in highlighting the timeless contributions of African Americans to American society.
At the 2016 event held last week in the RBR auditorium, Principal Risa Clay greeted her students by explaining the reason we celebrate this month, stating that “it is imperative that Americans learn the complete history of the United States. All students should study and celebrate the history of all people. It is by knowing and learning about others that we continue to grow and learn from each another and better understand each other.”
RBR MAKES COLLEGE BOARD HONOR ROLL
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
As detailed in the sixth annual AP (Advanced Placement) District Honor Roll, Red Bank Regional High School was named as one of only 425 school districts in the U.S. and Canada honored by the College Board for increasing access to AP course work, while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams.
Reaching these goals indicates that a district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are ready for the opportunity of AP. To be included on the Honor Roll, RBR had to increase the number of students participating in AP, while also increasing or maintaining the number of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher since 2013.
Red Bank Regional was one of only 36 schools in New Jersey that earned this distinction, and one of two high schools in Monmouth County, the other being Manasquan School District.
LITTLE SILVER: RBR WARNS OF BOOZE & DRUGS
RBR quarterback Jack Navitsky on the run against Colts Neck in a home game in September. (Photo courtesy of Shore Sports Zone)
By JOHN T. WARD
Heading into a championship football game early next month and hoping to “avert a tragedy,” Red Bank Regional officials are warning students about drug and alcohol use following several incidents of severe intoxication at home games this season.
In a “letter to parents” posted on Twitter by principal Risa Clay and on the school website late Tuesday afternoon, interim Superintendent Thomas Pagano wrote that Little Silver police, as well as school security personnel and administrators “have had to intervene and assist intoxicated students who had consumed alcohol either prior to or during football games on school grounds” this season.
LITTLE SILVER: A DANCE TO HERITAGE AT RBR
Students and staff who produced and performed in the Hispanic Heritage program at Red Bank Regional High School included, back row, left to right: Guadalupe Rodriguez, Brandon Trani, Guadalupe Luna, Mizani DelValle, Mya Nunnally, Multi Cultural Club Co- Advisor Odilia Lligui. Front row, left to right: RBR Principal Risa Clay, Tyler Brunson, Emily Lugos, Skyler (Kyle) Eber, Yaritza Ortega. Not pictured is Multi-Cultural Club Advisor Karina Tedeschi.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
Every October, the Red Bank Regional High School community looks forward to its multi-cultural club’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage. The school recognizes the many countries that compose the Hispanic American experience for both their uniqueness and rich culture, which is also commemorated with performances by the school’s Visual and Performing Arts students.
This year, RBR senior Guadalupe Luna introduced the event in Spanish (translated into English by Principal Risa Clay), stating, “Most Hispanic and Latinos share one significant item, a common passion for food. To us food represents more than a simple dish. It represents family, sharing and love.”
LITTLE SILVER: RBR WELCOMES CLASS OF ’19
Among the students and parents who mingled at the RBR Freshmen Orientation barbeque were (L-R) Eric, Sherry and Emily Jaramillo (Millstone); Bettina and Freshman Raymond Forbes (Red Bank); Whitney, Jack, Emily and Jim Dee (Little Silver).
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
On Wednesday, August 26, nearly 300 new ninth graders were told “This is a great time to be a Buc,” as the Red Bank Regional High School Freshman Orientation welcomed the Class of 2019 to the school’s campus.
For several hours, the students were shepherded around their new and much larger school by RBR Student to Student Peer leaders as the newbies acquired student IDs, set-up computer student accounts, learned how to open lockers, and ran through their daily schedules. They also received the “inside scoop” from the upper classman in peer-on-peer meetings to answer all freshmen questions.
“It’s a big school.” one ninth grader anxiously remarked. “Will the teachers be okay if you are late the first day of class?”
“They know that this is all still new to you. They will be lenient the first week of class, but better be on time after that,” came the sage reply.
LITTLE SILVER: WaPo HONORS RBR A 3RD TIME
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
For the third year in a row, Red Bank Regional High School has been cited by the Washington Post as one of America’s Most Challenging High Schools. RBR takes second position behind Rumson Fair Haven Regional in Monmouth County, being ranked at number 41 out of 100 high schools on the list for the most challenging high schools in the state. Nationally, it is listed as 1356 out of 2300 schools that made the list.
The Washington Post columnist Jay Mathews developed the paper’s “challenge index” using a ratio based upon the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given at a school in 2014, divided by the number of graduates that year.
According to the Washington Post web site, “The Challenge Index considers college test participation a better measure of school success than test scores, which largely reflect parental income.”
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