IN OUR SCHOOLS

NJ student news: Linden High School students take a stand against modern-day slavery

Carolyn Sampson
Courier News and Home News Tribune

World history students at Linden High School recently took action to spread awareness about the problem of human trafficking, and in the process raised their own social consciousness.

On Jan. 25, about 90 freshmen in Derrick Potts’ classes went around the school putting magnets on lockers with messages from the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking. The goal of the “Locker Slam” is to shine a spotlight on a problem that is often hidden in the shadows.

Human trafficking is the exploitation of a person through force, fraud or coercion, and can include sex trafficking, forced labor or domestic servitude.

Students from one of Derrick Potts’ world history classes showing the locker magnets they distributed to help raise awareness about human trafficking.

The students took photos of the magnets and shared them on social media with the hashtag #NJStudentsForFreedom.

“Combining the locker magnets with social media was a great way to engage students on this critical topic,” said Superintendent Danny A. Robertozzi. “Of course, they are all familiar with social media, but this project helped to show them the power it has to spread important messages. So they learn about the problem of human trafficking, but also learn about their own capability to bring about change.”

The magnets came in seven colors, each with a different message, including “Be a Voice for the Voiceless,” “Slavery Still Exists,” and “Your Voice Can Change the World.” They also have the organization’s website njhumantrafficking.org so students will know where to go for more information, and a number to text for help or to report human trafficking.

Potts said it’s an important message to get out and that the “Locker Slam” is a great way to engage his students in a way that goes beyond classroom lessons.

“We talked about the African slave trade, then to put a more modern connection to it, we went over human trafficking,” he said. “What is it? What are the signs of it? What are different types?

Seven different magnets from the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking.

“But kids like to move around, so they’re out of the room doing something different. And they get to use social media in class, so that really helps it as well.”

Potts said the magnets also made an impact on other students who saw them around the building.

“I was in the cafeteria and I had a girl ask me, ‘Are you Mr. Potts? What is this?’ So I told her about it, and she said, ‘This is really cool.’ I don’t know who this girl was, but the goal is to get other students to take a picture of this and use the hashtag. So not only my classes but other students put it out there.

“The more people who see it, the more interest, and it brings more awareness of the issue.”

~Gary Miller

Daemen College

Krishanti Trivedi of Monmouth Junction was named to the fall dean's list at Daemen College in  Amherst, New York. Students must have a GPA of 3.3.

READ:The good things students are doing in Central Jersey and beyond

READ:Education news from around the region

COLLEGE CONNECTION:Advice from local expert columnist

Kean University

Kean University announced the release of its new Cougar logo to promote University Athletics and school spirit. The University is unveiling the new mark along with a new branding campaign "Cougars Climb Higher" that showcases all of the ways Kean's world-class education helps students climb higher toward their professional and personal goals.

More than 2,000 students, faculty, staff and alumni provided feedback on three proposals for the new spirit logo, which is designed to replace a variety of Cougar images used over the years.

Kean University introduces new spirit logo and cougars climb higher campaign

“So many people told us that Kean Cougars are fierce, resilient and determined both in winning athletic competitions and overcoming obstacles to achieve their degrees,” said Karen Smith, vice president of University Relations. “We incorporated that feedback into the final design of the logo and went one step further in launching our new branding campaign with that message.”

University Relations is releasing the new mark and campaign in coordination with Athletics, which will begin using the logo on Athletics gear and in its facilities in the Spring semester.

“It’s important for our athletes and fans to know this K mark stands for Kean so we can all rally around it,” said Jack McKiernan, director of Athletics. “This new logo is distinctly Kean. It looks different than other cougar mascots and is tied strongly to the University name, which will help build school spirit.”

Many people who voted on the logo proposals online and at Kean's Homecoming said it is important for the new Cougar to look fierce but not overly aggressive or frightening. The final design was adjusted so that his head and ears are tilted up as a show of pride.

“This option shows our competitive spirit and is elegantly designed in a way to display the perfect relationship between the distinguished and professional University and its amazing student, faculty and alumni spirit,” one graphic designer alumnus wrote.

The Cougars Climb Higher campaign will highlight the numerous ways that Kean's students, faculty and alumni climb higher every day, from a student who is the first member of the family to attend college to a professor who achieves a national honor. The campaign will be rolled out around campus and through external advertising and marketing beginning in the spring semester.

The new logo will be used in conjunction with the University seal, which remains the academic mark of the institution.

The logo will begin being sold on apparel through the Barnes & Noble bookstore later this semester.

Also, a new program at Kean offers academic support and financial incentive for students to graduate in four years, giving those who are close to earning their degrees an extra boost.

The Graduation Incentive Program awards $1,000 to qualified seniors to help defray the cost of taking summer courses to complete their degrees in four years. In its first year of operation, the program resulted in 65 additional students graduating on time, contributing to a nearly five percent jump in the four-year graduation rate.

“Every extra year that students spend in college takes a financial toll and delays their launch into the professional world,” Kean President Dawood Farahi, Ph.D., said. “At Kean, we are doing everything we can to provide students with the support they need for academic success and incentives to encourage them to graduate in four years.”

Thomas Gabriel from Springfield earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology in the summer of 2018. When he learned he also earned the $1,000 graduation incentive award, he called Kean’s scholarship office to ask, “Is this real?”

“The Graduation Incentive Program was one of the best surprises I received following graduation,” Gabriel said. “It made me feel like I had Kean University rooting for my success.”

A graduation audit team in the Registrar’s office identifies students who meet the criteria, and then works with deans, program coordinators and faculty to enroll the students in the summer courses they need to complete their degrees in four years.

The program is open to students who started in the Fall semester and attended Kean for four years — eight consecutive semesters — and need six to 14 credits to graduate after their final Spring semester. A separate $500 award, the Empowerment Scholarship, may benefit qualified students who need less than six credits to graduate.

The graduation audit team is currently identifying students who qualify for the Graduation Incentive Program this year, aiming to exceed last year’s results.

“This is truly a collaborative effort between academic affairs and enrollment services that benefits both our individual students and the institution as a whole,” said Marsha McCarthy, vice president for enrollment services. 

Middlesex County College dental students and faculty recently visited Bright Beginnings, a school in Piscataway for students with developmental disabilities, giving the students there oral health care screenings, checking for tooth decay, and providing home care instructions. Here, MCC Professor Denise McSorley and student Lisseth Calderon of South Plainfield examine one of the students there.

Montessori Corner Schools

Students at Montessori Country Day School and Princeton Meadows in Plainsboro and Children’s House of the Windsors in West Windsor recently partnered to collect more than 240 pounds of food and supplies for AdoptaPlatoon, which sends care packages to deployed U.S. military members. Throughout December, students held a donation drive to collect cookies, snacks and toiletries for care packages that will be sent to troops around the world. At the end of the drive, students organized and prepared the donation for delivery to the organization. Through this initiative, students learned the importance of giving back to others.

Montessori Corner students donate more than 240 pounds of food and supplies to U.S. Military members

AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort is dedicated to serving deployed U.S. military members, ensuring that they are not forgotten by a grateful nation. AdoptaPlatoon provides ongoing care packages to improve quality of life and raise morale for those serving overseas in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Special Forces.

Moravian College

The following Central Jersey residents at Moravian College in Pennsylvania were named to the spring dean's list: Amanda Bencivenga of Cranford, Elizabeth Biava of Rocky Hill, Michelle Ciliberto of Middlesex, Fallon Endler of Avenel, Victoria Kauffman of Monroe Township, Brooke Kusmider of East Brunswick, Anthony Nagy of Springfield, Christine Neu of Middlesex, Janelle Pyar of Clark, Kaitlyn Roberto of Middlesex, Emily Sporer of Edison, Amanda Springer of Kearny, Britt Zwiebel of Colonia. Students must achieve a GPA of 3.5.

Muhlenberg College

The following Central Jersey residents at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania were named to the fall dean's list: Angelica Bakhos of Monmouth Junction, Danielle Balsamo of East Brunswick, Talya Ben-Haim of Highland Park, Erik Berger of East Brunswick, Samantha Best of Monroe Township, Skyllar Capuno of Somerset, Sarah Cehelyk of East Brunswick, Kenneth Freid of Rahway, Dylan Gleason of Kendall Park, Jessica Hader of East Brunswick, William Howitt of Metuchen, Timothy Janovsky of Matawan, Jordyn Kamis of East Brunswick, Vanshika Kumar of Milltown, Julia Lombardo of Franklin Park, Peter Luther of Princeton, Maayan Malomet of Highland Park, Gil Moran, Melissa Morse of Edison, Joshua Myers of Hampton, Stephanie Ng, Mercy Olajobi of Union, Bryan Oliveira of South River, Jonah Silverman of Highland Park, Patrick Sockler of Cranbury, Rachel Szachara of Kendall Park. Students must achieve a GPA of 3.5.

New York Institute of Technology

Vishal Shah of Edison, a student at New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, New York, went to Dubai, United Arab emirates in January to experience Dubai's social and business culture, including company visits, seminars and leisure activities. 

Siena College

Megan Power of Cranford was named to the fall president's list at Siena College in Loundonville, New York. Students must achieve a GPA of 3.9.

Throughout the school year, the Middle/High School teaching staff nominates students. The nominations are based on character, school spirit, and academic integrity. For January we are happy to announce our winners. Pictured from left to right: Principal - Dr. Patrick McCabe, and Middle School students: Grade 6 - Catalina Muniz,  Grade 7- Victoria Myers  , Grade 8 - Alisa Mannan and High School students: Tatjana Roessle  and Jonathan Morales.

St. Helena School

Saint Helena School in Edison celebrated Catholic Schools Week with many programs. One of its favorite programs is honoring our veterans and those who are still in service. Mariana DeLaHoz (grade 7) invited her family and friends to be honored. Each was presented a certificate thanking them for their service and a rose. A brunch was held after the entire school sang all the military songs. The eighth grade also did a beautiful presentation on the folding of the flag and what each fold represented. Ryan Williams held the folded flag for all to honor.

Luiso DeLaHoz (Mariana's father) Mariana DeLaHoz, Selena Estrada, presently serving in the Army in Missouri, Alexis Cabezas, a former Marine and Emilia DeLaHoz, MAriana's little sister in PreK.

Stonehill College

Thomas Duda of Avenel was named to the fall dean's list at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts.Students must achieve a GPA of 3.5.

The College of St. Scholastica

Claudette Guy of Cranbury received a master's degree in education from The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota.

US Presidential Scholars Program

Rohil Sheth, a graduating senior at South Brunswick High School, has been named one of more than 4,500 candidates in the 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2019.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 54th year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts.

In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. All Scholars are invited to Washington, D.C. in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House-sponsored ceremony.

A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C., for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities.

For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, parents and students can call the U.S. Presidential Scholars Office at 507-931-8345, or send an email to PSP@scholarshipamerica.org.

University of Albany

The following Central Jersey residents at the University of Albany in New York were named to the fall dean's list: Caleb Levine of East Brunswick, Kaivalya Goria of Monroe and David Gray of Somerset. Students must achieve a GPA of 3.25.

University of Findlay

The following Central Jersey residents at the University of Findlay in Ohio were awarded endowment scholarships for the 2018-2019 academic year: Chiebuka Chukwuneke of Edison was awarded George and Elaine Blackburn memorial scholarship endowment fund and Terissa Tran Tran of Edison was awarded the Gladys L. DeLong memorial nursing scholarship endowment fund. 

The Wardlaw+Hartridge School

The Green Team at The Wardlaw+Hartridge School in Edison sponsored its second annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Recycling Event at Warlaw+Hartridge on Monday, Jan. 21.

Local families donated their gently used clothing, household items, shoes, toys, books and electronics during the daylong event. More than 50 volunteers from the W+H community including students from the Lower, Middle and Upper schools worked together to help sort the items for distribution to various charitable organizations such as Fish, Inc., Goodwill, nursing homes and more.

Donated items such as computers, iPads, phones, and monitors were delivered to Electronic Access Foundation (EAF), a nonprofit organization which keeps electronics from being thrown in a landfill and prepares the donated electronics for donation to other qualified charitable organizations. A large flat-screen TV was donated to a veteran’s home. Many of the volunteers took the donated items to the various charities who were overwhelmed with gratitude to the W+H community.

It was a memorable day with family, teachers, staff members and students working together to recycle and give back to those less fortunate. The Green Team members and the W+H community are thankful for all those who donated items, volunteered and contributed their time to help make this a successful event.

Also, sixth-grade students at W+H have been learning about the parts of the cell. This week they examined onion cells and human cheek cells by making wet-mount slides with methylene blue stain. They were amazed at how thin a tissue of onion should be for viewing under the microscope and thrilled to see their own cells and a little bit of their lunch too.

This lab, completed over three class meetings, was one part of our unit on eukaryotic cells. Using the microscope is an education-long skill that will take them into high school and possibly beyond. It also pulls in mathematics to understand magnification. This lesson was followed by a cell model engineering project that incorporates learning the function of cell parts and magnification of a typical plant cell.

Wilkes University

The following Central Jersey residents at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania received their degrees in the fall: Bolanie Ahazie of Port Reading, master's degree in nursing; Tina Doshi of Somerset, bachelor's degree in psychology; Cornelia Gilpin of Piscataway, doctor's in nursing; Tyrone Springs of Old Bridge, master's degree in nursing. Also, the following students were named to the fall dean's list: Amanda Andersen of Old Bridge, Paul Cimilluca of Colonia, Jennifer Lee of Bloomsbury, Dhruv Patel of East Brunswick and Vincent Rogers of Rahway. Student must achieve a GPA of 3.5.

Student and School news appears on Fridays. Email:hntmetro@mycentraljersey.com