North Hunterdon High School
Annandale, NJ
| | February 2026 E-Newsletter | |
Upcoming Events
The following is a list of important upcoming events:
- February 13: Early Dismissal, 11:55, Presidents' Weekend
- February 16: School Closed, No Homework, No Pressure weekend
- February 23: Unified vs. Staff Basketball Game, 6-8 pm, Main Gym
- February 25: Early Dismissal, 11:55, Staff In-Service Day
- February 27- March 1: Winter Musical, Shrek!
| | |
Student Highlights
Leading the Pride!
| | |
January Students of the Month
| | |
FAITH HAWKINS
CLASS OF 2026
Senior, Faith Hawkins is involved in many honor societies at North Hunterdon. Faith is a member of Rho Kappa, Math, English, Latin, and Thespian Honor Societies. She says her favorite is Thespians, where she is vice president, because it is with her theater family which she has become close with. Faith has a role as Student Lightning Designer and has been Lighting Technician in previous years. She also helps out with set building for both the fall play winter and musical. Faith’s favorite classes at North have been Latin with Mrs. Mullay because she helped her find a newfound love for the language. She also really enjoyed all of her math classes, especially Honors Algebra II with Mrs. Luick and AP Calc AB with Mrs. Watson. Both math teachers made class fun and a place where she wanted to learn. Outside of school, Faith volunteers at the Atlantic Visiting Nurses Rummage Sale, which keeps her busy two months out of the year. She is also a member of the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) which runs through the Hunterdon County Library. Faith’s favorite memories from North have to do with theater. Even though tech week rehearsals keep her at school until late at night, it is something she enjoys doing with her friends. Faith says she has met some amazing people these past four years at North Hunterdon who she will be friends with for the rest of her life. She has made memories that are going to last a lifetime and will look back on fondly. Next year, Faith plans on majoring in Political Science. Her top school choices are Pitt, Georgia, and Clemson.
| |  | |
NATALIE OLSON
CLASS OF 2026
Senior, Natalie Olson says her time at North Hunterdon has allowed her to grow as a person and form new friendships with people who have given her confidence and freedom to be herself. Natalie was able to find new subjects that she is passionate about and learned that hard work, challenging herself, and truly applying herself academically to the fullest extent, pays off. Her favorite class at North was AP portfolio with Mr. Calabrese because he is an amazing teacher who pushes her to explore her artistic voice and experiment with her artwork. The class gives Natalie the freedom and flexibility to work at her own pace and make work that expresses who she is while cultivating her skills to an even higher level and encouraging her to push the boundaries of her creativity. Natalie has been on the varsity tennis team for the past two years and plays the position of second singles. She is a member of the Art Honor Society, English Honor Society, Rho Kappa, and French Honor Society. Natalie is an officer in the Art Honor Society with the title of Exhibition Coordinator. In that role, she is responsible for coming up with exhibition themes, collecting artwork from members to display in these exhibitions, and holding workshops for members to work on submissions. Recently, the Art Honor Society officers finished a mural in the cafeteria and their work was recognized at the Board of Education meeting. Outside of school, Natalie spends her time relaxing, drawing, painting, and listening to music. Her favorite memory from North was the trip she took with her classmates and the French Department to France during the summer after her sophomore year. Next year Natalie is committed to Syracuse University where she will be enrolled in the Honors College Program. She plans to major in Art History and minor in Museum Studies.
| | | |
January Athletes of the Month
| | |
AIDAN ALTIERI
CLASS OF 2026
Senior, Aidan Altieri is a two year member of the varsity team and is a team captain for the Lions. Aidan is a true leader that puts the team above himself. He always has the best interest of the team and program in mind and is a selfless young man. Aidan has been playing competitive basketball since Kindergarten. It has been his favorite sport for as long as he can remember. Aidan’s strongest skills on the court include his passing and hook shots in the post. He plays the position of Forward. Aidan is also a member of the Track and Field team where he throws shot put and discus. He enjoys lifting weights in his free time. Aidan says his time at North Hunterdon has been filled with fun comradery and a sense of community that he has not felt anywhere else. Being able to walk around every corner and see your friends is a special experience. Next year, Aidan plans to play club basketball in college. He hopes to attend Virginia Teach to study Construction Management.
| | | |
REID BUZBY
CLASS OF 2026
Senior, Reid Buzby has been wrestling since Kindergarten. Reid wrestles 126. He says his strongest skill on the mat is his ability to take down his opponents. Reid is a member of Peer Leadership and Interact Club. Even though wrestling is a sport of weight maintenance, he loves to eat. Reid says his experience at North has been great due to the brotherhood of his friends and the strong connection to his teachers. Next year, Reid plans on attending a trade school to be an Electrician.
| | | |
January Department Students
of the Month
| | |
English: Chloe Rottner '29 and Alexander Annenko Dobrianski '29
Fine Arts: Ryan Demjen '26 and Maya Kohler '27
Mathematics: Pranay Bulusu '26 and Grace Hawkins '26
Music: Elliot Choy '28 and Colin McCabe '26
PE/Health: Mason Witkowski '26 and Ella D'Egidio '28
Practical Arts: Maxim Gjevukaj '28 and Gianna Koenigkramer '29
Science: Siena Miller '26 and Gabriella Brick '28
Social Studies: Amaoge Okere '29 and Zhaleh Patel-Bose '29
World Language: Renata Cruz Tenorio '29 and Evelyn Ayd '29
| | |
January Good Citizens
of the Month
| | |
English: Mason Levering '29 and Scarlett Prendergast '29
Fine Arts: Julia Flynn '27 and Aarthi Kondra '27
Mathematics: Evie Young '29 and Defne Dogus '29
Music: Aidan Walraven '26 and Cordelia Dellibovi '27
PE/Health: Kathryn Wolf '26 and Mina Cohn '29
Practical Arts: Abigail Proulx '26 and Olivia Miles '26
Science: Nadia Harris '27 and John Tuohy '29
Social Studies: Hannah Ives '29 and Andrew Donatelli '29
World Language: Camille Chambers '26 and Jordan Glashoff '29
| |
NHHS News and Updates
from Lion Pride
| | |
Top January Posts from Dr. Cottrell @nhprincipal
| | Congratulations to Faith Hawkins and Natalie Olson for being named Students of the Month and Aidan Altieri and Reid Buzby for being named Athletes of the Month. #LionPride | | |
Health Office News
Why do we observe American Heart Month every February? Well, every year more than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease. The number one cause of deaths for most groups, heart disease affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and excessive alcohol use.
Do you know how to keep your heart healthy? You can take an active role in reducing your risk for heart disease by eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and managing your cholesterol and blood pressure. This is a great chance to start some heart-healthy habits!
Click HERE to learn more!
| |
Ski & Snowboard Club
The Ski/Snowboard Club will be traveling to Blue Mountain after school on the following dates: January 8, 15, 22, 29, and February 5, with make-up dates of February 12 and 19.
On the mornings of the ski/snowboard club trips, members should drop off their equipment on the baseball side of the building, lower lot, inside the garage doors.
Any questions, please contact advisors:
Mrs. April Jones at ajones@nhvweb.net and
Mrs. Cheryl Vida at cvida@nhvweb.net
| | | Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy-tale adventure that brings all the beloved characters from the film to life onstage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ear. “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy-tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, one is on hand… and his name is Shrek. Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre. | |
Join us in the swamp on:
February 27th at 7 pm
February 28th at 2 pm and 7 pm
March 1st at 2 pm
| | |
The 2026 Junior Prom “Shimmering Nights” will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at The Farmhouse in Hampton, NJ, and will include dinner and dancing from 6:00–9:00 PM. Tickets are $85.00 per person (plus an online booking fee) if purchased during January. Prices will increase to $95.00 (plus an online booking fee) beginning February 1, so students are strongly encouraged to buy early to save. All tickets must be purchased online through the school’s BookTix system, which will open on January 12 and close on February 14—no tickets will be sold after this date.
Please click on THIS LINK to view more details about the Prom.
If your student wants to bring a guest from another school, the permission form is included in the letter attached. Out-of-school guests must be approved by Mr. Petraglia (apetraglia@nhvweb.net) before a guest ticket is purchased.
| |
Student Accolades & Accomplishments
Hear us ROAR!
| | Congratulations to the Tewksbury sending District for winning the Bridge competition against our sending disitrict schools with a weight of 300 pounds. | | North Hunterdon defeated Voorhees. The competition featured (2) bridge lengths with a 4ft and a 6ft team: | | 4ft team left to right: Justin Annese, Adrian Peterson, Luke Medvedich, David Lin, they held 440lbs. | | 6ft bridge - held 440lbs also. Left to right Jack Spitzlei, Drew Maszczak, Matthew Murry. | | The Culinary Fundamentals and Nutrition & Wellness classes held a cooking challenge in which participants incorporated a whole grain with blackberries or corn. Extra points were awarded for using both corn and blackberries. The criteria on which they were judged included taste, presentation, and the ease with which the meal could be reproduced in the school cafeteria. Teachers and staff members were invited to taste-test and vote on their favorite creation. | | The winners in the Nutrition and Wellness class created a delicious blackberry lemon protein breakfast muffin served with a side with turkey bacon. | | The winners from Culinary Fundamentals made cheese-filled crepes with blackberry jam and a side of turkey bacon. | | Congratulations to Senior Phoebe Lingerfield of the Interact Club! She was recognized by the Clinton Sunrise Rotary for her exceptional leadership skills. We are truly grateful for her hard work, dedication, and positive impact on our school and community. | | Congratulations to Junior Dylan Swon! ️ Dylan was honored on January 4 at the NJ Devils game for being named NJ High School Hockey Player of the Month for December! As a forward, Dylan’s hard work, dedication, and talent continue to shine on the ice. | | |
Congratulations to Senior Brooklyn Kappus for getting recognized at our BOE meeting. Brooklyn broke the shot put record on her first meet of the season at the Coach Saint Invitational with 36'9".
This is a 4' improvement from last year! This invitational meet was held at the Nike Track & Field Center at the Armory.
| | |
The Model United Nations club attended its annual conference this January 2026. This year’s success was a direct result of the dedication shown by every participant, with special thanks to our student leaders. We were proud to be represented by junior Anya Karnani, and seniors Anya Page and Aanya Parikh, who served as our Youth Secretariats. In this role, they acted as vital liaisons between our club and the conference, communicating essential information and leading our weekly meetings to prepare the North Hunterdon delegates.
At the conference, several North Hunterdon members earned individual honors: freshman Anika Tekchandani represented the Premier Country of Egypt, and sophomore Maxim Gjevukaj represented the Outstanding Country of Japan. Finally, the entire North Hunterdon group was recognized as an Outstanding Delegation.
All Model UN participants deserve recognition for their courage, curiosity, and cooperation. Each member embraced the challenge of collaborating with peers from various schools and states to solve global issues, all while honoring the four YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
| | |
Please enjoy some silk paintings from Mrs. Lentine's Color & Design II class.
“To create one's own world takes courage." - Georgia O'Keeffe
| |
School Organization News
Members of the Pride
| | |
Get Involved
Please visit the links below to learn more about our parent organizations and how you can join.
Join our Pride!
| | |
Boys Fencing
The Boys Fencing team has roared into the 25/26 season and is currently 6-2, sitting in the 8th spot in the South section’s power point ranking, with a notable victory over last season’s state champions, Ridge.
| | |
Boys Winter Track and Field
January's been a busy month for the boys' track & field team! Each week, the athletes are improving their race times and distances for throws & jumps. The 4x800m relay team of Eric Beswick, Patrick Palma, Alex Beswick, and Cole Kober keep stealing the spotlight - their PR time of 8:04.54 at the Molloy Stanner Games took 1st place and was fast enough to qualify them to compete at Penn Relays in Philly and New Balance Nationals in Boston! To top it off, they were invited to run at the prestigious Millrose Games happening at the Armory on February 1st - be on the lookout for live stream info! In the 1600m race at the Molloy Stanner Games, Evan Schmidt medaled, placing 5th with a PR of 4:34.77, and Caleb Morman placed 6th with a PR of 4:37.12! At the Group 3 State Relays in Toms River, North took 2nd in the 4x800m, 6th in Shot Put and 7th in DMR. Keep up the great work, Lions!
| | |
Girls' Winter Track and Field
Girls' Winter Track continues to show its talent as the season progresses. The girls competed at the Puma New York Invitational, bringing home a new team PR of 9:49 in the 4x800-meter relay with the team of Sophia Piro (11), Sophie Nash(10), Emily Scott (12), and Kelly Shanklin (12). Another major highlight of this season has come from senior Chidera Emeaso, who broke her own indoor school record in the Triple Jump with a jump of 36’9”—putting her ranked #6 in NJ! The Lady Lions are preparing for their conference and county championships coming up as the season continues. Good luck! Sent from my iPhone
| |
|
Boys Wrestling
Our Boys Wrestling started the year off strong! First Place for the North Hunterdon Boys Wrestling Team at the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament!
★ Aidan Yarussi takes home the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award
Congratulations to our ELEVEN Place-winners:
★ 106 - Cayden Wadle - Champion ★ 113 - Owen Fol - Champion ★ 126 - Reid Buzby - Champion ★ 132 - Aidan Yarussi - Champion ★ 138 - Kieran Raley - 2nd Place ★ 190 - Owen Dandeo - 2nd Place ★ 144 - Matt Esposito - 3rd Place ★ HWT - Anthony DeSimone - 3rd Place ★ 150 - Ian English - 5th Place ★ 157 - Luke Charbonneau - 5th Place ★ 175 - Nick Romaniello - 6th Place. Congratulations to Kieran Raley for winning the Daniel R. Hutchins Memorial Award for Outstanding Wrestler! He will also receive a scholarship upon graduation.
| |
|
Cheerleading
North Cheer traveled to Bridgewater on January 12th for the UCA Garden State Challenge. North Cheer was the Division Champion for their Traditional Routine and placed in the top 5 for their Game Day performance. Outstanding performance, North Cheer!
| |
|
Girls' Basketball
The NHHS Girls Basketball team had a very successful 6-3 record in January! The girls closed out their January schedule with a Senior Night home game against Hackettstown on Friday, January 30th. It was great to see all the support for our two Seniors, Emma Parente and Amara Scully! The girls look forward to more success as they head into the final games of the season. Go North!!
| |
|
Girls' Fencing
North Hunterdon's Girls' Fencing team won a close one against Montgomery on Friday, 1/23, at home. It came down to 14-13 and the girls took it, bringing their record to 6 and 2. They face Pingry on Tuesday, 1/27.
| |
|
Jersey Mike’s Fundraiser
Thank you to the students, staff, and Community members who donated and
North Hunterdon Education Foundation - Open Positions
| | | | |
The North Hunterdon Music Association is a non-profit group run by North Hunterdon music student parents. We encourage, promote, and support music students, faculty, and programs
Upcoming Music Events
❤️ February 12th – Dessert and Donate 5-Close Just Chill
❤️ February 12th – Craft w/ Us@ AR Workshop Clinton 6-9pm
❤️ February 24th – String Orchestra @ West Windsor-Plainsboro HS South
❤️ February 27 – March 1st – Shrek The Musical
❤️ March 8th – Jazz Ensemble @ Steelstacks 4pm
❤️ March 15th – Golden Lions perform in Clinton’s St Patrick’s Day Parade
| |
|
Winter Musical is SHREK The Musical
February 27th – March 1st Tickets go on sale on January 16th NHTO.Booktix.com
| | | | |
❤️ Music Department’s 22nd PRISM Concert: This event is a unique experience where ALL our music student come together to share their gifts for a remarkable evening. It is a seamless montage of music with professional lighting and sound in the Main Gym. We ask that you HOLD YOUR APPLAUSE UNTIL SHOW’S END, each performance is set to go begin right after the preceding one ends. Please consider purchasing a ticket beforehand online to help with lobby traffic. Doors open at 7pm. More information to come.
❤️ Ticket Sales Start February 27th nhmaprism.simpletix.com
| |
|
Click on the link to sign up NHMA Membership Form
Seniors and underclassmen need a membership to be eligible for scholarships. This includes Leadership Summer Camps for Golden Lions.
Senior Members receive a free Music Graduation Yard Sign.
All members receive a discount on PRISM Concert tickets.
| | | | |
Golden Lions Alum, Stephen Kotran, goes to College Football Nationals with the IU Marching Hundred
“Hoo hoo hoo Hoosiers!!”
| | |
| | |
Next NHMA Meeting
Tuesday February 10th 7pm Band Room #124. Please join us.
Future meeting dates are:
April 14th and June 2nd
Contact us at nhmusicassociation@gmail.com
with any questions.
| | | | |
Join us and get involved with the PTSA for the 2026-2027 school year!
We will be meeting on the first Tuesday of each month from 7-8 pm in the conference room
adjacent to the Athletics Office (near the Route 31 entrance doors).
Our next meeting will be held on February 3rd from 7-8 pm. Please join us!
Project Graduation at Funplex – Mount Laurel
Senior parents, please watch for a separate communication coming soon with important details about Project Graduation at Funplex in Mount Laurel. This highly anticipated event is designed to give our graduating seniors a safe, fun, and memorable night to celebrate this major milestone with their classmates.
Project Graduation is a fully supervised, interactive experience that includes rides, games, food, and entertainment—allowing our students to celebrate together in a positive and engaging environment. With the event quickly approaching, registration details, timelines, and permission information will be shared shortly.
We invite families to help make this event extra special by contributing in one of the following ways:
- Monetary donations, which help offset event costs and keep the night accessible for all students
- Raffle prize donations, which add excitement and fun throughout the evening
Every contribution—big or small—helps create an unforgettable experience for our seniors. Please contact Lynne French at lynnefrench@gmail.com with any questions.
Thank you for supporting our graduates as they celebrate this important moment!
Join the PTSA - Be a part of our school community!
Have you considered joining the PTSA? Our PTSA plays a vital role in supporting students, staff, and families through a wide range of programs, events, and initiatives throughout the school year. From student enrichment and staff appreciation and special events like Project Graduation, PTSA support makes a meaningful difference in our school community.
Membership is open to parents, guardians, students, teachers, and staff, and participation can be as flexible as your schedule allows. Whether you’re interested in volunteering at events, sharing ideas, or simply supporting our mission through membership, your involvement helps strengthen connections and foster school pride.
By joining the PTSA, you:
- Support student-centered programs and activities
- Help enhance school culture and community engagement
- Have a voice in initiatives that impact our school
- Connect with other families and staff
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, please contact us using the email listed below or access membership details by scanning the QR code. We would love to welcome you and have you join our PTSA community!
Email: northhunterdonptsa@gmail.com
Website: https://www.nhvweb.net/nhhs/ptsa/
| |
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to a great rest of the school year together!
Your PTSA Officers and Committee Chairs:
Kimberly Rogan, Erin Roop, Melissa Stowers, Liddy Arnold
Lynne French, Tricia King, Vanessa O’Keefe, Erin Palma
| | Board of Education Updates | | |
Each month, we will include key topics discussed or approved at the most recent Board of Education meeting. Meetings are livestreamed and you can find the link on the district website prior to each meeting date. Please click here to view agendas, recordings and minutes.
The Board of Education held a Reorganization Meeting on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 6pm, in the District Administrative Office, along with a Working Session on Tuesday, January 20th at 7pm, and a Regular BOE Meeting on January 27th at 6pm. The following topics were approved or discussed at the meetings:
- The BOE approved standard action items regarding finance and policies.
- New BOE member Merrill Mezzacappa joined the Board of Education, filling the Califon Borough, Tewksbury Township vacancy.
The next Working Meeting will be on February 17th at 7 pm, and the next Regular BOE meeting will be on February 24th at 7 pm in the District Administrative Office.
For more information on Board meetings and agendas, please visit the district website at www.nhvweb.net and click on the District & BOE Services menu tab.
| | | | |
