Metuchen H.S. spotlights its stars

METUCHEN — Every school has its stars, but some get overlooked. Metuchen High School (MHS) revived its Star Awards program this year to ensure that all its stars get a chance to shine brightly.

Principal Bruce Peragallo, along with teachers Lauren Volosin and Chris Giddes, brought back the program from its seven-year hiatus, with help from sponsors and local organizations.

The Star Awards program is designed to recognize deserving “unsung heroes” of the MHS community.

Throughout the school year, students, teachers and other staff members are invited to submit nominations for the Star Awards in various categories. The nominations are then considered by the Star Awards Committee.

The program culminated this year with the Star Awards Program Dinner on May 30. Sponsors included the Metuchen Education Association, Metuchen Savings Bank and the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy. The First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen donated the use of its Social Center for the dinner, which was catered by Novita Bistro & Lounge, with ice cream donated by What’s the Scoop. Both eateries are located in downtown Metuchen.

Each student who won a Star Award also received a gift card from the Metuchen Chamber of Commerce, the Orchid Restaurant, the Black Belt Institute or Brewed Awakening, all of which are located in the borough’s downtown.

The Helping Hand Award goes to individuals who have accomplished considerable amounts of volunteer work. The Trailblazer Award is given to those who have used innovative practices to achieve great accomplishments, possibly facing adversity along the way. The Unsung Hero Award is for those who are not necessarily recognized for what they do. Rookie of the Year goes to a freshman who asserts himself or herself as a productive member of the student body, and who is a leader and an example for others.

Senior Liz Binstein and junior Bailey Ramsay won Helping Hand awards; senior Aaron Lewis and sophomore Nancy Hafez won Trailblazer awards; and seniors Jake Silverman and Jamie Wooding won Unsung Hero awards.

Senior Kathryn Sweatman was honored with a Distinguished Writer Award; senior Kelly Plescia won a Theatrical Performance Award; seniors Connor Babos and Amy Tang won Musical Performance awards; and seniors Marvic Adoptante and Tara Ali-Khan won Artistic Performance awards.

Senior Gabriella Francis won the School Spirit Award, and freshman Owen Krause was named Rookie of the Year.

Senior Rebecca Graham was honored as Student of the Year.

Staff awards went to Susan La Fauci, Administrator of the Year; Janis Lewandowski and Marie Seidel, Faculty Members of the Year; Mary Miranowic and Carlos Ramos, Support Staff Members of the Year; Adam Levy, Helping Hand; and Rosann Kamin and Chris Giddes, Club Advisors of the Year.

The Organization of the Year award went to the Gay Straight Alliance.