A principal in the Freehold Township K-8 School District who was a former student and administrator in the Sayreville School District is being remembered and mourned following his passing.
Jeffrey Huguenin, 46, the principal of the Joseph J. Catena Elementary School in Freehold Township, died at his home in Howell on Oct. 7. He is survived by his wife, Beth Huguenin, two daughters, and siblings Marc Huguenin, Michelle Huguenin and Mary Charmello.
Previously a resident of Sayreville, Huguenin graduated from Sayreville War Memorial High School in 1989, where he played soccer for the Bombers. He entered the field of education and eventually served as an assistant principal at the Sayreville Middle School from 2003-05. Charmello, his sister, is an art teacher at the high school.
“While I did not have the honor and privilege to work with or even know Dr. Huguenin, I have been told by many staff members who did that he was a dedicated and extremely proficient educator, an inspiring and accomplished leader, and a wonderful person,” Sayreville Superintendent of Schools Richard Labbe said.
“In fact, so many people I have spoken to since learning about his sudden passing have told me he was one of the most genuine people they ever had the pleasure of working with. He was always happy and always willing to help anyone,” Labbe said. “Thus, we too in Sayreville grieve his loss and extend our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to his sister Mary and entire family.”
“The Board of Education was saddened to learn of the passing of a great educational leader,” said Kevin Ciak, president of the Sayreville Board of Education. “Dr. Huguenin dedicated his life to children and all who knew him understood that his work as an educational leader was not just a job, but a passion and calling in in his life. His genuine warmth, strength of character, and commitment to excellence will always be remembered and cherished by our district.”
Freehold Township Superintendent of Schools Neal Dickstein said, “Jeff Huguenin was a visionary leader who had a strong commitment to the field of education. He led with his heart and truly loved the staff, students and parents in the Catena community.
“Dr. Huguenin established the theme of ‘inspire’ for the Catena school this year and our goal is to honor his vision and commitment through that theme. He touched the lives of many and will be sorely missed,” Dickstein said.
According to his obituary, Huguenin graduated from West Chester University, West Chester, Pa., in 1994 with a degree in health and physical education. He played soccer at West Chester and that is where he met his future wife.
Huguenin earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Georgian Court University, Lakewood, in 2003 and a doctorate in educational leadership from St. Peter’s University, Jersey City, in 2014.
After living in Brick Township, Huguenin moved to Howell in 2004 and continued his passion for soccer as a coach for the Howell United Rebels and Hornets, and as president of the Howell United Soccer Club.
He joined Georgian Court University in 2013 as an adjunct professor for undergraduate and graduate classes. He was a national presenter for educational technologies and a member of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association.
Huguenin became principal of the Catena school in 2013, according to his obituary, and helped to develop a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) media center.