By CASSIDY DESTEFANO
News Editor
Students sported red, white and blue tie-dyed tongues while enjoying rainbow Italian ices on the patio at the end of school today. This “sweet” kickoff marked the second time the Student Government Association, now under the leadership of chemistry teacher Erin Wheeler, has provided students with Italian ices following the first day assembly.
The first day pick-me-up was made possible by senior and SGA council member Sean Gilbert of Wall, whose uncle, Pat O’Hern, used to own a Weaser’s ices truck.
“I had a contact, and it’s great way to kick off the year,” Gilbert said.
Prior to the truck’s arrival, Principal James Gleason made opening remarks regarding how the students sitting before him were comparable to “raw materials” before being built into something greater.
“Are you doing everything you can with what’s been given to you?” Gleason said.
Gleason also addressed challenges that CHS will face this year, including adapting to new common core standards and introducing Partnership for Assessment and Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests.
“We don’t need to change things overnight,” Gleason said.
Next, guidance counselor and anti-bullying specialist Carol Caruso cited that there were no instances of harassment, intimidation or bullying (HIB) in the past school year. She added that her door is always open to students.
English teacher and National Technical Honor Society adviser Kelly Harmon then recognized the medalists from her Skills USA national team. This team competed in June in Kansas City, or, as Harmon called it, “city of fountains and great barbecue”.
Senior Hayley Tarleton of Manasquan travelled to Kansas City on scholarship and competed in Advertising and Design while senior Francesca Reznik of Ocean was awarded first place in the nation for extemporaneous speaking.
Reznik was recognized again later in the assembly as a silver medalist for the Presidential Volunteer Award, completing over 100 hours of service.
“I actually wasn’t expecting to be nominated for the Presidential Service Award, so I was really surprised,” Reznik said. “It felt really good to be recognized in front of the whole school, since both that and Skills USA took a lot of time and hard work. They’re both things I’m really passionate about, so I hope by them bring brought to attention at that assembly, it will encourage others, especially freshmen, to get involved.”
Senior Ashley Chu of Manalapan was also honored as a gold medalist of the Presidential Volunteer Award, documenting upwards of 250 hours. Both Reznik and Chu are members of National Honor Society and serve on the council for Cultural Communications Club, a club dedicated to volunteering and raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The last order of business before rolling in the frozen treats was a speech from senior and SGA President Kevin Milton of Hazlet. Milton encouraged students to make the most of the year ahead, not only for academic purposes but also personal goals. Milton emphasized growth and challenged students to find the one thing that they’re passionate about. During his introduction, Milton shared some of his own passions.
“I like Yankee Candle almost as much as Michael Buble,” Milton said. “I hope I can rally people to be more involved. The success of the year is contingent on what the people want for themselves.”
After directing audience attention to the back of the cafeteria, Milton introduced the reappearance of the Italian ice truck. Senior Jordana Deutsch of Manasquan said this was a welcome sight.
“I’m kind of glad that it’s a thing now,” Deutsch said. “This got me through the day.”
Freshman Skye Howes of Millstone took more than a tie-dyed tongue away from the assembly.
“Everyone treats each other like a family,” she said.