MHS Teachers and Awards organizers Chris Giddes (left) and Lauren Volosin (right) smile for a photo with student awardee Patty Agtarap (center).
June 2, 2016 – This year’s recipients of the Metuchen High School STAR Awards was announced at a dinner held at the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen on June 1, 2016. The award was launched in 1992 by the then MHS Vice-Principal Fred Butler, Metuchen YMCA director Bill Lovett, the Rotary Club of Metuchen, members of the Metuchen First Presbyterian Church, and other community leaders. The award goal is to honor and celebrate deserving MHS students, teacher and support staff whose accomplishments and selfless contributions might have otherwise gone unrecognized. After Fred Butler’s retirement, this very successful program was continued by Ms. Dianne Kuenzel and Ms. Joan Zebrowski for another ten years. After a five year hiatus, MHS Principal Mr. Bruce Peragallo recognized the program’s ability to effectively coalesce the Metuchen community and the high school, and with the help of Chris Giddes and Lauren Volosin, reinstated the program in 2011.
“The event was a great success, and we are looking forward to continuing this great revitalized event in the coming years,” said Social Studies teacher Chris Giddes, who helped spearhead the event.
(From left to right) MHS Principal Bruce Peragallo, Rev. Ellen Clark Clémot of First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen and Metuchen School District Superintendent Vincent Caputo.
2015-2016 Star Award Winners
Rookie of the Year
1) Awarded to a freshman who has truly made a place for him or herself at the school. This individual has greatly contributed to his/her class.
2) Awarded to a new/transfer student who has truly made a place for him or herself at the school.
- Hannah Young
- Sameen Khan
Bulldog Award
Awarded to a student who best exemplifies the values and beliefs of the Metuchen school district.
- Michael Spark
Helping Hand
Awarded to the student who most actively involved themselves both inside and outside of the community with regard to volunteer activities.
- Sarah Michaliszyn
Spirit Award
Awarded to the student who inspired others to feel enthusiasm, devotion, and a strong regard for the honor of their organization and school.
- Carly Taylor (Carly’s mom in photo)
- Divij Gupta
Trailblazer
Awarded to the student that developed innovative and creative solutions to successfully overcome challenges and obstacles within their organization/club.
- James Galeota (Father in photo)
Unsung Hero
Awarded to the student who has demonstrated a consistent unselfish commitment and dedication toward achieving the goals of their organization/club without regard for public recognition or acknowledgement.
- Patricia Agtarap
- Claude Alano
Distinguished Writer of the Year
Awarded to the student writer who best represents impartiality and fluency of writing. This individual has shown great dedication to their publication as well as versatility in their writing.
- Emily Perlmutter
- Sara Karlovitch
Theatrical Performance of the Year
Awarded to the student / group who has demonstrated outstanding theatrical ability over the past year.
- Jazmynn Perez
Musical Performance of the Year
Awarded to the student/group who has demonstrated outstanding musical ability over the past year.
- Jessie Lee
- Megan Mandrachio
Artistic Performance of the Year
Awarded to a student/group who has demonstrated outstanding artistic ability over the past year.
- Dale Macauley
Organization of the Year
Awarded to the organization/club that has contributed the most, in the past year, to the entire school community.
- MHS Band (Accepting the award, Assistant Band Director John Flynn)
Administrator of the Year Award
Awarded to an administrator who actively participated in the sustaining of student, staff, parent, and community relations.
- Sean Powers
Support Staff of the Year
Awarded to a Metuchen High School staff member, other than an administrator or faculty member, who has given outstanding service and devotion to the students of the school.
- Charlene Nicholls
Faculty Member of the Year
Awarded to a member of the faculty who worked both in and out of the classroom to maintain student-faculty relationships throughout the school community.
- Jim Thomas
- Val Gazda
Faculty Helping Hand
Awarded to a faculty member who most actively involved themselves both inside and outside of the community with regard to volunteer activities.
- Bonnie Stanski
Faculty Spirit Award
Awarded to the faculty member who inspired others to feel enthusiasm, devotion, and a strong regard for the honor of their organization and school.
- Lynda Wisniewski
Community Organization of the Year
Awarded to the community organization that played a vital role in supporting student success at Metuchen High School
- Metuchen Savings Bank
Club Advisor of the Year
Awarded to a faculty club advisor that helped facilitate the work of club members and promote individual student interests
- Eileen Wagenblast
STAR Awards Legacy Award
Awarded to a faculty club that has worked tirelessly to continue to legacy of the Star Awards Program through the years.
- Bruce Peragallo
