15:23The most notable moment of the meeting was the celebration of the KJS United hockey team. The team, consisting of students from Kinnelon, Jefferson, and Sparta, claimed the public co-op ice hockey championship. The board lauded the young team for their dedication and resilience throughout the season. Despite challenges, the team excelled in the state tournament, entering as the eighth seed and ultimately emerging victorious at the Credential Center.

In addition to the hockey team’s success, the meeting highlighted various student accomplishments in academics and arts. Kinnelon High School announced its class of 2025 valedictorian, Miranda Dce, who will attend Princeton University, and salutatorian Sarah Gar, set to join NYU’s Stern School of Business.

45:50The meeting also celebrated musical talents, with several young musicians from the Kinnelon School District recognized for their achievements. Clarinet players Michaela Gatala and Amelia Jeek, along with bass clarinetist Isabella “Izzy” Holman, were acknowledged for their contributions to the North Jersey Area Band. The district’s representation in the competitive New Jersey Region One Junior High Band was also highlighted, with trombone players Richard Cho and John Fusa earning first chair positions.

51:48Choral achievements were similarly celebrated, with students like Savannah Mango achieving high rankings in competitive choir selections. The recognition extended to those participating in the Morris Area Choir, with the audience applauding the dedication and talent of these young singers. The emphasis on arts and music was a central theme.

01:04:23The meeting also recognized various sports teams and individual athletes. In wrestling, the team showed significant improvements, culminating in a notable second-place finish in a recent tournament. Individual wrestlers like Lucas D Lorenzo and Wyatt Cisco were highlighted for their impressive performances, with Cisco advancing to the regional tournament and qualifying for Atlantic City. The wrestling program was praised for its growth and the strong foundation laid for future success.

01:13:56Similarly, the bowling team had a standout season, finishing undefeated as conference champions and setting a new school record for wins. The team’s achievement was noted as a continuation of their success as state champions the previous year. Individual bowlers received recognition for their outstanding performances, further establishing the program’s reputation for excellence.

In track and field, athletes like Joseph Mendy and Sora Hinton were celebrated for their performances in various events, with Mendy qualifying for the Meet of Champions and Hinton setting school records and qualifying for Nationals.

The Kinnelon School Board meeting also addressed future plans, including the upcoming budget adoption for the 2025-2026 school year. The board urged community involvement in understanding budgetary changes and their implications for taxes. Superintendent David C. Mango emphasized the importance of school as a focus for students amid societal issues, encouraging families to cherish these moments together. Plans were announced to extend the Memorial Day break into June if no additional emergency days were used.