A highlight of the meeting was the plea from a student, Charlie Ford, who advocated for the establishment of a JROTC program at the school. Ford emphasized the advantages such a program could offer, not just for himself but for fellow students aspiring to military careers. He outlined how JROTC would improve physical fitness, citizenship, and overall student engagement. Ford shared that he had collected over a hundred signatures in support of the initiative. He also suggested that funding for the program might be available through the U.S. Army and other state or federal resources, urging the board to consider moving forward with the proposal.

Support for the JROTC program was echoed by a board member who highlighted local maritime industries and the potential for the program to broaden career options for students. Another member stressed the importance of offering diverse pathways beyond the traditional college route, recognizing military service as a valid career path. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the evolving nature of education and a commitment to exploring the program further in upcoming committee meetings.

In addition to the discussion on JROTC, the meeting also featured updates on student and community initiatives. Marissa, the president of the student body, announced a partnership with local food banks for a food drive, aiming to collect 1,400 pounds of food for distribution to local communities, including the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and the 12 Basket Food Pantry in Sterling. This initiative was part of a broader effort to engage students in community service and address local needs.

The meeting also celebrated student achievements, with a report from student representative Juliana Santos. Mr. Gangoff was recognized as the NHS teacher of the year, reflecting on the dedication and character of his students. A particularly notable achievement was by Emily Wang, who was celebrated for her first-place achievement in the state on violin, serving as concertmaster for the New Jersey All-State Orchestra, and receiving the Governor’s Award in Music. This award marked a significant accomplishment for Emily, as she became only the second student from Watchung Hills to earn this distinction.

The meeting also provided updates on upcoming events and initiatives. Superintendent Elizabeth C. Jewett extended warm Thanksgiving greetings and shared details about the next board meeting scheduled for December 9th. The meeting will feature a public portion celebrating retiring board members and staff member Patricia Tobin, and recognize a student for their accomplishments. Additionally, auditors will present a report on clean audits, and representatives from the Rowan Regionalization Institute will engage in discussions with the board.

The superintendent also reported the success of the recent fall play, “Puffs,” which was well attended and praised for the students’ performances. Preparations for the upcoming spring musical were mentioned. The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude and good wishes for the holiday season.