Local Media NJ Staff – Page 41

Meet local kid Nate, a spunky 7th grader who aspires to join the military and travel the world when he is older

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on January 6, 2025. Posted in Local Kids, Local Kids, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL, WESTFIELD LOCAL.

SPOTLIGHT Name: Nate Age: 12 Grade/school: 7th Family Member Names: Mom, Dad, Older Sister Pet’s Name/type: Dog – Theo Something unique about me: I am an Advanced Brown Belt actively working towards my Black Belt in Karate. I am fascinated by World War II and am trying to teach myself how to play the acoustic guitar. When I grow up, I want to join the military. FAFORITS Activities/Hobbies: Karate, video gaming, mountain biking Animal: Giraffe Color: Aquamarine Food: My mom’s Pasta Bolognese Movies: Toy Story Music: Hip Hop and Rap Place to play: Riding my bike around town with friends Sports...

Local Arts & Culture

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on January 6, 2025. Posted in WESTFIELD LOCAL.

Student Artist Receives Nationwide Recognition Westfield High School 12th grade Sophia Basaldua has been selected among 50 students nationwide to have artwork featured in College Board’s 2024 AP Art and Design Exhibit, a digital presentation of exceptional student creativity. Her work was chosen from over 80,000 submitted art portfolios. “This year’s exhibit features high-quality student artwork showcasing diverse ideas, styles, materials, and processes,” writes Dr. Rebecca Stone-Danahy, Director of AP Art and Design at College Board. “The 2023 AP Art and Design Exhibit has had over 250,000...

“Build Westfield” in LEGO!

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on January 6, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, WESTFIELD LOCAL.

“Build Westfield,” a workshop where families recreate beloved buildings out of LEGO, will be held on Saturday, February 1, from 1 to 3 pm in Cafeteria B of Westfield High School, 550 Dorian Road. Working from photographs, fifty teams are invited to build models of commercial, institutional, and residential buildings representing a variety of architectural periods. Organized by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) in collaboration with the Westfield Recreation Department, this is the third annual program designed to celebrate civic pride while fostering appreciation of Westfield’s rich...

Champions Often and Forever: WHS Girls Soccer Wins the Conference, County, Sectional and State Championships!

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on January 6, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, Local Sports, WESTFIELD LOCAL.

Westfield High School’s girls’ soccer team clinched the New Jersey State Championship in a 1-0 thrilling victory over Eastern Regional High School. The match, which took place in a high-stakes, intense atmosphere, saw Westfield’s tactical discipline and individual brilliance shine through. Blue Devil sophomore Emilie Caidgan broke a scoreless tie in the final 2 minutes of the game to secure the win. The Blue Devils took control early in the game, showcasing strong defensive organization and clinical finishing. But despite controlling possession most of the game, the offense...

Cranford Girl Scout Troop Spreads Holiday Cheer with Pajama and Book Drive

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on January 5, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, WESTFIELD LOCAL.

Over 134 Pajamas and 80 Books Collected for Local Children in Need, Donations to Support Special Needs Students and Pajama Program Beneficiaries In the spirit of the holiday season, Cranford Brownie Troop 40400, part of the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Council, hosted its 4th Annual Holiday Movie Night at the Cranford Theater on December 4, 2024. The event welcomed over 300 Girl Scouts and their families across three theaters and collected 134 pajamas and 80 books for The Pajama Program, an initiative that provides children in need with a new pair of pajamas and a book to ensure a cozy bedtime. Brownie...

Children’s Grief Awareness Day

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on January 4, 2025. Posted in WESTFIELD LOCAL.

Cranford Township Committee proclaimed National Children’s Grief Awareness Month (observed in October) and Children’s Grief Awareness Day (observed every year on the third Thursday in November) during its official meeting on November 12. Pictured, Cranford Mayor Brian Andrews presents the proclamation to Pat Keefe, a board member of Imagine. The mission of Imagine is to support children and families coping with loss and to foster resiliency and emotional well-being for all those who grieve. Imagine currently serves 600 children and family members in New Jersey, and among those, Imagine supports...

Cranford High School Earns Gold with Access Recognition by College Board for 2024 Advanced Placement Program School Honor Roll

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on January 4, 2025. Posted in Local Education, WESTFIELD LOCAL.

College Board announced that Cranford High School has been named to the 2024 Advanced Placement Program School Honor Roll, earning “Gold with Access”. Cranford is one of four public high schools in the state to earn this recognition. For schools to be recognized on the AP School Honor Roll, they must have 40 percent or more of the graduating class take at least one AP exam during high school; 25 percent or more score a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam; and 2 percent or more of the graduating class took five or more AP exams during high school, with at least one of those exams taken in ninth...

You Can Fund Your Children’s College Education and Retirement Simultaneously – Here’s How

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on January 3, 2025. Posted in Local Finance, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL, WESTFIELD LOCAL.

Many parents face the challenge of saving for their children’s college education while also building a nest egg for retirement. Funding both priorities simultaneously can feel like a juggling act – and the stress can intensify as high school graduation and retirement dates draw nearer, particularly if you’re coming up short on your savings goals. As your time horizon narrows, which should come first – funding your kid’s tuition or your own retirement? The answer depends on your situation, but here are some factors to keep in mind: Prioritize college bills or retirement? In most cases, saving...

Marching Band Named Grand Champion

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on January 3, 2025. Posted in Cover Feature, WESTFIELD LOCAL.

The Westfield High School Marching Band wrapped up its 2024 fall season with impressive performances. The Marching Blue Devils placed 1st in their division at the Scotch Plains and Piscataway competitions, while being named Grand Champion for the highest score among all competing bands. In East Brunswick, they placed 2nd in their division and 2nd overall. The band finished the season, performing in the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association State Championships where they placed 3rd in Class AAAA, and received the 4th highest score of the over 30 high school bands in attendance.

Author: Local Media NJ Staff