In an exciting new development for the students and staff, Ashleigh Norton has been given the position as a temporary guidance counselor, filling in for Victoria Lewis who is currently on maternity leave. Norton has been a guidance counselor for young people for ten years, although this is her first time working in a school. Before joining Nutley High, she worked at Plaid House, a group home that provides residential and supportive services to students with psychiatric and emotional needs.

This year, a welcome change arrived in the halls as Ashley Barnes stepped into her new role as vice principal.

The Nutley choir and band held their annual holiday concert at Saint Mary's Church on Friday, December 12th. It’s a tradition to go to St. Mary’s every year, and many students enjoyed the chance to perform in front of hundreds of audience members.

Over one hundred scholarships were awarded to seniors in the auditorium on May 30 at the annual Scholarship Awards ceremony. Donors from local businesses and organizations helped present scholarships to those who applied, giving students help with college tuition, fees, or any post high school plans. 

Many students volunteer for the school in order to help out within the community. Whether it's performing community service, or  trying to raise money for people in need, some students will do whatever they can to help out the high school and the Nutley community.

During the third marking period, life as a senior tends to lull. The days start to blend together; classes begin to feel more and more stagnant; the never-ending burden of the dreaded senioritis takes full control. However, every year, there is one event that helps to liven the senior class: one event that, for just one night, brings everyone together in a way unlike any other.

The Senior Fashion Show.

Many additions and improvements have been made to the Library/Media Center, and according to staff members, there's more work to be done. 

Due to the recent craze on social media, the highly marketed insulated tumbler brand, Stanley, has gained millions of new supporters throughout the nation. 

With this rapid increase in popularity, the brand’s supporters, both old and new, have purchased a wide range of Stanley merchandise. The Stanley products come in various colors and sizes with the same purpose to hold beverages throughout the day. 

The NHS Instrumental Program held their Winter Concert on February 15, 2024 in the auditorium and showcased all of their jazz, band, and string ensembles. The concert, originally planned for February 12, 2024, was delayed due to the snowstorm that overwhelmed the North Jersey area. 

The Key Club held its annual Blood Drive in the auxiliary gym on October 10th from 8:15-2:15, with Mrs. D’Urso and Miss Mazza as its sponsors. Students 16 years and older with signed permission slips were able to donate blood to help save lives. Free raffles, gift cards, gift baskets, and more were available for all who donated, and donating seniors received red cords for graduation. 

More than eighty scholarships were awarded to NHS students on Tuesday, May 23 at the annual scholarship ceremony. The Class of 2023 came together for the occasion, which served as a celebration of academic excellence and student achievement. It was an evening filled with pride, joy, and countless scholarship opportunities for these talented students. 

Last Wednesday, May 24th, students and staff from the NHS Music department were commended by the Essex County Board of Commissioners, complete with certificates, group photos, and an impromptu performance of "Alma Mater". 

The NHS Music Department earned superior and first place awards at the Music in the Parks festival in Washington D.C. Freshman Daniela Recio said, “Knowing that Nutley won first place and superior makes me feel super proud of myself and my classmates."

The groups that participated included Concert Choir, Choralettes, Chamber Singers, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra.

Nail care has become increasingly popular among high school students as a form of self-expression and a way to make a statement. From simple manicures to intricate nail art, adults and teens alike are exploring a wide range of nail trends.
 

The NHS Winter Guard has had a season never to be forgotten, complete with trials, tribulations, and quite the haunting show. 

This year’s program, performed at competitions every Saturday, is titled, “Abandoned.” The show features a cast of a group of dolls and a singular human. The program will be performed for the last time at championships on Sunday, April 23. 

On March 26, 2023, Jody Rohlena, an executive editor at Reader’s Digest, spoke to NHS’s journalism class and any other students interested about her career in journalism. 

Written by Jada Garcia and Sarah Nugiel

On March 19th, the NHS music program will open the doors of the large gym, decked out with tables and stages to offer performances in jazz, orchestra, pop, and more. Students from both Nutley High School and John H. Walker Middle School will be performing in groups that they chose themselves.  

The Women’s Activism Club and the Key Club  are partnering up together for the first time to host a hygiene drive throughout the high school, where the collected supplies will be donated to an organization in need. Women’s Activism member Silia Dimasi said, “While there have been school-wide drives where the proceeds go to organizations helping women, this is the first drive created with the intention of using Women’s History Month as an opportunity to give to those less fortunate.”  

Due to recent discoveries of asbestos in the school’s library, renovations have been halted on a space that the students of Nutley High School need. Principal Dennis Williams said, “I can’t give an exact estimate on when it’ll be open, but after talking to contractors and architects; it shouldn’t take long, maybe a couple of renovations and mostly cosmetic things.” 

As the largest extra-curricular student participation day at NHS comes closer, the preparations have begun. Raiderfest is three months away and student council members and the advisors are going to make sure this is a day no one will forget. Advisors are doing everything they can to improve this year's Raiderfest based on last year's.