Lockers have been a staple in American schools since the 1920s, and since then have been iconically known through media and pop culture. Theoretically, they offer students a safe space to keep their belongings throughout the day; and, not so long ago, it was the norm for students to make use of their lockers. In fact, they used to be so popular at NHS that freshmen would have to share their lockers with each other. So, what changed over the years? Why is no one using their locker?

On Friday, April 4th, 2024, at 6:45 P.M, the doors of Nutley High School opened, and students in elegant dresses and sharp suits entered the Gymnasium, tickets in hand, with only one thing on their mind: the Junior Formal. 
 

On this Valentine’s Day, from the red, pink, and white roses sent out by the class of 2024, to the singing telegrams melodically sung by the show choir, love sure is in the air here at NHS.

For most high school students, the weekend is a time to relax from their stressful week, hang with friends, and spend time with family. Most teens like to enjoy their weekends doing typical teenager things. However, for some, the hard-work doesn’t stop after that 5-day school week. For freshman Viha Kothakonda, this is definitely the case.

NHS faculty and Student Council (STUCO) from all grade levels hosted their second annual Raiderfest on Friday, May 19th. This event was held on the Oval, and began right after lunch until the end of the day. Students who purchased a Raiderfest t-shirt for their grade level were invited outside to sit in the stands and watch the events, while all students who signed up for events got to participate in them.

We're nearing the end of the 2022-2023 school year. Just 3 weeks remain until the NHS graduating seniors, donning their maroon and white caps and gowns, walk on stage and receive their diplomas. As they embark on the next chapter in their lives, there’s no doubt that numerous seniors have found themselves already becoming a little nostalgic. College is a whole new world when you leave high school. You never truly know what’s in store for you.

This raises the question: What colleges are the seniors of NHS going to?

After seven total games of wiffle ball, the high school finally crowned a champion of this year's wiffle ball tournament held on Friday, April 28. Each game was played under a running clock of 35 minutes with physical education/health teacher Kevin Reilly as this tournament's umpire. Only 10 players were allowed on the field at a time including the pitcher, so teams were constantly rotating their field players each inning. Physical education/health teacher Eric Puzio said, “Each game was intense but it was great to see everyone out there participating.

In previous years, juniors at NHS were only able to take either general education (gen-ed) English III or Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition as their prerequisite English course for 11th grade. This made many incoming juniors, when choosing their courses, question whether they would be capable of taking an AP-leveled course or if they should just take a gen-ed class.

Plans are underway for fifteen students from each physical education class to take part in a wiffle ball tournament on Friday, April 28 in the Oval. The tournament winner will take on a team composed of teachers and administrators that afternoon during the last period of the day. 

Students who wish to participate should email their physical education teacher or speak to them in person. 

Coffee lovers can now rejoice as a new cafe has opened up in the heart of town. Coming to Nutley less than 4 months ago, in November 2022, Cupily Cafe, located at 399 Franklin Ave in Nutley, NJ, is now a popular coffee choice for NHS students. Students love its close-by location, yummy drinks and snacks, pricing, and welcoming atmosphere.

          It’s senior year and that word instantly gets thrown in your face. Some kids hate it, some love it: college. It's the thing that teachers and parents always brought up and reminded you about but as a student you never really did much about. College is basically the result of a student's hard work for the past 12 years of their education. So, it is much more than a school you go to for four years after high school.

The Community Outreach Representatives for Education (CORE) held a Halloween lunch on October 28th in the Principal's Conference Room to welcome incoming freshmen and transfer students. CORE Vice President Skyler Yero said, "It's nice for the freshman because they’re adjusting to a new school so being involved with the upperclassmen will make them feel more comfortable.” 

Vice Principal Mr. Jandoli thought of an idea for a school-wide Fall Festival, and his idea was carried out on Wednesday, October 26, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. This event was held in the hallways outside of the auditorium and all throughout the big and small gymnasiums. Student Council officers from all grade levels and faculty members were in charge of setting up prior to the festival, along with cleaning up once the event was over. 

As a senior in high school, I wish I would have known just a few things about high school my freshman self didn’t. A lot of kids might feel like high school is so hard and overwhelming, but I’m here to show how you can truly enjoy your years throughout high school. Although it’ll take dedication, time, and effort, these 10 steps will help allow incoming students to prosper into the individual they’ve always wanted to become. 

As a freshman, the senior prom is something all students look forward to. Getting dressed up in glamorous gowns, beautiful heels, and lots of makeup is something that the girls cannot wait to do. The class of 2022 at Nutley High School finally got to enjoy their senior prom after many disappointments regarding COVID. 

I remember my first day of freshman year like it was yesterday. Walking in the building for the first time was the most adult feeling ever. I felt like the stereotypical lost freshman that you see in the movies but I quickly adapted and realized that high school is not as bad as it seemed. 

Four years within Nutley High School is the equivalent to 1,386 school days in total. As I get ready to graduate and continue my education at Montclair State University as an English major, I reflect back on my years at NHS. Although times were tough and many tears were shed, NHS has helped me grow in unimaginable ways.

Ramadan is something I hold close to my heart. It’s been something I’ve been celebrating my whole life, some sort of constant in this crazy world. However, I only feel trepidation for the conclusion. The idea of not having to go to the Masjid every night or to not fast every day feels strange to me. It has become the new norm in my life. Wake up, go to school, go to the Masjid.

On Wednesday, December 1st, Nutley High School hosted its annual Senior Fashion Show at the Valley Regency in Clifton. Each year, seniors get the opportunity to dress up either formally or casually or they can show off their talents by participating in the “skit” portion of the show. The Fashion Show is an event that helps the senior class fundraise for prom at the end of the year. All seniors are able to get involved and put on a show for their friends and families. 

On Saturday, October 30, 2021, the NHS Marching Band will head up to Union High School for the New Jersey State Championship. This weekend, months of practice and performing will be put to the test as they face off against five other schools in a high stakes competition.