* Names have been changed.

Sexual education in high school is a sensitive subject, but the topic needs to be discussed more. Here at NHS, sex ed is taught in junior year; however, what is known about high school juniors is that many of them have already begun having sex before they first step into their sex-ed class. Nearly three in ten 13-year-olds to 16-year-olds are sexually active and “have been with someone in an intimate or sexual way,” according to NBC News. 

Fall is arguably one of the best seasons, especially the drinks. Every year stores like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts come out with their seasonal specials. This year they even have some new additions like Dunkin’s Blood Orange Refresher and Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato. People rave about the drinks waiting for them to return, but how good are they?

On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, Nutley High School had its annual art show. The show took place from 6PM to 8PM and included art from students throughout the school, the National Art Honor Society induction ceremony, music by the NHS jazz lab, and food made by the NHS Culinary Department. “I am so happy with how well everything turned out, everybody did a great job. I am so proud of the students for doing such a great job setting up and preparing for the show,” said Angela Melchionne, one of the art teachers at NHS. 

On Friday, May 20, 2022, Nutley High School had its first-ever Wellness Day. The event was in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness month which takes place each May. The theme was "Together for Mental Health" and the Wellness Day focused on both mind and body health and wellness. The event included breakfast, Yoga, dances, music, a Walk-A Thon, and each student received a shirt. “I am very excited about the event, it is the first of its kind. Mr. Johnson and I hope to make this a new tradition if all goes well,” said Mrs. Lewis, a NHS school counselor.

On April 1, 2022, Nutley’s boys' volleyball team had their first game in Nutley High School history. The team defeated Immaculate Conception High School (25-14, 25-22). The varsity team consists of 16 players and is coached by Amy Gewecke and Kevin Reilly. The boy's volleyball team is a new program. So, the team has to do a lot of hard work to get ready for the season, “a lot of our preparation has been focused around getting our fundamentals sound and beginning to gel as a team on the court.,” said Gewecke. 

In recent months, the gas prices in the United States have skyrocketed. New Jersey’s gas prices in particular have increased. According to AAA, on March 2, 2022, the average gas price in Jersey was $3.68 and on March 7, 2022, it was $4.17. This is only the difference between one week. A year ago New Jersey’s average gas price was $2.84, which is almost a dollar difference in only a year. From February 1st to March 1st the average gas price had already increased by 22 cents.

February break has been somewhat of a question in recent years as many schools around the United States have started to get rid of this time off.  For example, schools in Pennsylvania and Ohio have one day off for Presidents Day, but not the whole week. 

After winter break many schools in New Jersey decided to go virtual for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks weeks. This is something students all around the globe have been all too familiar with within the past year. Harrison, Belleville, and Kearny are some of the many towns that needed to implement virtual learning, once again, after the holiday break.

On December 7, 2021, Salvatore Balsamo spoke to the Maroon & Gray and the new term that is approaching. Mr. Balsamo has lived in Nutley for his whole life; he grew up on Beach St. Mr.Balsamo feels as Nutley has helped him grow into the man he is today, “There are so many people that have helped me in both big and small ways. Most of them were friends, neighbors, and teachers here in Nutley,” 

On October 27, 2021, Sam Pesin, the current president of Liberty State Park (LSP) spoke on behalf of the park and the privatization plans he is trying to fight. Sam’s father founded the popular Liberty State Park, Sam has spent most of his life in the park either helping his father, enjoying the scenery, or fighting for the park. “My father, Morris Pesin spent 18 years leading the movement to create the Liberty State Park, and I will spend my life making sure it stays open for the people just like he intended no matter what,” said Pesin.