The lights dimmed to a soft glow as students’ excited shouts and applause filled the auditorium while the 2026 Hall of Honor inductees walked down the aisle. Each of these twelve inductees is an alumnus who represents J.P. Stevens from different decades, ranging from 1980 to 2011. Fifty of the school’s most accomplished student leaders and outstanding Edison Township staff members gathered at the Hall of Honor to commemorate the returning Hawks. The ceremony commenced with short yet significant words from Dr. Kim and other Edison Township staff members. They welcomed the inductees with open arms and soon allowed the coordinators, Mrs. Brandstetter and Ms. Lasko, to take the stage. The words from the coordinators’ speech were guided by the motto “Welcome Home,” warming up the atmosphere for the alumni.
The goal of the Hall of Honor, when it was established, was to showcase the immense success that is possible for current J.P. Stevens students. The program’s founding purpose continues to shine today, with each occurrence seeing the return of impressive individuals who seek to inspire the students at the school they once attended.
The success of the event could not have been made possible without the prior extensive planning by the Hall of Honor Committee and the coordinators. Since its debut in 1997, thorough organizing and outreach by the Committee Heads were required to carry out the celebration. Whether from social media, from newspapers, or by chance, the call for Hall of Honor nominations reached J.P.’s most notable alumni.
The orchestra performed to celebrate the homecoming of JPS’s prominent alumni, gracing the room with a melodious serenity. The choir then performed a harmonious piece to align with the theme of “home” as the alumni took in their meaningful words.
After the performances and speeches, the auditorium lights darkened further for a video presentation about the alumni. It displayed images of the school from the 1970s to today, revealing the stark contrast between the decades, but also highlighting the similarity in school spirit. The video had sparked positive reactions from the crowd, from gasps of confusion to smiles of awe. After showcasing the school, snapshots of the alumni’s lives over the decades were spotlighted. From their high school photos to images of their thriving adulthood, they represented how J.P. Stevens had laid a foundation for their success.
The event moved from the tall auditorium walls to the library, a fitting symbol of J.P.’s stored wisdom for an occasion of knowledge exchange. Brought by the FCCLA, a wide variety of food was arranged, ranging from fried rice to chocolate treats. As student representatives and Hall of Honor inductees indulged in a meal, meaningful experiences and lessons were offered to eager, youthful ears. J.P.’s student leaders leaned in as they absorbed stories from “the best of the best,” as referred to by Mrs. Brandstetter.
One of the unforgettable guests was Jeremy Kashan, an Emmy Award Winner and producer. Gathered from the experiences of his profession, he emphasized the importance of defining a fulfilling future based on what brings you happiness rather than money. Sarada Peri, a speechwriter and political strategist who worked with President Barack Obama, discussed the reward of independence and crafting your own path.
Mrs. Brandstetter, who has headed the Committee for the past 15 years, glowed at the impressive results of “bringing people home.” To her, the magnitude of the event was matched by the heartwarming reactions of the alumni to the drastic changes at the school. J.P.’s students and staff look forward to bringing home the next round of J.P.’s alumni, who demonstrate the very excellence we strive to echo.
