District Cultivating Community Celebration
The 2nd Annual Edison Cultivating Community Celebration took place this spring, at John P. Stevens High School, with the theme Amplify Impact, Inspire Change. The showcase brought together over 450 students and families across all 19 schools in Edison Township Public Schools celebrating community and belonging. This event was a true celebration of Edison Township's Teacher Champions and R.I.S.E. student leaders , who collaborated to share their passion, creativity, and commitment to driving positive change in the school community. Organized by Dr. Hitisha Patel and the Teacher Champions —Nicole Brown (LNC), Alexandra Mendoza (WES), Meghana Vaghani (BEN), Jessica Rodriguez (MAR), Kristen Calenda (MEN), Amy Fuentes (MON), Camille Catalon (LND), Samantha Bruno (WBK), Thu Win-Lee (MLK), Megan Benson (JMI), Jessica Sanchez (JMP), Neha Coles (HHMS), Frank Saverino (JAMS), Sam Laiso (TJMS), Haley Connell (WWMS), Sanyogita Padhye-Basu (JPS), Katie Stellakis (EHS), Tom White (Music & Visual Arts Supervisor)—the evening spotlighted projects and programs that create spaces of belonging for all students. The program opened with an uplifting performance by the Woodbrook Elementary Choir, led by Marisa Tomasella, featuring Kusimama, Lift Me Up, and Rise Up , combining powerful vocals with messages of hope and unity. The JAMS Drama Club, led by Frank Saverino, energized the crowd with Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast Jr., while the J.P. Stevens Dance Ensemble, led by Cara Stine, concluded performances for the evening with vibrant choreography. The performances highlighted the district’s focus on belonging and artistic excellence. Following the performances, attendees took a self-guided tour of district-wide projects and art displays from all K-12 schools. Student-led initiatives highlighted connections, creativity, and community. Projects such as Food for Thought and Flavors of Family explored themes like food insecurity, sustainability, and identity, while read-alouds of Maddi’s Fridge an d That’s Not My Name sparked empathy and reflection. Upper-grade students led book clubs, created food trucks inspired by their heritage, and designed Share Tables to reduce food waste, while younger students engaged in buddy programs to build lasting friendships with their peers. Hands-on activitie s like keychain-making, bento box conversations, and SEL crafts gave students the opportunity to express themselves and connect with one another. Additionally, schools highlighted the importance of belonging, kindness, and embracing others for who they truly are. Stations such as Books of Belonging, Night of the Arts , and Lincoln Inspires celebrated student voices through literature and art, while programs like The Etiquette Experience, Stomping Out Stereotypes, and Words Make Herds fostered thoughtful conversations around family traditions, respectful language, and support systems. The Cultivating Community celebration was a truly inspiring evening, honoring the dynamic student leadership that continues to flourish within Edison Township. We look forward to a great celebration next year!
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