Contacts

House Office Secretary
Mrs. Hernandez

Senior Class Advisors
Mr. Bucci
Ms. Viggiano

Guidance Counselors
Mrs. Moscoso
Mr. Verderosa
Mr. Santoleri

Good morning,

I hope everyone had a great week. Wishing all of our students and families a relaxing and enjoyable winter break—may this time be filled with rest, joy, and special moments with loved ones. As a reminder, Monday, 12/22, we will follow a normal bell schedule, and Tuesday, 12/23, will be an early release day. School will be closed from 12/24 through 1/4, and we will reopen on 1/5. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year refreshed and ready for continued success.

Happy New Year!

Please see message below from Mr. Vinson:

Dear Hightstown High School Community,

Winter Break always gives us a chance to slow down and reflect, and as I do, I am reminded just how proud and grateful I am to serve as the Principal of Hightstown High School. After many years in education and more than a decade leading this school, HHS continues to mean a great deal to me.

What makes HHS special has never really changed. It’s the people—the students who show up each day ready to learn and grow, the staff who care deeply about doing the work the right way, the families who support and challenge us, and the alumni and community members who remain connected long after their time here has passed. That sense of pride and tradition is something I value greatly.

I am thankful for the opportunity to provide steady leadership and continuity. Schools are at their best when there is trust, strong relationships, and a shared sense of purpose. Those things are built over time, through consistency and commitment, and I am proud of what we continue to build together.

As the year comes to a close, I hope you are able to step away, spend time with those who matter most, and enjoy some well-earned rest during Winter Break. Thank you for the trust you place in our school and for allowing me the privilege of leading this remarkable community.

Wishing you and your family a restful Winter Break and a healthy, happy New Year.

Dennis Vinson

Principal Hightstown HS

Dear Hightstown High School Community,

I hope this message finds you well. Hightstown High School has always taken pride in recognizing individuals who contribute meaningfully to the life of our building. Over the past several years, we have established meaningful recognitions such as the HHS Coach of the Year and the HHS Club/Activity Advisor of the Year, both honoring those who play a vital role in shaping the culture, spirit, and opportunities available to our students.

This year, during the Educational Services Professional of the Year nomination process, our committee received a thoughtful and compelling nomination for Ms. Maninder Sud, one of our school secretaries. While her nomination reflected exceptional dedication and service, state guidelines do not allow secretaries and several similar roles to be recognized under that specific award category.

This moment prompted an important reflection.

Many of our non-instructional staff members—those who serve our school quietly and faithfully each day—do not currently fall within an existing formal recognition category. Yet their contributions are essential to the daily success of Hightstown High School.

Our secretaries, security officers, cafeteria staff, custodial teams, building and grounds employees, building-based substitutes, and administrative support staff are truly the backbone of our school. Their work ensures that our building is safe, welcoming, and fully operational, allowing teaching and learning to take place each day. Their impact is steady, meaningful, and deeply appreciated.

For this reason, we are proud to announce the creation of a new annual recognition: the HHS Ram Strong Service Award. This award has been established to honor a non-instructional staff member who consistently goes above and beyond in service to our students, staff, and families, and whose work reflects the values and pride of the Hightstown High School community.

Inaugural Honoree

We are pleased to share that Ms. Maninder Sud will be honored as the inaugural recipient of the HHS Ram Strong Service Award. Ms. Sud’s professionalism, warmth, and unwavering dedication to our school community make her an outstanding choice to receive this first-ever honor. She represents the very best of Hightstown High School, and we are grateful for the care, commitment, and consistency she brings to her role each day.

Looking Ahead

Beginning this year, the HHS Ram Strong Service Award will become part of our school’s annual tradition of recognizing excellence, alongside the HHS Coach of the Year and HHS Club/Activity Advisor of the Year awards. Together, these three honors reflect the many ways individuals contribute to the strength, spirit, and success of Hightstown High School.

Each spring, we will open a formal nomination process for all three awards, providing our community with the opportunity to recognize colleagues who consistently go above and beyond in service to our students, programs, and school culture. As we look ahead, we encourage staff to begin thinking about individuals whose dedication, professionalism, and commitment truly embody what it means to be Ram Strong, and who would be worthy of future nomination.

This new award affirms a belief that has guided our school for generations:
Every role matters. Every contribution strengthens our community. Every individual deserves to be seen and appreciated.

Thank you for your continued support of Hightstown High School and for helping us celebrate all who make this a special place to learn and grow. 

Sincerely, 

Principal Vinson

Daily Announcements

• HHS Daily Announcements

Class of 2026 Google Classroom 

The following announcements were posted to the Class of 2026 Google Classroom during the week of 12/15.

Lisa Moscoso

Scholarship Info: Each year, the Junior League of Greater Princeton awards scholarships to female high school seniors who have demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and volunteerism. Applicants may apply for a $1,500 award for excellence and leadership in ongoing volunteer work and commitment to the community. They must reside in the Junior League of Princeton service area (Mercer County, New Jersey, and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.)

The 2025/2026 Scholarship Application Process is now open! We have recently transitioned to an online application process.

All applications must be received by February 6, 2026.

JLGP Volunteerism Scholarship Application - 2025-2026

https://vms.ajli.org/?nd=vms_public_form&form_id=1006381

Nicholas Gonzalez

NEW DATE FOR ASVAB!

Sign up for the February 6th, 2026 ASVAB using the QR code on the flyer! 

*If you signed up for the cancelled exam date, please make sure to sign up again so we can confirm your attendance for the new date*

ASVAB Sign Up

Google Forms

Jennifer Riggi

Please see message below from Mrs. Lisk:

2026 Superlative Voting is officially live!

Seniors have until Friday 12/19 to vote for Superlatives, but it must be filled out from your School Account. 

Voting is reserved for SENIORS only, and the form can only be filled out once!

Cast your votes for your fellow Seniors here:

https://forms.gle/19SVLtQBY63QfsMT9

Any issues/concerns, please email Mrs Lisk: hlisk@ewrsd.k12.nj.us

Good afternoon,

I hope everyone had a great week. Please see attached reminders and announcements for the Class of 2026.

Have a nice weekend!

Important Reminders

• Early Dismissal - 12/23

• No School - 12/24-1/2

• School Reopens - 1/5

Daily Announcements

• HHS Daily Announcements

Class of 2026 Google Classroom 

The following announcements were posted to the Class of 2026 Google Classroom during the week of 12/8.

Vincent Verderosa

As a reminder, any student with a January 1st deadline, will need to submit their college applications by December 15th

Vincent Verderosa

Sign up for the February 6th, 2026 ASVAB using the QR code on the flyer located in the counseling office! 

*If you signed up for the cancelled exam date, please make sure to sign up again so we can confirm your attendance for the new date*

Announcement: "Navy will be in Cafe R today during…"

Vincent Verderosa

Navy will be in Cafe R today during lunches!

Announcement: "NEW DATE FOR ASVAB!! Sign up for the…"

Lisa Moscoso

NEW DATE FOR ASVAB!!

Sign up for the February 6th, 2026 ASVAB using the QR code on the flyer located in the counseling office! 

*If you signed up for the cancelled exam date, please make sure to sign up again so we can confirm your attendance for the new date*

Announcement: "Good afternoon, Just a reminder: Please…"

Jennifer Riggi

Created Dec 8

Good afternoon,

Just a reminder: Please see attached information if you are interested in registering for the Seal of Biliteracy exam. The last day to register is 12/12/25.

Seal of Biliteracy 2025-2026 Poster.pdf

PDF

SOB Brochure 2025-2026 EDITED.pdf

PDF

Announcement: "If you are interested in attending the…"

Vincent Verderosa

If you are interested in attending the registration session with Mercer County Community College, where a representative will help you complete your application. Please fill out the interest form. The representative will be coming to the school on January 21st.

Google Forms: Sign-in

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYGjMWE8pqCzj1B1nHTbTjzLHifTwcW-9q33PfYi6IRRkWUQ/viewform

Announcement: "SCHOLARSHIPS! $$$"

Vincent Verderosa

SCHOLARSHIPS! $$$

Scholarship Application - Trade Academy Scholarships

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/34559/trade-academy-scholarships

Good morning,

I hope everyone had a great break. Please see attached reminders and announcements for the Class of 2026.

Have a nice weekend!

Class of 2026 Senior Town Hall 12.4.25

Important Reminders

• Early Dismissal - 12/23

• No School - 12/24-1/2

• School Reopens - 1/5

Daily Announcements

• HHS Daily Announcements

• This is a friendly reminder that the New Jersey Climate Improvement Survey (NJSCI) link was sent to all students’ school email accounts with their password. Students completed the survey during today’s activity period.

Class of 2026 Google Classroom 

The following announcements were posted to the Class of 2026 Google Classroom during the week of 12/1.

Jennifer Riggi

Just a friendly reminder - 

Superlative Nominations:

Superlative Nominations & directions can be found here:

https://forms.gle/5BGaj3dbG44JU2DQA

Nominations will be collected and then the voting form will go out at a later date based on accepted nominations. 

You have until Sunday, 12/7 to fill out this form.

Senior Quotes:

Senior Quote Submission can be made here:

https://forms.gle/7rZDz22zQQRXVmgy6

You have until Friday, 12/19 to submit your quote. Choose wisely!

Any questions, please email Mrs. Lisk hlisk@ewrsd.k12.nj.us or come to Room 701

Vincent Verderosa

If you are interested in attending the registration session with Mercer County Community College, where a representative will help you complete your application. Please fill out the interest form. The representative will be coming to the school on January 21st.

Vincent Verderosa

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Transcripts will not be sent without completion of this form

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM:

The link below is the Transcript Request Form

This form MUST be completed before a transcript will be sent.

Complete this form AFTER you have submitted your application.

To ensure that materials are processed and received on time, allow AT MINIMUM 10 BUSINESS DAYS (Any day a school is in session) prior to college deadline dates for processing. 

Fill out one transcript request form for each round of applications. If you apply to multiple colleges on the same day, list them all on one form. If you apply to more colleges later, submit a new form for those.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsqbd_p1At8muQZhQTTaEuEpYZGEtcAUQNOW-NjKROpSckMw/viewform

Alexa Lopez

INSTANT DECISION DAY: RAMAPO COLLEGE 12/12

For those of you interested in Ramapo College, they have rescheduled their Instant Decision Day with us. The Admissions Rep from Ramapo will be here on Friday, 12/12 to meet with individuals who have applied already. 

If you need a refresher on what Instant Decision Day (IDD) is, Instant Decision Day is a special opportunity for Seniors to meet one-on-one with college admissions representatives and receive a decision based on their application materials. Please note: These admission decisions are non-binding, which means that if you are accepted, you are not required to attend that college. You may still explore other schools and make your final choice later.

If you have applied and are interested in this event, please reach out to me ASAP - alopez@ewrsd.k12.nj.us since I will need to write you a pass to attend the event on 12/12!

Jennifer Riggi

Please see attached information if you are interested in registering for the Seal of Biliteracy exam. Further details will be reviewed at tomorrow's Town Hall meeting. Thank you!

SOB Brochure 2025-2026 EDITED.pdf

PDF

Seal of Biliteracy 2025-2026 Poster.pdf

PDF

Vincent Verderosa

Next week the NAVY & ARMY will once again be in the lunchroom during lunches available for you to ask questions and gain valuable info.

Announcement: "UPDATE: The ASVAB test has been…"

Lisa Moscoso

UPDATE:

The ASVAB test has been CANCELLED for Wednesday and will be rescheduled to a later date in the near future. Be on the lookout for the new test date and sign up form for those students who signed up.

Vincent Verderosa

SCHOLARSHIPS!$!$

scholarship newsletter 2026 (1).pdf

Vincent Verderosa

MID YEAR REPORTS INFORMATION:

Mid Year reports will go out to all colleges when they become available once semester 1 ends, which will be around beginning to Mid February.

*You do not need to contact your counselor about sending Midyear reports*

Lisa Moscoso

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Transcripts will not be sent without completion of this form

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM:

The link below is the Transcript Request Form

This form MUST be completed before a transcript will be sent.

Complete this form AFTER you have submitted your application.

To ensure that materials are processed and received on time, allow AT MINIMUM 10 BUSINESS DAYS (Any day a school is in session) prior to college deadline dates for processing. 

Fill out one transcript request form for each round of applications. If you apply to multiple colleges on the same day, list them all on one form. If you apply to more colleges later, submit a new form for those.

Google Forms: Sign-in

https://forms.gle/VKMRuAsKE1jGnrzq9

Good Afternoon,

Due to the weather forecast for tomorrow, we will be rescheduling our
Powderpuff football game.  The new date and time will be WEDNESDAY,
DECEMBER 3rd, from 4:00-6:00pm.  Hopefully the weather and temperature
will cooperate with the new date.  Please reach out to your junior or
senior class advisors with any questions or concerns.

Hope to see you next Wednesday!

Mr. Bucci, Ms. Viggiano, Mrs. Terrusa, and Ms. Vallo
Junior and Senior Class Advisors

Dear Students, Parents/Guardians,

For the HHS graduating Class of 2026, each graduating high school senior is required by law, as part of New Jersey’s graduation requirement P.L. 2023, c.295, to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJAFAA) in order to receive a diploma. Students/families who do not wish to complete the FAFSA must submit a waiver form to satisfy this requirement.

More information about FAFSA and the process for applying can be found here.

Beginning today, when you log into the parent portal, you will be prompted to complete a form to indicate whether you plan to submit the FAFSA or you would like to waive the requirement. If you choose to waive the requirement, this waiver will serve as your completion of this graduation requirement. 

Please reach out to your student’s counselor if you have any questions.

Important Reminders:

• Report Cards Posted - 11/24/25 4pm

• Powderpuff - 11/25/25 5pm

• Early Release - 11/26/25

• No School - 11/27/25-11/28/25

• Town Hall - 12/4/25 9:40am

• Activity Period - 12/5 9:30am

Daily Announcements

• HHS Daily Announcements

Class of 2026 Google Classroom 

The following announcements were posted to the Class of 2026 Google Classroom during the week of 11/17.

Announcement: "Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law Team…"

Vincent Verderosa

Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law Team Education Scholarships.

Multiple scholarship categories are awarded within this opportunity. Award categories include enrolled high school, 2-year college, 4-year college, Nursing, Law School, Medical School, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students. Awards are $1000. Deadline is December 1st. For more information visit https://lambergoodnow.com/lg-scholarships/ . 

Announcement: "ASVAB Testing Information-- please see…"

Vincent Verderosa

ASVAB Testing Information-- please see attached.

ASVAB Testing Information

Announcement: "Scholarships!" Vincent Verderosa

Scholarships!

Scholarship Newsletter

Announcement: Vincent Verderosa

Going Merry- Scholarships (December)

Going Merry Scholarships - December 2025

Announcement:

HIGHTSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK SALES DETAILS
Order your 2026 HHS Yearbook today and save $$$, the pricing increases on 12/1!

• Order online at https://yearbookordercenter.com/ (Use Order Number: 13330) 

• Orders placed by 11/30: $90 and includes a name stamp AND save $10 off the regular sale price of $100.

• Orders placed from 12/1 to 1/23: $95 and includes a name stamp.

• Orders placed from 1/24 until sold out: $100, name stamps will no longer be available.

• We order a very limited number of Yearbooks to be sold in person, so make sure to get one by pre-ordering yours today!

For Seniors Only: Order your Baby Ram for the 2026 Yearbook!

• A Baby Ram Ad is a short message and baby/childhood photos submitted by the parent/guardian of any 2026 Senior for inclusion in the yearbook to honor their Seniors. 

• If ordered by 11/30, a Baby Ram will cost $25

• If ordered starting 12/1: a Baby Ram will cost $35

• The deadline to submit Baby Ram orders is 1/31, so act fast!

• Order your Baby Rams at: https://yearbookordercenter.com/ (Use Order Number: 13330)

• Baby Rams are a much-loved Yearbook tradition here at HHS, we hope you will buy one for your favorite Senior today!

• If you have any questions on Yearbook or Baby Rams, please email Mrs. Lisk: hlisk@ewrsd.k12.nj.us

Good morning,

I hope everyone had a nice week. Moving forward, I will be sending a weekly email that includes important updates and messages that were sent to the Class of 2026. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Have a nice weekend!

Important Reminders:

• End of MP 1 - 11/17/25

• Report Cards Posted - 11/24/25 4pm

• Powderpuff - 11/25/25

• Town Hall - 12/4/25 9:40am

• Early Release - 11/26/25

• No School - 11/27/25-11/28/25

Daily Announcements

• HHS Daily Announcements

Class of 2026 Google Classroom 

The following announcements were posted to the Class of 2026 Google Classroom during the week of 11/10:

Announcement Vincent Verderosa

The Equal Opportunity Program  and the Pre Medical Pre Dental Plus Program  at Seton Hall University offer educational and financial support to eligible New Jersey students of academic promise from disadvantaged backgrounds. EOP & PMPDPP combine the financial assistance from the Educational Opportunity Fund, along with academic support: tutoring, structured study, academic advisement, opportunity for community service, internships and counseling services throughout the college experience.

To learn more about EOF at Seton Hall, we invite you to attend a virtual information session exclusively for NJ school counselors. During this session, you will have the opportunity to hear from staff from both the EOP and PMPDPP, where you can learn more and have your questions answered.

During this session, we will cover the below topics:

• Benefits of the Educational Opportunity Program

• Benefits of the Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Plus Program

• How to apply to EOF Programs

• Family Income Requirements

• Application Deadlines

We look forward to meeting you and answering any questions that you may have!

Announcement Vincent Verderosa

Top 5 reasons students choose LIM College.

Dear Vincent,

We're LIM, a boutique-style college located in the heart of NYC! Our programs offer a unique focus on the intersection of business and fashion — with an emphasis on learning by doing.

Vincent Verderosa Created 8:17 AM

FREE MONEY!

The Elks National Foundation offers multiple scholarships to more than 850 High School students every year:

- 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽s:

Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2026 competition. Ranging from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. Applicants do not need to be related to an Elk; all current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply. The 2026 MVS application closes on November 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/MVS.cfm

-𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀:

Legacy Awards are $4,000 scholarships available to children and grandchildren of Elks members. Eligibility requirements are outlined on the elks website listed below. Application deadline is February 2, 2026, 11:59 a.m. Pacific Time. NOTE: This is NOON, mid-day, Pacific time.  https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/Legacy.cfm

New Jersey State Elks Association also awards several scholarships to high school students:

-𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗘𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:

This scholarship is available to graduating high school students or within four years of earning a high school diploma or a GED. Applicant must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of New Jersey on the date that the application is submitted. Application must be submitted to the student’s local Elks Lodge, postmarked between March 5, 2026 and May 12, 2026. Application will be available March 2026.

-𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗘𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:                                                                    These $900.00 scholarships are available to children, grand-children and great-grandchildren (step-children, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren) of New Jersey Elks. High school seniors as well as college freshman, sophomores, and juniors can apply.  Application will be available April 2026

-𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗘𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:

The Special Children’s Committee awards two $10,000 scholarships ($2,500 per year) and two $4,000 scholarships ($1000 per year). They are awarded to two graduating male high school seniors and two graduating female high school seniors from the State of New Jersey. For more information click here:

 https://www.njelks.org/images/Scholarship/2025_Application.doc

-Elks Americanism Essay Contest:

A program of the Elks' Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee, this contest is geared towards students in 5th through 8th grades to promote patriotism among young people and give students the opportunity to thoughtfully evaluate and express their views on the selected annual theme. This year's theme is, “What Does Service to Your Country Mean To You?”  There are four separate divisions for 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th grade students with awards for each grade level — •$1,000 for 1st; •$500 for 2nd; •$250 for 3rd.  Essays should be submitted to your nearest local Elks Lodge on/before December 15, 2025.  For eligibility requirements and application, click here https://www.elks.org/programs/americanism.cfm

If you require further information about any of the items listed or would like to know more about our Lodge, please feel free to email our Lodge Scholarship Chair, Pat Stecher at hightstownelks@gmail.com, or our State Scholarship Chair: Jennifer Appaluccio at jenappaluccio@gmail.com or scholarship@njelks.org.

Announcement: "UPDATED SCHOOL PROFILE:" Vincent Verderosa

UPDATED SCHOOL PROFILE:

2025-2026HHSSchoolProfile.pdf

PDF

Vincent Verderosa Created Nov 10

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Transcripts will not be sent without completion of this form

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM:

The link below is the Transcript Request Form. This form MUST be completed before a transcript will be sent. Complete this form AFTER you have submitted your application. To ensure that materials are processed and received on time, allow AT MINIMUM 10 BUSINESS DAYS (Any day a school is in session) prior to college deadline dates for processing. Fill out one transcript request form for each round of applications. If you apply to multiple colleges on the same day, list them all on one form. If you apply to more colleges later, submit a new form for those.

Google Forms: Sign-in

https://forms.gle/YpAZtLYcWtbMT5Sz7

Announcement: Lisa Moscoso

College Application Fee Waiver Alert

Drew University: DREW30

Announcement: Lisa Moscoso

Please review our Scholarship Newsletter for several opportunities.

Scholarship Newsletter

10/23/25

Good afternoon, 

If you’re interested in playing in the 2025 Junior vs. Senior Powderpuff Game on November 25, please make sure you complete all of the following steps to be considered an official player:

1. Complete the Player Form linked. 

2. Fill out the Jersey Order Form with your last name, desired number, and size. 

3. Submit your $36 payment through HomeTown Ticketing by Thursday, October 28.

4. Attend at least two mandatory practices. Failure to attend at least two practices will prevent you from participating.

5. Submit your permission slip to your class advisor.

All steps must be completed in order to participate.

Back to School Night: September 17 at 6:00PM

Senior Planning Night: September 24 at 6:00PM