Hoboken High School Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Hoboken High School has long been a stalwart of excellence and service to the community, and so it is fitting that on the weekend of September 28 and 29 we held a celebration to mark its bicentennial. To mark this celebration, we held an inspirational in-school assembly, a high-spirited alumni football game and fun filled block party. As part of the festivities, we have formed an Alumni Scholarship Fund, to award to a deserving senior who exemplifies the Redwing tradition of excellence and service.

During the assembly students were treated to a riveting performance by Patrick Jude, class of 1970. Patrick has had a successful career both on Broadway and in film, beginning with his debut as Judas in the original cast of Jesus Christ, SuperStar. Pat entertained the audience with a powerful opening number from that play and a medley of songs by Hoboken’s favorite son, Frank Sinatra.

Another alumni sharing her voice  with the student body was the beautiful and talented Deandra Soto, class of 2008. Deandre had the crowd on their feet with her rousing renditions of “Last Dance” and “Firework.”

Another great musical moment was the premier performance of “Oye Como Va” by the Alumni All-Star band under the direction of Mr. Peter Ising and  featuring 13 time Grammy nominee, Julio Fernandez, class of’73. On bass, returning to Hoboken High, where he was both a student and a teacher, from his many performances in the orchestra pits on Broadway, was Irio O’Farell. On bass and percussion, Director of Special and Alternative Education, Tom Fitzgibbons, class of ’66 rocked the house. Playing keyboard, the heart of the Rockin’ Redwings Jean Roman, Class of 2001, showed his students how to rock.

The student body was also mesmerized by five alumni speakers who epitomize the Redwing tradition of excellence and service including; Chief of Police Anthony Falco, Retired Fire Captain Frank Guzman, former Hoboken teacher and thespian Margo Singagliese, Executive Director of the Housing Authority Carmelo Garcia, and returning United State Army Medivac Pilot Mike Grieco, who received a hero’s welcome.

Another highlight of the program were several videos created by Ms. Kelly, Mr. Munoz, Mr. MacAulay and his media art students. One such video was a tribute to Mr. Thomas Gaynor the first principal of Hoboken High and the “architect” of the Redwing tradition. Student were particularly moved by a video tribute to four young graduates who were killed in action during the Vietnam Conflict.

Current Junior Destiny Reddick said that she was “moved by the whole experience, just watching the former students was amazing.”

Highlights of the alumni football game included spirited performances by both the Alumni Marching Band and cheerleaders. The current Redwing team closed the day in typical Redwing fashion with a victory over Hudson Catholic.

The crowd of students and former students then spilled out into the fun filled block party and were treated with student performances, games, and children’s activities. Music provided by Music In Live Productions had everybody dancing in the streets into the night.

Seniors who wish to apply for the Alumni Scholarship are asked to write an essay on the Redwing tradition of excellence and service and submit it to Ms Kelly.