Rutherford Recognizes RHS Academic Decathlon State Champions

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Photo credits: Borough of Rutherford Facebook page

This past Saturday, March 27th, the Rutherford Police Department, Rutherford Fire Engine Co. 2, and the Rutherford Volunteer First-Aid Ambulance Corps participated in a caravan to each Academic Decathlon team member’s house. Mayor Nunziato, Chief Russo, Captain Sean Farrell, Council members (Matthew Cokeley, Maria Begg-Roberson, Tom Mullahey, and Stephanie McGowan), Board of Education members (Greg Recine, James Bogosian, Sergio Alati, and Diane Jones), Mr. Jason Narozny (Academic Decathlon Advisor), Mr. Jack Hurley (Superintendent), and Principal Mr. Frank Morano distributed awards and a proclamation from the Mayor's office to each team member. The Academic Decathlon team members won the State Championship this year despite all the challenges they faced due to the pandemic and social distancing rules.

Mr. Jason Narozny, Academic Decathlon Coach and Advisor and RHS English teacher, told TIR, "I'm so grateful for the support shown by the administration, the BOE, and the town. After a year of studying in relative isolation, it was tremendously validating for the team to receive such a public celebration of their accomplishments!"

Principal of Rutherford High School Mr. Frank Morano explained, “The smile (behind their masks) was ear to ear. It was truly an amazing event. Even in this difficult time, our community has once again shown that we really are one FAMILY!”

"It was a great way to honor the hard-working students and Coach Narozny who have represented Rutherford well. I appreciate the Mayor and Council, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Ambulance Squad, and the Board of Education for giving recognition to our state champions. "Superintendent Mr. Jack Hurley