On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Saint Joseph Regional High School hosted its final open house for the Class of 2029. SJR welcomed over three hundred people, who learned about the school’s many academic, athletic, extracurricular, and service opportunities. In case you missed it, here's a recap of all the key moments from Open House 2024.
As families began to arrive, they were checked in and welcomed into the Inserra Theater, where they enjoyed a variety of musical pieces from the SJR band. The event formally began at 6:30 with an opening prayer from SJR’s president, Mr. Bob Fazio, followed by the national anthem, performed by the SJR chorus. Then, Principal Michael Bruno ‘05 and Joseph Lizzi ‘26 addressed all the prospective families. One memorable quote from Mr. Bruno’s speech was that “Leadership is incredibly important to who we are,” and Joe Lizzi said “The thing I value most at Saint Joe's is the sense of belonging.”
Tour Stops
After these speeches concluded, the families were split into their assigned groups and sent off to hear from faculty, staff, and students at seven different stations: performing arts, guidance, curriculum, academic philosophy, campus ministry, athletics, and student activities.
Performing Arts
Director of the Performing Arts Department John T. Asselta P'94, '97 along with Elijah Jackson ‘26 and Jack Meyers ‘27 discussed the many accolades the SJR Performing Arts has received as well as the many benefits of participating in theater, chorus, and band.
Guidance and Campus Ministry
Mrs. Arlene DiFiore and Joe Panepinto ‘25 described the role of guidance during the underclassmen years and during the college admissions process. Director of Campus Ministry Mrs. Jeannie Podest and Jake Fitzsimmons '26 and Christopher Pinto-Spiegel '25 talked about service opportunities at SJR and how they have participated in them.
Curriculum and Academic Philosophy
Assistant Principal David Stoto and T.J. McCarthy '25 explained to prospective families the levels of classes students will be able to take throughout their time at SJR, ranging from College-Prep to Donnelly Scholars. Assistant Principal Stephen Trivino and Kevin Konovitch ‘25 detailed the academic drive students need to succeed, from doing homework every night to talking to teachers when they need extra help.
Athletics and Activities
Reginald Sainte-Rose '92, the Athletic Director, 4-star running back John Forrester ‘25, and all-state golfer Michael Asselta ‘26 talked about the many different sports SJR has to offer throughout all three seasons. Finally, Director of Student Affairs Patrick Kivlehan ‘08, Student Activities Coordinator Daniela DiMeglio, Andrew Riley '25, and Rowan Raghnauth '25 discussed the many extracurricular activities available at SJR and the typical life of a Saint Joe's student.
After the families attended each of the seven stations, they headed to the cafeteria for some light snacks and refreshments and then to the gym to meet with coaches and the heads of some of SJR’s most prominent clubs, such as Performing Arts, SJR Media, and Student Council.
Applications are open for the Class of 2029. Families can begin the application process here:
Private High School | Apply Now | Saint Joseph Regional School
The St. Joe's community looks forward to welcoming these families back for Accepted Students Knight on January 29th, 2025.