ALJ Juniors and Seniors strut their stuff on the catwalk to show what's trending in prom fashions this year.  Video produced by Henry Yau and Ed Lasinski.

By Dan Collins--Courtesy of TapintoClark.com

CLARK, NJ -  Arthur L. Johnson High School junior Chris Fuschetto achieved a milestone 100 career varsity wrestling victories on Friday afternoon, becoming the school’s first-ever junior to accomplish the feat. Fuschetto pinned Henry Condado of Franklin Township High School just 14 seconds into their match to secure the win.
Fuschetto said the milestone feels great, but his mind is set on more major goals on the mat, and continuing to wrestle hard.
Fuschetto is the fourth wrestler at ALJ to reach the 100-win mark.  He joins Kyle Gregorio (2016), Anthony Priore (2007) and Andy Trzcinski (1994), who all reached it in their senior years.

“It was so awesome to see Chris get win No. 100,” senior and teammate Mike Brennan said. “He is well deserving of it because he is easily one of the hardest workers on our team and also one of our best leaders. I can't wait to see how many he can finish his career with next year and hopefully break some more records in the process.”
Fuschetto said he is motivated by winning, and that’s what gets him ready for every practice and match.    He said he never envisioned achieving the milestone of 100 career wins in his junior year, thinking it would definitely be his senior year when he would wrap up the accomplishment.
“It’s pretty nice to see because he works so hard to succeed at his goal especially as a junior,” teammate and junior Dan Olenick said. “It’s very impressive for him to get 100 wins.”
A wrestler since he was four years old, Fuschetto credits his parents, teammates and coaches for supporting him throughout his career.   Fuschetto said he’s been highly influenced by wrestling coaches Dan Hilt, Donnie Defillepis and Craig Frost.


He’s enjoyed his time on the ALJ team and proudly recalls county and district title wins as other high-points in his high school career.
“It’s been good, it’s been a good ride,” Fuschetto said. “I have another year, so I just have to keep going.”
“First of all, it’s an honor to have a guy with 100 wins after three years,” Johnson head coach Mike Siter said. “He’s going to set the record here at Johnson High School. Not too many guys in the state have 100 wins in their junior season, so it’s an honor coaching a wrestler like that, who puts in the time in the offseason, during the season, after practice and so on. It’s an honor to coach Chris Fuschetto.”
Fuschetto offered words of advice for others who want to try and achieve the things that he’s been able to do up to this point.
“You have to able to work hard in the room all-day and every day,” Fuschetto said. “You got to want to do the work.”
As he looks ahead to his senior year of wrestling, Fuschetto said his main goal is to place in the top five ranking in the state of New Jersey.
“It’s great to see Chris, he’s one of the hardest working kids in our school and it shows with his performance on the mat in the three years he’s been there,” Gus Kalikas, the athletic director of the Clark Public School District, said. “100 wins is a great accomplishment for a senior, but to do it his junior year, it’s unheard of and we can’t wait to see what he does for the rest of his career.”

By Maria Valente--Journalism Student
Most students who attend ALJ usually do not return to the school to pursue a career. However, there are a few teachers who attended the school and returned to work with a new generation of students. For example, Ms.Celso attended ALJ as a student and later returned to be the school’s librarian. Its different to see the education students are getting through the eyes of a student versus a teacher or school employee. “Over the years since I was a student here things have changed educationally for students having more technology” Ms.Celso stated as she went on to explain how she felt how in ten years from now, students at ALJ will have more advanced technology. Technology plays a strong role in education; for instance one generation will be writing research papers and gathering their information from textbooks, compared to the next generations who use the Internet and online databases to find information to type their paper.
Ms.Celso actually has an experience working with people who she once had as teachers, which most students don’t get. “When I went to school here, some of the teachers I had included Mr. Marcin, Ms.Donaldson, Mr.Silber, Ms.Vaccari, and Mr.Corby.” Ms.Celso went on to list teachers she had that currently teach at Johnson.
Over the years there has been a few changes in the school, including the most recent change of block scheduling. She believes the block scheduling has a few good benefits to it including students receiving an activity period and also longer classes. “Part of what I do on a daily basis is to plan activities for students to participate in during their activity period,” said Ms.Celso. This year, multiple college representatives have recruited in the library during both activity periods to inform students about their programs and help plan the futures of ALJ students. Ms. Celso  states, “I would love to start a book club here at ALJ. Reading is so important, it helps students learn from multiple perspectives”. She mentions that reading articles, magazines, and books can help students learn literature from different perspectives.

This article was produced by the Journalism class as  part of a series on new teachers and staff at ALJ. Look for more articles in the coming weeks. 

​Jessica Pak graduated ALJ in 2014. She joined the military because it had been her dream since she was a little girl. Her grandfather was a Marine from 1948-1952. Jess said, “The way he stood and presented himself until the day he passed, made me want to be a part of the elite fighting force.”
At ALJ Jess was an officer for Key Club three years, where she was interested in giving back to the community. Joining the military seemed like the next logical step.
Jess graduated boot camp October 24th, 2014 as a squad leader and a private first class. “Boot camp was nothing for me growing up with a tough family and being on cross country and track and field.”
Commenting on her deployment, Jess said, “The best part of joining is that I'm doing what I love, welding and helping others in their community.” Her first deployment from Japan was to the Philippines where she worked to build a 75’ bridge for a humanitarian project.
Jess soon became friendly with children from the nearby town. “I became really close with the Saavedra family. Their two sons Raquem and Jay practically became my sons the three weeks spent in the Philippines.
Joking around, they would call her“Momma Pak.” They watched her work  and they taught her their culture. According to Jess there is tremendous poverty in the Philippines. “I bought the two boys and their younger brother shoes and socks. A group of Marines also bought them soccer balls and basketballs.”
In addition, even grade school education is not free in the village. Jess was able to sponsor six children for the upcoming school year. She hopes to continue the relationship and find other ways to help the village, possibly including ALJ or the Key Club.
Jess is back at her base in Okinawa, waiting for the day when she can return to visit “her kids.” 

The Crusader Today is re-running this story from October 2015. Jess Pak was recently featured in the Defense Video Distribution System  as seen in the  welding picture above. For more on this story click on this link: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/3149734/grinding-her-gears​ 

Language Arts Instructor Ms. Palma spends her workday teaching and discussing great works of literature.  Did you ever wonder what your LA Teacher has on his or her bookshelf?
We have the answers in this premiere edition of  By the Book produced by Emily Macmillan.

Courtesy of Tapintoclark.com--By Dan Collins 

CLARK, NJ-  Records were made to be broken, and Arthur L. Johnson High School junior George Visconti did just that on Saturday afternoon in Clark.  With a free throw in the fourth quarter of a high-pressure game against Summit High School, Visconti sank the shot to become the school's record-holder in varsity basketball points.
He now stands at 1,416 career varsity points, surpassing Kevin Boyle, who set the previous record with 1,415 points back in 1980.
“I was just overwhelmed with happiness,” Visconti said. “Today was a nice reminder that all my hard work pays off. And I know that milestone wouldn't have been attainable without support from my family, friends, and coaches. I felt very blessed after that game between my achievement and our 16th victory.”
Visconti reached a milestone 1,000 career varsity points on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 against East Brunswick Tech HS.
On the afternoon, Visconti scored 20 points to lead the Crusaders past the Hilltoppers by a final score of 70-65.
The Crusaders knew they had a tough task on their hands as they took the court against the Hilltoppers. It would prove to be a close and hard-fought battle by both teams, with Johnson holding a slim 17-15 advantage over Summit at the end of the first quarter. The teams would carry the match over to the second quarter, seesawing back-and-forth, finally ending the half in a 37-37 tie.



With each shot and minute critical in the close game, the Crusaders outscored the Hilltoppers 18-17 in the third quarter. They started the final period with the slimmest of leads, 55-54, to keep it exciting.
The Crusaders outscored the Hilltoppers 15-11 in the final quarter, effectively securing another win for Johnson, as they continue with their historical season.
Also for Johnson, sophomore Brandon Hund scored 13 points, while senior Brendan Stanzione and sophomore Brenden Kelly cashed in 12 points apiece in the win. Junior Joe DiProfio added 11 points for the Crusaders.
For Summit, senior Chip Roriston led all scorers with 22 points in the loss, while senior Will Schaffer put up 16 points for the Hilltoppers.
The Johnson Crusaders (16-1) are now on a seven-game winning streak and will head out on the road to play at J.P. Stevens High School (Edison) Thursday night at 7:00 p.m.
The Summit Hilltoppers (9-10) are back in action when they return home to play against Roselle Abraham-Clark High School Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m.
Earlier on Saturday, the Crusaders girls varsity basketball team hosted Westfield, losing to the Blue Devils by a final score of 44-38. They are currently 8-10 on the season, with their conference record standing at 6-2 so far.

​The ALJ Guidance Department has announced a number of new courses that will be offered for the 2017-2018 school year. New courses are offered in Mathematics, Social Studies, Foreign Languages, Business Education, Cultural Arts and Physical Education. Students will begin registering for courses beginning February 12th. Some courses are subject to a number of requirements, recommendations and/or prerequisites. Students should consult their guidance counsellors for additional information. The following summaries give a description of the new course. For a full description of the courses please refer to the Program of Studies available under “Guidance Department” on the school website.
 
Engineering: Design Thinking:
This semester course is designed for seniors who would like to take a fourth-year mathematics course or a mathematics elective. The course will provide the opportunity to engage in a number of design challenges: open-ended projects that encourage students to work collaboratively to achieve a desired goal within given, limited parameters.
 
AP Human Geography
The AP Human Geography course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications.
 
New Jersey History
This semester course will provide insights into the fascinating history of the region from the first settlers to recent immigration patterns. Students will delve into specific topics including the original inhabitants, the settlement of the area by the Dutch and English, the American Revolution, Industrialization, the Civil War, the 1920's, World War II and more contemporary social and cultural issues.
 
American Civics
This semester course will provide an introduction to the foundations of American government and its operation in our present-day society.  Students will study the theoretical and practical aspects of citizenship, its rights and duties; the duties of citizens to each other as members of a political body and to the government.
 
Spanish Language and Culture
This is a beginner course designed to expose students to Spanish culture and initial language skills.  This is an alternative to the traditional Spanish 1 class and is available to classified, eligible students.  The course is designed for students who require additional remedial work to develop basic proficiency levels necessary to succeed in Spanish.  
 
American Sign Language
Advanced grammatical constructions and vocabulary are introduced. Goals for the course include improved conversational fluency as well as continued familiarity with American Deaf culture
 
Shorthand and Personal Notetaking
This course is designed for those interested in learning shorthand, improving their skill and communicating in classmate discussions on a variety of shorthand subjects.  It will focus on speed, efficiency, and privacy of note taking for high school, college classes, and business meetings.
 
Keyboarding & Computer Applications
Keyboarding is a one-semester course designed to help students develop speed and accuracy by learning the touch operation of alphanumeric/keyboard characters.  Students will work with the Microsoft Office Software Suite program, as well as specific typing programs to develop proficiency in business office skills.  
 
Stagecraft
In this semester elective course, students are provided with an opportunity to study staging and set design for school productions. They create stage scenery and props and utilize special techniques for painting scenery. In addition, they learn how to operate stage lighting equipment to create mood, special effects, and lighting patterns.
 
Coaching, Education & Team Building
This Coaching, Education, and Team Building course provides a unique curriculum for students, assisting them in creating a healthy and age-appropriate athletic experience that supports the educational mission of our nation's schools. Students will leave this course with NFHS Certification in both Concussion and Heat Acclimatization.
 
Advanced Health & Nutrition
Proper nutrition can optimize fitness throughout one’s life. This course will help students learn practical tips on how they can model and use proper nutrition for fitness and as a lifelong goal. In addition, strength and conditioning techniques will be taught and implemented, designed for any individual with specific conditioning programs
 
AP Seminar
AP Seminar is the first of two full year courses in the AP Capstone™ program.  It is a college-level thinking and research skills course that explores academic and real-world questions, problems, and issues from different disciplines and from multiple perspectives. Special focus is given to facilitating student learning in collaborative settings, while motivating students to think critically and innovatively about research questions.
 
 
 
 
 

The ALJ Crusader of the Month for February 2017 is senior, Gianna Randazza. The 2016 Wendy’s Heisman Award winner is a three letter varsity athlete, participating in Softball, Track, and Volleyball. She earned her gold letter in Track and also signed to play Division 1 Softball at Boston College next fall. As an inductee of the French National Honors society, Gianna also shows strength in the classroom. She participates in French Club, Yearbook Club, Peer Leadership, and Heros and Cool Kids.

While she does not have much free time, when she does she enjoys working out and doing makeup. Her favorite thing about ALJ is the school spirit and her coaches.

Gianna’s plan after High School is to attend Boston college to play Softball, major in biology, and pursue a career in physical therapy. ​

​On January 29, 2017, Meaghan Gallagher, of Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark, N.J., joined together with over 140 female student-athletes from New Jersey’s high schools, colleges, and universities at Seton Hall University in celebration for National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NAGWS).  NAGWS is one of the largest events in the state that recognizes women’s athletics. Meaghan was nominated by her coach for her accomplishments as an outstanding high school female athlete in soccer, basketball, and track & field. 
 
NAGWS is recognized in all 50 states to honor the success of female athletes and recognize the struggle for equality for women in sports. The Outstanding Athlete Awards were presented to one individual from each high school, junior college, and college in attendance.