The ALJ Senior class held their traditional class trip to Dorney Park on Wednesday June 14th. Dorney Park has been the destination for the Senior trip for many years because of its great rides, included water park and great group rates. Ninety-nine students, Senior Class Advisors, Mrs. Jacobi and Mrs. Marciano, along with a crew of fun-loving teachers descended on the park early Wednesday. 
While the weather was a bit unsettled at first, it cleared quickly and warmed up a great deal. Roughly half the group headed for the water park while the rest enjoyed coasters and rides in the dry park. Even Mr. Rapp and Mr. Delmonaco could be found riding the most extreme coasters like Hydra, Steel Force and many others. Math teacher Mr. Silber also enjoyed the experience. He said, "When I first arrived I didn't think I would ride anything too extreme, but the guys convinced me to try it. I don't trust those guys anymore. All kidding aside, it was a great time." 
As the last few days wind down for the Seniors, they cross off one more event from their "senior bucket list." 

It was the perfect afternoon for outdoor photos of the prom attendees. Friends gathered together at homes throughout Garwood and Clark and took fantastic pictures of the students decked out in their best. Anyone wishing to add photos to this series may email the blog at [email protected] giving permission to run the photos. The above pictures were courtesy of Denise Mirabella, Ann Messler and Laura Weise. 

Most years guests begin leaving the prom about 1/2 an hour before it is scheduled to end. ALJ does not allow them to leave earlier, so that everyone enjoys a full evening. This year, guests were having such a great time that the clock kept ticking, but with the excellent music, dessert and ambiance provided at Prom 2017, they didn't want to leave. A great time was had by all. The images in this last post are from throughout the evening. 

As the evening progressed, posting became increasingly difficult. However, a good time was had by all. After dinner was served Mr. Raguseo announced the Junior and Senior Courts followed by the winners in each category. And the winners are: Prince - Brenner Gull, Princess - Lindsey Hofschneider, King - Jon Duffy,  and Queen - Marissa Bozzone. 

The DJ really has the beat of the room. He's had a dance floor full for some time. Fun. Fun. Fun.

The struggles of 2017 and WIFI access. This blog was uploading quickly in the beginning until they all descended on the system. We will continue posting but it may be less than earlier.

Everyone has settled in from their big arrival. It's time for appetizers and outside pictures. It's a great day for a prom with temperatures comfortably in the '70s. 

Everyone is very excited as they arrive to the prom at Ariana's Grand in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Couple look terrific in very coordinated ensembles. Don't forget to #aljprom17 to all your pics. 

By Sydne Friedman
As any Girl Scout would know, the Gold Award is the highest achievement possible, the equivalent of the Boy Scout Eagle Award. It is the highest award that a Girl Scout can attain. It is a service project that must benefit the Girl Scout's community and have a lasting impact. Jessie Friedman, a Junior at Arthur L. Johnson High School, has been working on her Gold Award for the past few months. As part of her project she organized a "Sunscreen Drive", a collection to donate sunscreen, SPF Chapstick, and sunglasses to be distributed to needy families in the community. Speaking about why she did this project, Jessie said, “Everyone needs sunblock to prevent cancer. Unfortunately, it is very expensive and not covered by government benefits.”
 
During the weeks of May 15th and the 22nd, Jessie collected these items from her classmates. A number of teachers supported the effort by offering either extra credit or homework passes. In the end, she had around three-hundred sunscreen bottles, a hundred SPF Chapsticks, and sixty pairs of sunglasses. Half of these items were donated to families in need that are sponsored by Osceola Presbyterian Church in Clark. The other half of the products collected will be donated to the Battered Women Shelter.
 

Above photos courtesy of TapIntoClark from 2016 

The Crusader Today has announced that this year, prom pictures will be streamed live from the prom, from arrival to departure and everything in between, friends and families will be able to view the ALJ Prom on the blog. Every student will become a photographer for the blog for this event. 
Mr. Reyes, the advisor to the blog is very excited about this new chapter in ALJ technology. "Students can send pictures to '[email protected]' or simply #aljprom17 and friends and family will be able to see them virtually as everything happens." In addition to the picture, you will need to send the name of the photographer and of the people in the blog. Nicknames are fine, but please refrain from "joke" names as it will mean less pictures will be posted. You may even send pictures getting ready, or gathering at friends houses. The blog is viewable anywhere people have an Internet connection.

​If you would like information about joining the blog next year, stop in to Mr. Reyes room in 215 and get details.