On September 22, 2017, the ALJ Class of 1967 celebrated their 50th class reunion. The story immediately before this one, tracked the visit and the events they enjoyed that weekend. This photo montage took a few minutes to look over the 1967 Lance Yearbook. So much has changed in 50 years, while much remains the same, like the love of Crusader teams. Enjoy the following images from 50 years ago. 

The ALJ Crusader of the Month for September 2017 is Jessica Lopez. The four year varsity field hockey player is also student council president and secretary of the National Honor Society. She is the voice the students hear over the loudspeaker every morning for announcements, and a mentor in the heroes and cool kids club.

When Jessica is not on the field or studying she can be found socializing with friends or watching Netflix shows. Her favorite things about ALJ are her AP English Language class with Ms. Colosimo, playing field hockey for Coach Poskay, and activity period in Mr. VanBergen’s room with her friends.

Jessica plans on attending university to become a physician's assistant. She would like to take the opportunity to study abroad in a South American Country.

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ALJ Student of the Month for September 2017 is senior, George Visconti. This basketball captain, multi-club member is the Vice President of the class of 2018, Vice President of the National Honors Society, and the Vice President of DECA. George also received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award which is presented to a student who exhibits exceptional performance in areas of academics, athletics, community service, good citizenship, and leadership.

Not only is George an exceptional student and member of over five clubs at ALJ, he is also the all-time leading basketball scorer at Arthur L. Johnson. His sophomore year he hit his 1000th point basket, has been named MVP three times, and was part three conference champion teams.

George’s favorite thing about ALJ is all of the opportunities provided for students such as AP courses, clubs, sports teams, and the fantastic faculty at ALJ. In his free time George likes to hang out with his friends, play basketball, and get involved in community service.

George plans to attend college and continue his athletic career at one of his top schools. His ultimate goal is to receive his MBA in finance.

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The Crusader Today (CT below) recently caught up with Edward J. Bucior Jr., who is ALJ’s freshly minted VP. Mr. Bucior is originally from Old Bridge, but currently lives in Monroe Township (Middlesex County). He received his Bachelors from Kean University in history education, and his masters from Ohio University. The blog was finally able to get Mr. Bucior to sit down for ten minutes for a Q & A about who he is and his vision for ALJ.
 
CT: What is your past professional experience?
Mr. B: After graduating from Kean University, I obtained my first teaching position back at Old Bridge High School where I had graduated just four years earlier. While at Old Bridge, I taught Social Studies, including U.S. I, U.S. II,  and AP Government. I also coached multiple sports such as football, bowling, lacrosse, and volleyball. On the side of my teaching and coaching, I served on the Intervention and Referral Services, Cooperative Teaching, and Athletic Leadership Committees.
 
CT: What does your typical day look like?
Mr. B: This is my first year at ALJ, so my daily schedule can very easily change. Typical routine, however, has been, roll out of bed around 4:45-5:00am, hit the road by 5:45. I arrive usually around 6:15-6:30. From there I am checking my daily tasks, answering emails, doing a tour of the building, and just making sure we have everything in place for a smooth opening. Once the day officially starts, I am greeting the seniors as they walk into the cafeteria. So far, I don’t think I have spent more than 30 minutes in my office throughout the opening of school. I am always on the move and it is a goal of mine to make sure that I am a visible presence in the building. Usually there are some meetings throughout the day. After school, I try to go check out some of the practices or games. I want the kids to know that I support them and to show them that I understand the amount of time they are putting in.
 
CT: What is your favorite part of your job?
Mr. B: My favorite part is interacting with the students. In-between periods, I am always in the hallways, forcing kids to smile or give me a high-five. When it comes to the school culture, the students are the engine that drives us. If they are positive and support each other, our culture will only continue to grow in a more positive direction.
 
CT: What are your expectations in this role?
Mr. B: I expect the students to support each other and I really want the school spirit to get better. I really believe it’s the small things that add up to make a school a special place. When the students support each other by going to different events, joining clubs, and just are friendly in general, the school will naturally thrive.
 
CT: Do you recall any special stories from when you were a teacher?
Mr. B: I had a student that was very big into the ROTC, but when I asked the class on the first day of school what their goals were, she didn’t mention applying to any of the military academies. When I asked why, she simply said that, “She didn’t think that she was good enough”. The next day, I decided to teach my class a formula that they could use. It comes from Urban Meyer. “E + R = O” Events + Response = Outcome. I taught them that events are going to happen to them and that they are out of their control. Response, however, is completely under their control. And how they choose to respond to their events will ultimately change the outcome. I showed the student what was needed to apply to the Air Force Academy and asked, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” Long story short- She applied and was accepted, full scholarship to the Air Force Academy. So for our students here- Don’t sell yourself short.  E + R = O!
 
CT: When CT asked a student recently if she had an opinion about you. She said "You mean the new defense against the dark arts teacher?" If you know Harry Potter, they had a new one every year, just like ALJ has had three VPs in three years. What do you think about that? 
 
Mr. B: That's funny, but they are all villains! lol. I'm a good guy! I also plan on being around much longer.
 
What are your hobbies/things you do for fun/while not at work?
Mr. B: I am a very big family guy. My wife and I try to plan out events and mini-adventures with our two young boys. I also have four nieces and nephews and they are constantly at my house playing. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
 
 

Article courtesy of Tapintoclark.com

CLARK, NJ - The Arthur L. Johnson Marching Band performed two of the four movements of the 2017 field show titled, Noble Hearts at the Crusader’s home opening football game against New Providence. 
The band is on track to perform all four movements of this year’s field show in time for Veterans Night on September 22 sponsored by the Music Parents’ Association.
On that night the theme of the music show is designed to honor current military and veterans who served the United States.  According to Rachel Bollaro, the Director of the ALJ Crusader Marching Band, it will be a great opportunity and honor to perform for them.
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Free tickets are available to the game for Veterans at the Clark American Legion.  The game starts at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 22 at Arthur L. Johnson High School.
 “I can’t believe how much the band has grown over the years.  The band’s performance in the stands and on the field adds to the excitement of the football game.  It is so nice to see the students support each others’ teams,” said a recent game attendee. 
The ALJ Crusader Marching Band will participate in their first Tournament of Bands Competition on Saturday, September 23rd, at Matawan High School, which starts at 5:30 p.m.  

 This August did you hear the sound of trumpets and drums coming from the fields at Arthur L. Johnson High School? Or maybe you saw spinning flags in the distance? What you were hearing and seeing were the members of the ALJ Crusader Marching Band practicing at band camp which ran from  August 21st to the 25th. 

Mrs. Rachel Bollaro, director of bands at ALJ, is very excited that the marching band grew to over 50 members and commented, "The band members, both musicians and color guard, have been working very hard during band camp and have made excellent progress in such a short time.  We all are looking forward to another successful season."
 
When Matt, a new member to the Crusader Marching Band was asked how was his experience so far, he said, "I'm having a great time and am happy to be a part of the marching band.”
 
Norberto Diaz, who holds the position of Drum Major, commented, "I am excited to start my last season of marching band because over the last four years, marching band has been a second home.  My experiences have made me the person I am today.  One of my goals this season, is to pass on our traditions to our new members." 

The Crusader Marching Band competes in the Tournament of Bands throughout the Fall months, concluding with the Atlantic Coast Championships held in Hershey, PA.  This year’s show is titled, “Noble Hearts” and is a tribute to the men and women who serve and have served in the Armed Forces.
 
In addition to state and regional competitions, which are open to the public, the Crusader Marching Band will perform during all home football games.