On October 27th, ALJ went pink in support of breast cancer research. It seemed everyone was participating in the event. Students, teachers, counsellors, secretaries and staff all donned their pinkiest pink in support of the event. 

SMAC (Student Movement Against Cancer) sold T shirts to many students and teachers to raise funds for research. They also decorated the hallways throughout the school with crepe paper. Teachers and staff throughout the district held a Jean Day event to raise funds as well. 

Mrs. Headrick and Mrs. Cusick are the advisers to the club. Mrs. Cusick thanked everyone for their support. "It was so awesome to see so many students, staff and faculty in pink! SMAC raised a total of $2,027.75 for an amazing foundation, the Susan Satriano Scholarship Fund and we couldn't have done it without your support," said Mrs. Cusick in an email to the staff. 

Courtesy of Tapintoclark 
CLARK, NJ - George Visconti Jr., an Arthur L. Johnson High School senior was awarded  the Wendy’s High School Heisman award in recognition of his leadership both on the courts and in the classroom.
According to ALJ officials, George has been a competitive athlete throughout his years at ALJ. His contributions to the basketball program are significant, most notably leading the 2016-2017 team to the Central Jersey Group 2 State Championship game, a first for the Crusaders.
George has been a starter for the basketball team since his freshman year, and holds the school record for most points with one year remaining in his playing career.
In school, George maintains a high grade point average in honors and Advanced Placement level courses. He participates in the Crusader Athletic Leadership Council as well as many other school activities.
According to the Wendy's High School Heisman website the award was created by Wendy's founder Dave Thomas in 1994.  Thomas was a high school dropout who went on to become a successful entrepreneur. 
Thomas worried that his unusual journey to success might inspire others to leave school early and expect similar results, as indicated on their website.   As a result Thomas went back to school at the age of 61 and received his General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
The site goes on to describe Thomas as being inspired by this moment and wanting to celebrate the outstanding achievements of youth in America, launched the Wendy's High School Heisman program.

The Arthur L. Johnson Crusader Marching Band took the field for the first Tournament of Bands (TOB) competition on September 23rd at Matawan HS, performing this year’s field show titled, “Noble Hearts.”  The field show is a tribute to the veterans who have served and serve in the US Armed Services.  The ALJ Crusader Band won first place in Group 2 Open, which is a very competitive group in TOB.  Additionally, the Marching Band won Best Music and Best Visual.
 
On September 30th, the ALJ Crusader Marching Band again entered the field of competition at Ramsey HS and won first place in Group 2 Open, as well as the Best Music and Best Visual awards.
 
 On Saturday, they will compete in the NJ  State championship held in Toms River.  On Sunday, they will compete in Chapter 10 Championship held in West Essex.
 
Senior William Shaughnessy commented, “I’ve always found competing energizing. Not only are you fighting for bragging rights, but you are also fighting for your 50 friends and for school pride.  When you walk off the field after a competition, there’s a sense of relief, but moreover, there’s a sense of accomplishment. As a senior, those feelings don’t go away, it just gets more sentimental.   I’m thankful to Mrs. Bollaro and staff for investing so much time in us and pushing us day in and day out to be our best. The life lessons that marching band and competition have taught me are invaluable.”

.​Mr. Reyes recently announced a new summer trip to Italy for June 2018. “Normally the Italy trip is held during Spring Break, but some athletes came to me and asked if I would run a trip in June,” said Mr. Reyes.
 
Travelers will depart soon after the end of the school year and spend 10 days in Italy. The first city on the itinerary will be Venice. One of the most unique cities in the world, Venice’s canals and gondolas make it a one of a kind. In addition, the incredible Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica are architectural wonders. Venice is also famous for its glass manufacturing and cobblestone pathways.
 
From here the trip will take travelers to Florence. Tours will include the famous Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. Florence is famous for supple leather, and 18 karat gold. Travelers will marvel at the capital of the Renaissance in the center of Italy.
 
From stunning Florence, the trip will spend a day exploring the inspiring town of Assisi and its cathedral famous for its religious importance. They will then continue to Pompeii and Capri, where they will explore the ruins of Pompeii and the white sandy beaches of Capri.
 
The last stop on the excursion will be the Eternal City of Rome and the Vatican. Travelers will wonder at the grandeur of the Colliseum and other Roman ruins. They will gaze in amazement at the Sistine Chapel and the world’s largest church at St. Peter’s.
 
Price included flight, hotel, most admissions and breakfast and dinner. For more information see Mr. Reyes in Room 215 or check out the website at eftours.com/2060366KY. The YouTube video below is a similar tour to the one in June 2018. 
 

The Crusader Today will be raffling off two tickets to see Bebe Rexha and Marc E Bassey in concert. The concert will take place On November 5th at iPlayAmerica in Freehold, New Jersey. The Crusader Today is holding the raffle to encourage students to read the school blog. The drawing will be held at 2:30 on October 27th at the security desk. Entering to win is easy:

1. Navigate to the blog. You're already here, so that's done. 
2. Locate this story. That's done too! 
3. In the comments section, type in your name and grade and why you'd love to win the tickets. 
4. Tell the Crusader Today something about any other story on the blog.

 
It’s that simple. Only one entry per person. Winners do not have to be present to win. Tickets are courtesy of MOXIE. Winners will be asked to write a brief overview of the concert and release selfies and pictures of the event for blog use.
 

 Courtesy of TapIntoClark.com (as edited by Crusader Today staff)
CLARK, NJ- The  Johnson High School Crusaders varsity football team took the field on Friday determined to win the UNICO bowl this year.   The Crusaders kept control of the ball and fought with great physicality on both sides of the ball,  and defeated the Hillside High School Comets by a final score of 22-13 in Clark. “It’s a credit to their hard work and the type of young men they are,” said Coach DelConte. “It’s awesome to see them pull together in such tight situations.”

By winning this game (AKA Unico Bowl),  Johnson Crusaders are now the 2017 Mid-State 38 Valley Division Conference Champions. It is the first time since 2006 that Johnson won a conference championship. “It’s a great feeling. We’re always working really hard [and] doing the best we can,” Johnson senior and co-captain Tommy Bowen said. “It’s awesome to see everything pay off." 
The Crusaders struck first with the scoring on the night. On a drive that featured a lot of short rushing plays, senior Mike Casalino sped through the defenders and into the end zone for a five-yard rushing touchdown to put Johnson on the board 6-0, the score after a fast-moving first quarter.

Hillside would strike around the mid-point of the second quarter, with sophomore Nahree Biggins barreling up the field for a 38-yard rushing touchdown. Following the extra point, Hillside took the 7-6 lead.

Johnson would start the next drive in Hillside territory and would answer back. In a drive that featured eight plays and 44 yards, Turek finished off the drive with a 11-yard rushing touchdown. After a two-point conversion attempt came up short, the Crusaders took back the lead, up 12-7.
In the win, Turek finished with 155 yards on 26 carries to go along with his rushing touchdown.
Senior quarterback Mike Bruno continues to lead his team on offense, rushing for 72 yards on eight carries. He credits his coaches for getting him and his teammates ready every week.
The Johnson Crusaders (5-0) head into their bye week. They return to action with a home game against Somerville HS on Friday, October 20 at 7:00 p.m.

By Danielle Hartzler 

Johnson held its annual college fair on October 2nd. Both the lower, and upper gymnasiums were filled with over 80 different colleges and universities, in addition to representatives from the Army and Navy. This event is truly beneficial for all students, whether they are freshman, seniors, or anywhere in between. It is never too early to begin developing plans for after high school, and what better way to start planning by talking to admission representatives from schools around the country?

The schools in attendance were very diverse, allowing students to learn about the different atmospheres that each individual university has. This helps students in identifying their preferences, including campus location, undergraduate enrollment, and class sizes.

Meeting with the representatives from each school gives students insight that they might not get by just “hearing about the school”. The representatives present very useful information, regarding all aspects of the school: campus life, academic majors, and even the admission process.

The college process may seem intimidating, but the guidance department provides students with many helpful resources, such as the annual college fair.  Mrs. Stasio is one of the guidance counselors, and she understands the benefits that this event has for students, “The college fair is a wonderful opportunity for students in all grades to meet with representatives, to learn about options for after high school.” It is never too early for someone in high school to start looking into what college they would like to go to, and all grades are encouraged to attend this event each year.

The fair is a tradition at Johnson that has, and will continue to be, a great success in getting students focused and prepared for the years following high school.

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