​On March 23rd, 24th and 25th at 7 pm, Arthur L. Johnson, located at 365 Westfield Avenue in Clark New Jersey, will get creepy, kooky and altogether ooky as that famed family takes the stage in this year’s musical production of The Addams Family. Adapted from the 60s television series, watch your favorite characters come to life by a very talented and hilarious cast including Michael Racanelli as Gomez, Lidia Diaz as Morticia, and Anthony Whitman as Uncle Fester. Prepare for a delightfully macabre night filled with loads of humor, memorable songs and fabulous dance numbers, all set on a striking stage that will leave you in awe. Tickets will be available in advance at the main office, or at the door on the night of the show. 

​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​ 

December 22, 2016 

Students at Arthur L. Johnson High School participated in a three day gingerbread house building competition in the Media Center during their activity period. The three day long culinary competition featured eight teams varying in grade level. One team even featured history teachers, David Fosco and Fredy Reyes. Student Cheyenne Doggett said, “Building gingerbread houses during spirit week is fun to do as a team and shows school spirit. Go Johnson!”
    The competition, hosted by the ALJ Media Center along with the Student Movement Against Cancer Club, donated all entry fees to a family in need for the Holidays. First, second, and third place winners will receive a pizza party. The winners of the competition will be announced during the Winter Pep Rally which is taking place Friday, December 23. ​

December 19, 2016

The halls were filled with ugly sweaters as ALJ began its annual Holiday Spirit Week. Students donned everything from sequined "mom" sweaters and vests, to home made creations. Even teachers were in on the spirit. Students in every grade competed during activity periods for bragging rights and Dunkin' Donuts gift cards. Judges carefully considered the fleecy creations and decided on winners in each activity period. The winners  were Dira Kasey for Block 3 and Gina Pace  for Block 4. 

Mr. Scardilli's Digital Imaging (Photography) class decdided to create their own freeze frame moment and jumped on the mannequin challenge bandwagon.  Check it out.

Photo credit: Erin Heaning 

​On Wednesday November 23rd, ALJ once again celebrated their Annual Homecoming Event. A celebration of Fall Athletes began the event, with fans cheering on all the fall sports. This was followed by the Homecoming Ceremony where the Homecoming King and Queen were announced. The court consisted of Casey Dohn, Deserae Sequiera, Gianna Randazza, Gina Ferdinandi, Gina Pace, Jennifer Casalino, Julia Melao, Julia Sapia, Natalie Carnovale and Payton Wiese represented the girls. The boys’ court consisted of Alexander Hampp, Bret Roessle, Cameron Hund, Jon Duffy, Matt Gallo, Michael Brennen, Michael Cepparulo, Nick Fischetti, Ty Schaeffer and Vin Campbell. After much anticipation, Mike Brennan was crowned Homecoming King, and Julia Melao was crowned Homecoming Queen. 

On November 10th and 11th, the Future Educators of America exhibited a booth at the NJEA convention in Atlantic City. ALJ's own Julia Melao, is the vice-president of the NJFEA and is completing an internship with Mrs. O'Neill at Kumpf Middle School. 

NJFEA presented literature encouraging other schools to begin the program. Mr. Stebbins and Mr. Kenyon run the program at ALJ. "We currently have seven students in the program. Four of them are interning at Kumpf, two are at Hehnly, and one is at Valley Road," said Mr. Stebbins. The program gives students a real life experience of what it is really like to be a teacher. Mr. Reyes, who bumped into Miss Melao at the convention, said, "Julia was very informed and excited about pursuing a career in teaching. We should have more programs like this." 

Photo Credit: Adriana Palmucci

​The halls of ALJ were filled with ghosts, ghouls, and grannies for the annual senior Halloween contest. Seniors dressed in a variety of costumes including concepts inspired by movies, video games, cartoons, professions and sports. Class officers and Mrs. Jacobi and Mrs. Marciano, advisers to the senior class, changed things up this year with pretzels instead of bagels.
Teachers, secretaries, guidance counsellors and staff members helped judge the contest for the following categories: Scariest, Most Original, Funniest, Best Group, Best Overall.
 
The Scariest Costume Award went to “skeleton girls.” Most Original was earned by Mary Poppins and Bert the Chimney Sweep. The Funniest Award went to Willy Wonka and the Oompa Loompas. Mario Kart characters received the Best Group Award, while “Villains” received the coveted Best Overall Award. The names of individual winners can be found in the photo captions. 

Students and staff donned their pinkiest outfits on October 28th in support of SMACs Breast Cancer Awareness charities. Students donated to have their faces painted, while teachers around the district donated $5 and wore pink and jeans in support. At the end of the school day, SMAC members held a bake sale to raise additional funds for their charities.