NJ-11 Schools: Graduates Head to College as Morris District Faces $158M Vote

The Class of 2026 is officially underway across New Jersey's 11th Congressional District as local high schools announce their graduating lists. Jefferson Township High School has released its roster for this year, naming students such as Rachel M. Ahern and Nicholas Stephen Aiello among the graduates ready to move on from secondary education.

The announcement of these names marks a significant milestone for families in Morris County who have followed these students through their four years of high school coursework. The list includes dozens of young men and women, including Safie Alili, Jackelin Alvarez, Colin Anthony Babitz, Olivia Bahamondes, Melanie Grace Balogh, Dean Irving Barkenbush, Ella Veronica Barone, Emma Sophia Barone, Emmagrace Lynn Bartels, Isabella L. Bavosa, Adem Bekteshi, and Liam Bell.

Students Head to Kutztown University

Several graduates from the district are already securing their spots in higher education for the upcoming fall semester of 2026. Alexa Scholz, a resident of Oak Ridge and a graduate of Jefferson High School's Class of 2026, has been welcomed as a new member of the Kutztown University community.

Scholz joins a large group of incoming freshmen, transfer students, and graduate students who will begin their studies at the university this fall. The institution was founded in 1866 and continues to attract students from across New Jersey for its academic programs.

Nicolas Francisco Moraga is another local student making the transition to college life after finishing his secondary education. A resident of Dover, Moraga graduated from Dover High School's Class of 2026 before being accepted into Kutztown University for the fall semester.

Moraga will be part of the same incoming cohort as Scholz, joining hundreds of other students at the historic Pennsylvania campus. These admissions highlight a steady flow of local talent moving toward post-secondary opportunities in fields ranging from business to liberal arts.

Community Sports and Youth Engagement

Beyond traditional academics, community organizations are stepping up to provide recreational activities for younger residents during the school year transition period. The Parsippany Knights of Columbus, Council 3680, will host a free Soccer Challenge designed specifically for boys and girls ages 9 to 14.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, at Brooklawn Middle School located at 250 Beachwood Road in Parsippany. Participants aged 9, 10, and 11 will compete during the morning slot from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by participants ages 12, 13, and older.

This initiative offers families in Parsippany an opportunity for their children to engage in physical activity without financial barriers as they prepare for the new school year. The free nature of the challenge ensures that all interested youth can participate regardless of economic background.

Major Referendum on School Funding

While students celebrate graduation and look toward college, voters in Morris Township face a significant decision regarding future funding for their local schools. A $158.4 million referendum has been placed before the public to determine how the district will finance its operations and improvements.

The measure is scheduled to be voted on by residents who must decide whether to approve the spending plan proposed by school officials. This vote carries substantial implications for taxpayers in the area, as it directly impacts property tax assessments and available resources within classrooms.

Details regarding what the referendum will do specifically have been outlined for voters ahead of the election date. Residents are encouraged to review how the funding would affect their individual financial situations before casting ballots on this critical issue.

Alumni Leadership at Community College

Leadership roles in higher education within the district also saw changes as Michael Enzo Gaspar was selected by the Raritan Valley Community College Board of Trustees. Gaspar, a resident of Raritan Borough, will serve as the alumni representative for the 2026-27 term.

Gaspar graduated in May with an associate of science degree in health sciences and is a member of the RVCC Honors College. His selection reflects his active participation in campus life during his time at the community college before entering this governance role.

His appointment brings recent student experience to the board, which oversees policy decisions affecting current students and faculty members across the institution. This type of representation ensures that alumni voices remain part of strategic planning for the college's future direction.