Henry B. Whitehorne Middle School Celebrates the 8th Grade Class of 2026
Henry B. Whitehorne held its 8th Grade Awards and Promotion Ceremony on Friday, June 19 in the George R. Newman Center at Caldwell University. There were 181 students promoted (you can see the names of all of the students on page 2 of the ceremony program).
Special awards were given to several students. They included:
New Jersey Society of Colonial Wars Award - Won by Carlos Reyes and Alivia Lee. Pictured are Carlos Reyes, Daniel H. Harman (Governor of the NJ Society of Colonial Wars).
C.H.I.L.D. Award - Won by John Marchese, Sophia Calderone, and Maya Stimson. Pictured are Kristen Donohue (C.H.I.L.D. Co-President), John Marchese, Sophia Calderone, Maya Stimson, Jessica Lim-Chapman (C.H.I.L.D. Board Member).
Barbara Kistner Award - Won by Victor Stucker, who is pictured with Barbara's husband, Gary Kistner.
Mrs. Barbara Kistner was a lifelong resident in Verona attending Verona Public Schools and serving as a beloved educator for 37 years. She was foremost a social studies teacher, but because she was such a Renaissance woman, taught English, Gifted and Talented Classes, our National History Day classes, and was even called on to teach math. Mrs. Kistner wore all of these hats easily and with grace. She was a mentor to teachers and administrators alike and always seemed to know just the right thing to do when issues arose. In Memory of Mrs. Kistner, H.B.W. awarded honors and a cash prize to an Eighth Grade student who excels in all areas of academics, particularly social studies/history and can be called a true “Renaissance young woman or young man." This student is kind, considerate, and trustworthy and shows a genuine interest in his/her peers. She or he can be viewed as a mentor and role model to fellow students and as someone who makes good social decisions.
Carol Lynch Award - Won by Sama Alqaisy, who is pictured with members of the Carol Lynch Family.
Carol Lynch was a beloved English teacher and guidance counselor at HBW from 1973 – 1996. Her family has set up a scholarship fund in her memory, with this year's recipient receiving a check in the amount of $500.
Christine Gasalberti Excellence in Science Award - Won by Joseph Fernicola, who is pictured with Ms. Gasalberti's mother and two of her children. Ms. Gasalberti was a 5th grade science teacher who passed away in August 2025.
This award is presented to an 8th grade student who demonstrates:
A passion for scientific discovery
Curiosity and a desire to ask questions
Perseverance in solving problems
Respect for the scientific process
A positive attitude and willingness to help others learn
Honor Roll - Honor Roll students earned all As and Bs for their Final Grade during the 2025-2026 school year.
High Honor Roll - High Honor Roll students earned all As for their Final Grade during the 2025-2026 school year.
All As, All Marking Periods, All Four Years - These ten students achieved a truly remarkable academic distinction by earning all As in every class during every marking period throughout all four years at HBW.