Jon Bon Jovi donates funds, Sayreville high school dedicates performing arts center
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Summary
Sayreville War Memorial High School honored alumnus Jon Bon Jovi with a Hall of Fame induction and dedicated its performing-arts center after the musician donated funds for a new music studio, administrators and student representatives said during the Sayreville Board of Education meeting.
Jon Bon Jovi, an alumnus of Sayreville War Memorial High School, visited the school and donated funds to build a music studio in the school’s music suite, a student representative told the Sayreville Board of Education.
Morgan Koontz, the SWMHS student council representative, told the board that Principal Mr. Gluhusky dedicated the performing arts center — which includes the auditorium and the music suite — in Bon Jovi’s honor during the visit. "[Bon Jovi] surprised everyone by generously donating funds to construct a state of the art music studio in the music suite in memory of Al Paranello, his deceased music teacher, mentor, and inspiration," Koontz said.
The board’s president, Mrs. Bloom, said she served as chair of the SWMHS Hall of Fame Committee and inducted Bon Jovi at the same event. "I found Jon Bon Jovi to be very gracious and very into interacting with the students," Bloom said, describing the visit as "a lovely moment" that included a question-and-answer session and autograph signings.
Board member Mrs. Napolitano also thanked Bon Jovi for his gift and described additional support he provided: "Donating thousands of dollars to construct a state of the art music studio in the music suite of the high school. In addition, he donated hundreds of shirts for the school to sell in which the proceeds would go to the students in our performing arts program," she said.
The student council presentation also listed recent student events tied to the performing arts program, including a Hall of Fame induction and performances by the marching band at community events, which administrators said highlighted the value of the new studio for students in music and performing-arts classes.
The district did not present a timeline for construction or an exact dollar amount for Bon Jovi’s donation during the public presentations; board documents and further communications would be needed to confirm those details.
Board members and administrators at the meeting praised the visit and the donation as a standout moment for students and staff and said they expect the new studio to support music education and related programs going forward.
