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Garfield students honored for early-college degrees, STEAM success and athletic awards
Summary
At its June meeting the Garfield Public School District recognized 16 early-college graduates, honored a top-three state STEAM team that will compete in Atlantic City for a $10,000 prize, and presented season-end athletic awards; student leaders also summarized year-long accomplishments including dress-code and lunch changes.
Superintendent Dr. Tomko and board members used the June board meeting to spotlight a year of student achievement across academics, arts and athletics. The district recognized 16 Garfield High School students who have completed associate degrees through the Bergen Community College early-college partnership, a program that began with six students in 2020 and now counts about 60 graduates and dozens of underclassmen on track to follow suit.
"To our early college graduates, your determination and discipline have set a powerful example," Dr. Tomko said during his report, praising the partnership with Bergen Community College and announcing plans to expand similar collaborations.
Coaches and staff also recognized a middle-school STEAM team, InSync, which placed in the top three statewide in the New Jersey STEAM Tank competition and will return to compete in Atlantic City for a $10,000 prize sponsored by the Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey. Coaches Jennifer DeWitt and Alexandra Talzma described the students' prototype — a collapsible, environmentally responsible portable sink — and noted the team received additional judge awards for collaboration and design.
Athletic director Alfonso and coaches presented all-league selections and team awards across fall, winter and spring sports, including a county championship in boys volleyball and several individual all-league recognitions. The district also announced a consecutive two-year sportsmanship award that reflects an ejection-free season across sports.
Student government leaders recapped 2024–25 accomplishments, saying the group secured dress-code reforms, a pilot schedule allowing students to leave campus for lunch next fall, and water-fountain repairs and filter fixes. Student government president Darla Martinez said the council drew about 539 student voters in recent elections and plans expanded outreach next year.
The board and audience applauded the students and volunteers who raised $1,750 during a student-led Easy Ride for Life fundraiser; the donation will help the Easy Ride for Life program cover transportation for residents with medical and shopping needs.
The district noted roughly $80,000 in community scholarships and about $2,000,000 in grants and scholarships awarded to students this year, figures the superintendent highlighted as part of the year-end summary. The meeting closed with congratulations to the students and a reminder that graduation is upcoming.
