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Old Bridge recognizes athletic and extracurricular achievements, highlights course additions
Summary
The board recognized student achievements including Ashley Markle as Gatorade New Jersey Volleyball Player of the Year and honored the Jonas Sulk Middle School Rocket League esports team; the superintendent highlighted program expansions and new course offerings, including AP Seminar and AP cybersecurity.
The Old Bridge Township Board of Education opened its Feb. 17 meeting with multiple recognitions for student achievement and an update from the superintendent on curriculum and extracurricular programming.
The board formally recognized retirees and then honored Ashley Markle of Old Bridge High School as the 2025-2026 Gatorade New Jersey Volleyball Player of the Year. Athletic director Mr. Deino said the award recognizes athletic performance, scholastic achievement and community service; he noted Ashley's 4.1 GPA and that she donated the $1,000 award to the district's unified sports program. "By receiving this award, Gatorade provides Ashley the opportunity to give back by awarding $1,000 grant to a program of her choice. Ashley has chosen to donate those funds to Obridge Unified Sports," Mr. Deino said.
The board also recognized the Jonas Sulk Middle School Rocket League esports team for reaching the Garden State esports finals; coach Gordon and students described the program as a community-building activity that has drawn hundreds of participants across grades. Student representative Jordan reported a successful "Nights Out" event with more than 200 students and previewed upcoming cultural and fundraising events from student clubs.
Superintendent Dr. Sasso framed his report around the district strategic plan "Bridge to 2028," highlighting HOSA biomedical debate participation, math society representation at a state conference and new course offerings for 2026-27 that include AP Seminar, advanced film production, multivariable calculus honors and AP cybersecurity.
Why it matters: the recognitions and program updates signal continuing investment in both competitive athletics and emerging extracurriculars including esports and advanced coursework, with implications for student engagement and course planning for next year.
Next steps: the course-offering book is on the agenda for approval and will be posted to the district landing page once approved; the board encouraged community attendance at upcoming student events.
