Holmdel board honors students for state, national wins across academics, arts, robotics and esports

At its May meeting, the Holmdel Township School District Board of Education recognized dozens of students for academic, arts and extracurricular achievements, including state and national competition placings and districtwide honors. Dr. Cascon, who opened the ceremony by calling it “one of my favorite meetings of the year,” read winners across grade levels and invited students and advisers to the front of the room for photos.

The district highlighted top finishes in academic competitions: Village School students placed in the Continental Math League and National Language Arts League, with several first-place and national winners called out by name. Dr. Cascon noted the district’s 3rd-grade cohort earned national recognition for language arts performance, saying, “our entire 3rd grade was a national winning champion in language arts.”

Middle- and upper-elementary teams also earned county and state honors. The district’s 6th-grade continental math league team was announced as New Jersey state champions and a top-10 finisher nationally; several students including Leo Du were called forward for recognition. The board also read lists of National Science League finalists across grades 4–6, highlighting students who qualified as top finalists in national competitions.

The board spotlighted robotics and technology programs that officials said have benefited from district facility investments. Dr. Cascon described the applied-technology and engineering wing—built after a 2020 referendum—as “state of the art,” and introduced high-school Hornet Silver and Hornet Blue robotics teams and their advisers, naming TJ Boccino (high school engineering teacher) and Ryan O’Keefe (middle-school technology teacher). The high school teams won league championships and earned notable awards at state competitions, including a league “Inspire” award praised for teamwork and innovation.

Performing-arts students received multiple recognitions, from superior ratings at the New Jersey Thespian Festival to international honors: Sofia Primiano earned a superior rating at the 2025 International Thespian Festival, and several students were acknowledged at the Basie Awards for student leadership and theater achievements.

Esports was another area of distinction: under high-school math teacher Michael Moore, the high school esports program has reached the state championship match three years running, winning two state titles and finishing runner-up this year. Dr. Cascon noted esports can lead to college scholarships and praised the program’s mentorship of younger students.

The board also recognized student representatives for their service. Board President Reddy thanked Bella Spicer for two years of contribution and presented a card as she prepares to attend the University of Tennessee; Antonio, a junior, was noted to return next year. The ceremony closed with additional individual acknowledgments, including an honorable mention in the Monmouth County Historical Commission essay contest for Akil Cruz.

Board members and district leaders posed for photographs with the students, and officials reiterated pride in the district’s combination of academics, arts and extracurricular programs. No formal votes or policy actions were taken during the awards portion of the meeting.