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Leonia High School

Scholarship. Citizenship. Excellence.

The Roar Report vol.27 - LHS Newsletter

Posted Date: 04/02/26 (03:28 PM)


Leonia Crest

Leonia High School

Scholarship. Citizenship. Excellence.

THE ROAR REPORT

 
Lion Logo

Message from the Principal

As we head into spring break, I want to wish all of our students, staff, and families a safe and restful time away. School will be closed starting tomorrow, April 3, and we will return on Monday, April 13.

This break is an important opportunity to step back, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. We encourage everyone to take full advantage of this time to rest and come back refreshed for the final stretch of the school year.

Please note that staff members will not be checking email during the break. Any messages received will be addressed when we return.

The months ahead will be busy and exciting, with state testing, AP exams, spring sports, concerts, and end-of-year celebrations. We are looking forward to a strong finish and to recognizing the many accomplishments of our students this spring.

Enjoy the break, and we will see everyone back on April 13.

GO LIONS!
Chuck Kalender, Principal
 

2025–2026 Teacher of the Year and Educational Services Professional of the Year

We are proud to announce our 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year and Educational Services Professional of the Year.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Lauren Kelty, our Teacher of the Year, whose commitment to student learning, strong relationships, and dedication to excellence make a lasting impact in the classroom and throughout our school.

We also celebrate Ms. Rachel Agnello, our Educational Services Professional of the Year, whose work behind the scenes and alongside our students helps create a supportive, positive, and successful school environment each day.

Both of these individuals were nominated by their peers, a reflection of the respect and appreciation they have earned from colleagues across our building. We are grateful for their contributions and proud to recognize their outstanding work.

Congratulations to Ms. Kelty and Ms. Agnello, and thank you for all you do for our students and school community.

Ms. Agnello, Educational Services Professional of the Year, with the Student Services Department
Ms. Kelty, Teacher of the Year, and her World History Students
 

Addams Family Brings Down the House at LHS

The LHS Limelighters delivered a memorable weekend of theater with their production of The Addams Family, performing three sold-out shows to enthusiastic audiences. The cast and crew brought incredible energy to the stage, earning rave reviews from staff, families, and community members alike.

Pablo Moriatis led the way with an outstanding performance as Gomez Addams, while Nico Park charmed audiences as Uncle Fester with his singing and dancing. Sofia Juric made a spectacular Limelighters debut, and seniors Audrey Sugiaman (Morticia Addams) and Hudson Ascolese (Lucas Beineke) delivered strong, memorable performances in their featured roles.

This production was a true team effort, and special recognition goes to first-year musical directors Vito Fiore and Rachel Fiore, along with Music Director Michael Holak, Choreographer Candace DeLorenzo, and Production Assistant Camryn Bernstein for their leadership and dedication in bringing the show to life.
Congratulations to the entire Limelighters cast and crew on an exceptional production!

The Cast of the Addams Family
The directors and assistants of the Addams Family Spring Musical
 

Senior Scholarship Applications Now Open

We are pleased to announce that the Senior Scholarship applications are now open.

Each year, Leonia High School is proud to offer over 30 different scholarships to our graduating seniors. These opportunities are made possible through the generosity of individuals and organizations who give their time and resources to support our students. Many of these scholarships provide multiple awards, allowing us to recognize and assist a wide range of deserving seniors.

We encourage all seniors to review the scholarship descriptions carefully to determine which opportunities match their qualifications and interests. Please read the scholarship page thoroughly for important details about eligibility and the application process.

To access the applications, please visit the LHS website and navigate to the Student Life tab, then select the Senior Scholarship page.

Important Dates:
  • Applications are due by April 23, 2026 (Read all instructions on the Senior Scholarship website)
  • All scholarship recipients and their parent or guardian will be notified by email in May
  • Scholarship awards will be presented on June 2 at the annual Senior Awards Night in the LHS Little Theater beginning at 6:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. O’Neill at jean.oneill@leoniaschools.org

We strongly encourage all eligible seniors to take advantage of these opportunities.
 

SMILE 2026 Summer Program: Registration Opening April 13th

We are excited to announce the dates and details for SMILE 2026! Our summer programs provide essential opportunities for both academic advancement and foundational support.

Program Information
  • Dates: June 29 – July 27, 2026
  • School Closure: Friday, July 3 (Observed Holiday)
  • Eligibility: Rising 6th graders and above
  • Location: Leonia High School
Half-Day Programs (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM) $450
  • Fundamentals:Designed specifically for middle school students to strengthen or reinforce core skills.

  • Credit Recovery:Available for high school students requiring math credit.
  • Note: Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 credit recovery must be completed through SMILE. Online options are not available for these courses.
  • See the Credit Recovery Page for more details.
Full-Day Programs (8:00 AM – 2:45 PM) $1000
  • Advancement:An intensive track for students looking to earn math credit.
  • Courses offered: Algebra 1 CP, Geometry Honors, Algebra 2 Honors
  • Eligibility: Open to students who have completed 7th grade. Please visit our Advancement Page for more details.
Registration Information
Registration officially opens on Monday, April 13th at 3:00 PM, following Spring Break. Detailed course descriptions and enrollment links can be found on our website.

Multi-student discount available for Leonia and Edgewater residents.
Families registering more than one student are eligible for a discount:
2 Students: 10% discount will be applied to the total SMILE cost.
3 Students: 15% discount will be applied to the total SMILE cost.

Financial assistance is available. Families must be classified by their home resident district for receiving free or reduced meals. Documentation may be requested.

For any questions, please email me at jin.lee@leoniaschools.org.

Thank you,
Jin Lee, SMILE Program Coordinator
 

Your Creativity Deserves an Audience: LHS Literary Magazine Now Accepting Submissions

The Leonia High School Literary Magazine is currently accepting submissions for completed original works of prose, poetry, photography, and artwork for the 2026 issue! Leonia's Literary Magazine was recently awarded the distinction of "Superior" in the 2025 Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Awards by the NCTE.

Please use the link below to submit original work for consideration.
Submission Link Deadline for submission: May 15th

To check out last year's magazine, click here.  
 

LIONS IN THE WILD

Passport to Learning: LHS Takes on Greece and Germany

Leonia High School students are taking learning well beyond the classroom this spring, as two groups embark on incredible international experiences.

Yesterday, 36 students and 6 staff members departed for Greece under the leadership of Mr. Ted Linares. Throughout their journey, students will explore some of the most significant landmarks of ancient civilization, including the Temple of Poseidon, the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Olympia and the historic Olympic Stadium. Their travels will also take them to Delphi and Mycenae, bringing history to life as they experience the origins of Western culture firsthand.

Next week, another group will begin their own unforgettable journey. On Monday, Ms. Lauren Kelty will lead 26 students and 4 teachers to Germany, where they will visit important World War II and historical sites. The itinerary includes Dachau Concentration Camp, the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Nuremberg Trial site. Students will also have the opportunity to visit the BMW Welt showroom and explore Olympic Park, home of the 1972 Summer Olympics.

These trips provide meaningful opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of history, culture, and the world around them. We wish both groups safe travels and look forward to hearing about their experiences upon their return.

A Legacy of Latin Achievement

Aquila Bernal continues to distinguish himself in Latin with an impressive achievement on this year’s National Latin Exam. The Leonia High School senior earned a Silver Medal, marking his third consecutive year receiving national recognition. Aquila previously earned a Silver Medal as a sophomore and a Gold Medal as a junior.

Congratulations to Aquila on this outstanding accomplishment and on his continued excellence in the study of Latin.

LHS Students Take on the Euro-Challenge

Congratulations to our Euro-Challenge Team: Sophia Jorge, Gabriella Almengor, Wonderful Kakhobwe, Olivia Biga, Beckett Pasky-Levinson, Naomi Levi, Elena Hii, Yuna Seol, Ava Ng, and Chelsea Santos!

After months of preparation, the team delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing their knowledge of economics with confidence, poise, and professionalism. Their hard work and dedication were evident throughout the competition, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts.

We now eagerly await the results and hope to see them advance to the semi-final rounds. Great job, team
 
Lion in Class

Charged Up and Ready to Learn

A reminder for families: all students are required to use their district-issued Chromebooks while in school. Students should bring their Chromebooks to school every day, fully charged and ready for use. Please note that personal laptops or MacBooks may not be used during the school day.

If a student forgets their Chromebook at home, they will not be issued a loaner. Loaner devices are reserved only for students whose district-issued Chromebook is undergoing repair.

Additionally, to help maintain a focused learning environment:
  • Cell phones, AirPods, and headphones may not be used during instructional time.
  • Meta glasses and other smart glasses are not permitted at any time.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure students are prepared and focused during the school day.
Mark Your Calendars

What's Happening at LHS

  • April 3 - 12 - Spring Break
  • April 15 - LHS Music Trip Concert
  • April 21 - March 31 - NHS Blood Drive
  • April 23 - 26 - Music Trip Williamsburg, VA
  • April 24 - 29 - DECA ICDC Atlanta, GA
  • April 24 - LHS HSA Pocketbook Bingo
  • April 28 - NJSLA Math
  • April 29 - NJSLA ELA Reading
  • April 30 - NJSLA ELA Writing

LIONS CAUGHT LEARNING

LHS Investors Head Into the Final Stretch

As the Stock Market Game enters its final stretch, Leonia students continue to perform at an impressive level. 

The Northern Region - H.S. Division currently has 565 participating teams, with 2118 teams participating across the state. The top 3 Leonia teams as of 4/2 are:

Samar Sharma & Noah Caba (Region: 1/565, State: 7/2118)
Allen Mirek (Region: 6/565, State: 26/2118)
Husain Abbas & Peter Barbara (Region: 62/565, State: 210/2118)

After ten weeks of competition, we are now approaching the final days of gameplay. This update will be the last weekly report before the game officially concludes on April 10. Final results will be announced after SIFMA completes its review and verification process.

Throughout the competition, students have strengthened their understanding of markets, industries, and economic trends through thoughtful research and analysis. One student explored Tapestry, Inc., the company behind brands such as Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman, and learned how companies in the retail and luxury goods industry are closely tied to consumer spending and brand image. Another student examined the Russell 2000 and compared it to the S&P 500, noting how smaller companies can sometimes outperform the broader market when investors anticipate economic growth or possible Federal Reserve rate cuts. A third student researched nuclear energy, highlighting its growing role in U.S. energy production and its potential to support the increasing energy demands of artificial intelligence.

We are proud of the curiosity, discipline, and analytical thinking our students have demonstrated throughout the competition and look forward to celebrating their final results soon.
Weekly Stock Market Game Results

Fresh Pasta, Fresh Skills

LAHCA Cohort 13 recently had the opportunity to make fresh homemade pasta from scratch. Using only flour and an egg, each student prepared their own pasta dough while learning proper mixing and kneading techniques. Students then used the pasta roller and cutter attachments on a KitchenAid stand mixer to roll and cut their dough into fresh pasta. After cooking their creations, everyone had the chance to taste the results, and many proudly agreed that their homemade pasta was delicious.

Pasta making in action. Video 1 - Video 2
 
Lions Athletics

Winter Sports Wrap-Up

The winter athletic season at Leonia High School was filled with many highlights.  All the teams competed on a high level and many student athletes received all-league as well as all-county recognition.  

The wrestling team completed the regular season with a record of 17-3 and were undefeated in divisional play.  The team was crowned NJIC Colonial Division Champions, this was the first divisional title for a LHS wrestling team since 1966.  The wrestling team qualified for the state sectional tournament and also competed in the Bergen County tournament.  Senior Gabe Jang was a District Champion and recorded his 100th victory during the season.  Gabe qualified for the State Championship Tournament in Atlantic City and finished 7th in the state in his weight class.  Gabe was named Second Team All Bergen County.  Senior Nanette Rodriguez-Randall also qualified for the State Championship Tournament in Atlantic City, she was the first girl in Leonia High School history to qualify for and compete in the state wrestling championship.  Nanette was named Second Team All Bergen County.  Head coach, TJ Kroncke, was named NJIC Colonial Division Coach of the Year. 

The bowling team finished the season with a record of 17-1, they were undefeated in division play and were crowned NJIC Patriot Division Champions.  This was the first division title for the bowling team since 2021.  The bowling team had a strong showing in the Bergen County tournament and advanced to the semifinals in the state sectional tournament.  Head coach, Jack Miller, was named NJIC Patriot Division Coach of the Year. 

The boys and girls swim teams both had excellent seasons.  The boys finished with an overall record of 10-1 and the girls were 8-3.  Both teams were crowned NJIC Conference Champions, this was the 12th consecutive league title for the girls and the second consecutive title for boys.  Both teams competed at a high level in the county tournament and both teams qualified for the state sectional tournament.  The girls advanced to the quarterfinals in the sectional tournament and the boys made it to the semifinals.  Senior Iris Kim was named First Team All Bergen County for the 200IM and the 500 free.  Additional County honors included Lyndon Lee and Adriel Lozano for Second Team All Bergen County and Kevin Son, Cate Chang, Erin Kim and Krystal Choi for Third Team All Bergen County. 

The girls basketball team finished the season with a record of 16-11.  The team made it to the Final Four of the Bergen County Invitational Tournament and to the quarterfinals of the state sectional tournament, winning a home state game along the way.  Senior Angelica Do concluded her remarkable career with 2,195 points, she is the all time leading point scorer for girls basketball at Leonia High School.  Angelica scored 708 points this season and led the team in every statistical category.  Angelica was the second leading scorer for the entire state and she was the leading scorer for all Group 2
Angelica scored 708 points this season and led the team in every statistical category.  Angelica was the second leading scorer for the entire state and she was the leading scorer for all Group 2 schools.  Angelica was named First Team All Bergen County. 

The boys basketball team finished the season with a record of 10-14.  The team qualified for the Bergen County Invitational tournament as well as the State Sectional Tournament.  

The LHS Athletic Department entered individual students in specific Winter Track events.  The students competed in the NJIC Championship Meet, the Bergen County Meet and the State Sectional Meet.  Dominique Cameron (Junior), Jeremy Garcia (Junior) and Eleanor Jang (Freshman) all won State Sectional titles in their respective events.  Eleanor was named First Team All Bergen County and Dominique earned Second Team All Bergen County Honors. 

Congratulations to all of Leonia High School’s winter student athletes and winter coaches on their accomplishments this past winter season.


Angelica Do Takes Her Game to the Next Level

Friends and family gathered at LHS earlier this week to recognize and celebrate one of our student athletes as she signed her letter of intent. Angelica Do will continue her basketball career at Queens College. Congratulations to Angelica.
 

LHS HSA Highlights

Bags, Bingo, and Scholarships

The Leonia High School Home & School Association will host its 7th Annual Pocketbook Bingo fundraiser on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Leonia High School.

This fun and popular event supports a great cause, with all proceeds benefiting the LHS HSA Senior Scholarship Fund. Families are encouraged to join in for an enjoyable evening or consider supporting the fundraiser through a donation.

We appreciate the continued support of our school community in helping provide meaningful opportunities for our graduating seniors.

HSA Letter for Pocketbook Bingo Donations
Pocketbook Bingo Flyer
 

The Leonia Home & School Association is now on Instagram. Follow @LHSHSA to stay up to date on events, news, and ways to

 

2025-2026 MRB Schedule

Click to access the 25-26 Modified Rotating Block (MRB) Schedule.
 
District Calendar
 
Attendance Matters Infographic
 

Stay Connected with the ParentSquare App

If you haven’t already, take a minute to download the ParentSquare App to your phone. The app makes it easy to stay informed and engaged with what’s happening at Leonia High School. You’ll receive real-time notifications and have all school updates, newsletters, and event information right at your fingertips.

Search for ParentSquare in your app store and stay connected wherever you are!
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Leonia, NJ 07605
Phone: (201) 302-5200
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