NEWS FROM THE PANTHER DEN

November 17th, 2024 will be one of those days that will be etched in my memory for the remainder of my career. The PTHS Alumni Veterans Wall Dedication Ceremony that was held this past Sunday was truly remarkable. Hundreds and hundreds and ( yes, hundreds) of people gathered on the grounds of Pequannock Township High School to pay tribute to the men and women who have served our country after being students who walked these halls.

The dedication began with a flyover and landing of a UH-1 Huey Helicopter by Class of 1962 Alumn and Vietnam Veteran, Russ Mowry. It was the same aircraft he flew in Vietnam. After a public display of the aircraft, the crowd gathered for the Veterans Wall Dedication. A Passaic County Pipes and Drums Bagpiper played songs from the Military Branches as well as Amazing Grace. The American Legion Color Guard led the Pledge of Allegiance and The Nocktaves sang our National Anthem. The ceremony provided an opportunity to thank our in-kind donors, sponsors, community members, committee members, district personnel and most importantly our Veterans. The highlight of the ceremony was a speech from Major General Robert C. Kane, PTHS Alumni of the Class of 1975. He highlighted the "f words" that were so important to our Veterans....Faith, Family, Friends, Force, and Fun. I had the honor and privilege of closing out the ceremony. (Please view the ceremony in the video below.)

The dedication ceremony was followed by a beautiful luncheon held at The Castle in Pompton Plains. It was truly a celebration with a variety of recognitions and proclamations from local and state government. However, the true joy of the day was getting to see Veterans and their families sharing stories, honoring those who are no longer with us and feeling a sense of pride and appreciation from the Pequannock community.

I was asked by several people, including Channel 12 news, what this project means to the community. I'm not speechless all that often but it was honestly hard to put into words. I firmly believe that this Alumni Veterans Wall serves as the heartbeat of our community. It is a symbol of our past, present and future. It embodies the values that we hold dear in our school community: courage, commitment, dedication, pride and a sense of responsibility to something greater than ourselves. It is a testament to the sacrifices made by our alumni to protect the freedoms and opportunities we often take for granted. May this wall forever remind us of the profound impact of those who have served, and may it strengthen our resolve to live lives worthy of their sacrifices, their spirit and their loyalty. #nocknation

For more information about the Pequannock Township High School Alumni Veterans Wall, please visit the website found here: https://sites.google.com/pequannock.org/pthsalumniveteranswall/home

A really proud moment when the Veterans Wall Committee received a Certificate of Honor from the Morris County Board of Commissioners.

Thank you to Antonietta Henry Photography for many of these wonderful pictures!

Please help support this critical fundraiser during the Thanskgiving season! All donations should be brought to your Period 1 class.

The holiday season will soon be upon us and nothing welcomes in the holidays like the PTHS Winter Concert. We hope you can join us for a festive night of music!

Just as a reminder, extra curricular activity meetings can only be held during the lunch block. Panther Periods are for instructional help, counselor meetings or students meeting with administration.

PTHS Music is currently doing a holiday apparel sale.

This time around, Cozy Embroidery has also included a wearable blanket with a general Pequannock Panther logo. The store will close on November 27 and the items will arrive in time for the holidays.

Here is the link for the item.
https://cozyembroidery.chipply.com/PTHSMusicHolidayAPPRELSALE/product-detail-shell.aspx?pid=11541964&cid=1713073&lastaction=viewall

November 22nd: PTHS Children's Musical 7:00pm

November 27th: Early Dismissal (Day 3)

November 28th and 29th: SCHOOLS CLOSED (THANKSGIVING)

December 3rd: Faculty Meeting

December 4th: HSA Meeting 7:00 pm

December 10th: Half Day- PD Day (Day 2)

December 17th: PTHS Winter Concert 7:00 pm

December 19th: AP Government Debate (Block 3)

December 19th: Gym Dedication at 6:30 pm

December 20th: Winter Pep Rally

December 23rd: Half Day (Day 3)

The PTHS Gymnasium will be dedicated on December 19th in memory of Ruth Kellett. Ruth was a teacher, coach and Athletic Director at Pequannock Township High School for over 34 years. She was the first female to coach a boys basketball team in the state of New Jersey. During her tenure, she coached Girls and Boys Basketball, Softball and Boys Golf. She earned division and county championships in Girls Basketball and a State Sectional Championship in Softball. She was also named Coach of the Year four years in a row in Boys Golf. Ruth, along with two other colleagues, started the Morris County Basketball Tournament for girls. Ruth was also one of the first (if not the first) female to become an Athletic Director in the state and was named Athletic Director of the Year in 1987. She became an unofficial representative for equitable practice scheduling and time for both men and women, serving on the NJSIAA executive committee. She was a trailblazer for equality in sports and role model for our students and community.

Lunch Support Blocks and Panther Periods will remain in place now that we are in the rotational schedule. Please see the link below for the schedules.

https://hs.pequannock.org/students/instructional-supportpanther-period

Email: attendance@pequannock.org
Website: www.pequannock.org
Location: 85 Sunset Road, Pompton Plains, NJ, USA
Phone: (973) 616-6000