By Christopher Burch | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
West Morris Central High School, renowned for its vibrant school spirit and pride, has won one of NJ.com’s inaugural New Jersey High School Spirit Awards.
West Morris Central joins Perth Amboy High School and Williamstown High School as winners of NJ.com’s high school spirit award. Each school wins a $1,000 cash prize.
The Wolfpack won the North Jersey region of the contest for showcasing school pride, community involvement and student leadership. Voting for the award took in an NJ.com poll from Oct. 30 to Nov. 8. West Morris Central received 48.3% of votes in the North region.
Pride runs deep at West Morris Central, which has a student body of around 1,000. The school’s slogan, “P.R.I.D.E. in Pack” is posted all over the building, serving as motivation for students. The “P.R.I.D.E” acronym stands for passion, respect, integrity, determination and empathy.
But Timothy Rymer, West Morris Central’s principal, insists their pride goes beyond an acronym. The Morris County school sees a large turnout every Friday night during football season. Painted wolf paw prints track from the parking lot, through the stadium tunnel lined with cheerleaders and into the stadium where the bleachers are filled with students, parents and residents. The student section, known as “The Zoo,” gets plenty loud.
Rymer credited advisors, student leaders, coaches, teachers and even the school police officer as motivation for school spirit. “We have the best staff in New Jersey, hands down” Rymer told NJ Advance Media. “And this has nothing to do with test scores or anything else like that. This has everything to do with a caring staff that care for our kids each and everyday and bring the best out of our young people.”
Instead of a homecoming king or queen, West Morris Central selects a pride ambassador to represent the school and embody the “P.R.I.D.E.” slogan.
“We’re teaching wins and losses, but we’re also teaching high class and character,” athletic director Matthew Moscatello said. “There’s a high standard here both academically and athletically and it rings true in every aspect of our school culture.”
Both administrators thanked the community of students, faculty, parents and even local elected officials for support in winning the award.
“Our community really came together for this award. We had students, staff, school alumni, the mayor was even on board,” Rymer said. “And we are so grateful for that.”