District News and Stories

by Audrey Noguera, Columbia High School Class of 2025 President

With biting social commentary, humor, and suspense, the Columbia High School (CHS) Parnassian Society’s production of 12 Angry Men explores the danger of deep-seated prejudices and the power of civil discourse. Innovatively staged in the CHS Black Box Theater, the production breathes new life into this American classic, challenging audience members to take stock of their biases and reflect on the political polarization gripping our modern world.

Under the direction of James Dyer, George Rem Johannsen, and Kelly Murphy, the production explores the tense deliberation of a jury tasked with deciding the fate of a defendant accused of murder. “When we look at the American incarceration system and the political climate at the moment, we very much live in a world that still perpetuates this idea of fake news,” Dyer said. “So how to actually approach information is important, and I think that makes this play still deeply relevant.”

Set up in a unique traverse design, audience members sit on both sides of the stage, forcing viewers to confront the act of judgment––not just of the characters, but of one another. “The audience will be looking at each other from across the stage,” Dyer said. “We like the idea of us actively holding each other accountable in equal measure, in the same way that we expect the jurors and defendant to be accountable.”

Stella Boucher ‘28, playing Juror 4, said that “this show, especially now, is very impactful and still true, even if we don’t want to admit all the stereotypes that get brought up and all the hurtful things that are said in the show, they’re all very realistic.”

Since its founding in 1895, the Parnassian Society has remained a cornerstone of the CHS arts community, and 12 Angry Men continues the society’s tradition of presenting thought-provoking work that confronts complex societal themes. “I have really loved being a part of that tradition and getting to pass it on,” said cast member Hayden Groner ‘25, playing Juror 3. “All the shows have really challenged not only the cast, but the audience as well as the directors, to sit with a piece and work through it, step by step, which can be uncomfortable but also rewarding.”

Under Dyer and Johannsen’s direction, students have had the opportunity to explore the theater world and learn from each other in an open and supportive space. Stage Manager Soph Irfani ‘25, emphasized the unique learning environment the Parnassian Society provides students. “We are teaching people how to do theater things, and I am learning as I go,” they said. “It’s a great space to grow.” Boucher agreed, calling the community “so welcoming that it warms your heart.” Nuela Obasi ‘28, agreed, saying, “I feel like we just kind of bonded instantly,” she said.

Don’t miss this timely, thought-provoking production that makes you a part of the action and keeps you on the edge of your seat. 12 Angry Men is set to appear at the CHS Black Box theater on November 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 pm and on November 24th at 6 pm. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at cur8.com/projects/columbia.

About Audrey Noguera ’25
Audrey Noguera serves as the president of Columbia High School’s senior class and is a news editor for the acclaimed school newspaper, The Columbian, where she helps facilitate open dialogue on student experiences. Noguera also leads the Community Service Club, promoting engagement within the local community. Noguera’s feature on the Parnassian Society’s production of DNA won first prize for enterprise journalism in the Report for America Student Journalism Awards in the previous school year. Recently, Noguera attended the North American Association for Environmental Education to share her first published book, Find Your Forest, with other environment educators from across the continent.

About the School District of South Orange & Maplewood
The School District of South Orange & Maplewood proudly serves around 7,000 students across ten schools, including one early childhood center, six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The district creates a learner-centered environment that offers multiple pathways for academic success through reimagined structures, support, and innovative instructional methods for all students.

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Numerous students were recognized for academic excellence between the National Merit Scholarship Program and the College Board Recognition Program. (Reese Wolfinger/Columbia High School)

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The South Orange and Maplewood community celebrates academic excellence at the start of the school year, with 47 Columbia High School students being recognized in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program and the College Board’s Recognition Program. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has a long-standing tradition of honoring academic excellence without government funding and offers scholarships through the support of nearly 280 national businesses, colleges, and individual donors dedicated to recognizing the nation’s brightest young minds.

Commended students were acknowledged for their exceptional academic promise, demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the qualifying test for the program. In October 2023, students entered the competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The NMSC identifies the top 50,000 highest scorers and notifies them of their high achievement.

“These students have shown an exceptional level of intelligence and determination, and working with such brilliant and motivated students is truly a privilege,” Frank Sanchez, the principal of Columbia High School said. “I also want to commend our incredible CHS faculty for mentoring, inspiring, and teaching these gifted students.”

National Merit Semifinalists for Spring 2025

1. Theodore Abbate
2. Ruby Hoffman-Werle
3. Henry Martin
4. Oliver Nesin

National Merit Commended

1. Steven Alexander
2. Niharika Bajaj
3. Jos Brophy
4. Anaya Center
5. Max Coey
6. Claire Cross
7. Jonathan Crosse
8. Jasper Cunningham
9. Luke Davenport
10. Brendan Delaney
11. Marwan El-Gabry
12. Grayson Friedman
13. Lia Giger
14. Asa Glassman
15. Samuel Hanger
16. Odile Hannon
17. Emily Hinge
18. Abigail Ho
19. Jacob Kamen
20. Noah Lederman
21. Tessa Lipkin
22. Nathaniel Martin
23. Jacob Schaefer
24. Penelope Takizawa-Soper
25. Timothy Van De North
26. Jason Yonteff

College Board Recognition Program: African American Scholars

1. Patrick Anicette
2. Kai Capers
3. Zahra Davis
4. Lydia Friedman
5. Samuel Memo
6. Aidan O’Hanlon-Boone
7. Eden Philippe

College Board Recognition Program: First-Generation Scholars

1. Michelle Chen
2. Sharon Chen
3. Sherry Chen

College Board Recognition Program: Hispanic Scholars

1. Isabel Garcia-Maxon
2. Isabel Hahr
3. Sophie Irfani
4. Audrey Noguera
5. Sebastian Rios-Valdez
6. Liset Zacker

College Board Recognition Program: Hispanic and Indigenous Scholar

1. Abigail Pasternack

The excitement continues at Columbia High School, as four students—Theodore Abbate, Ruby Hoffman-Werle, Henry Martin, and Oliver Nesin—have been named semifinalists in the prestigious 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These exceptional students are part of an elite group of more than 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, with the opportunity to advance in the competition and vie for scholarships in Spring 2025.

“South Orange and Maplewood educators have done an outstanding job inspiring, mentoring, and guiding students throughout their academic journey,” Superintendent Jason Bing said. “These achievements represent great collective efforts of our entire community—students, teachers, staff, and families all previously working together to foster an environment where every student can thrive. We are excited to continue supporting these scholars throughout their academic journey.”

According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), approximately 95% of semifinalists are expected to advance to finalist status, and about half of those finalists will earn the prestigious Merit Scholar® title. In total, nearly 6,870 National Merit Scholarships will be awarded, with recipients sharing $26 million in scholarships to support their educational pursuits.

These four students exemplify not only their own dedication and hard work but also the unwavering support of the educators who have guided them throughout their academic journeys.

About the School District of South Orange & Maplewood 
The School District of South Orange & Maplewood proudly serves around 7,000 students across ten schools, including one early childhood center, six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The district creates a learner-centered environment that offers multiple pathways for academic success through reimagined structures, support, and innovative instructional methods for all students.

Like the school district on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/somsdk12

Follow us on Instagram:
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