The Champions' Chronicle
A Look into Lodi Public Schools
Every week during the school year, North Jersey school districts nominate outstanding students for recognition in The Record and on NorthJersey.com. On Jan. 12, Lodi High School Senior Reisa Pellumbi won first place. Click to read the whole feature here that details her effortless balancing of rigorous academics, civic engagement efforts, and other extracurricular endeavors.
What did you enjoy most about the Lodi experience?
There was a strong sense of community, but moreover, the teachers always went above and beyond the call of duty. They were always there to help us learn and grow, not only in the subject they taught, but in life as well. I recall teachers, with their own money, going out and buying social or prom dresses for students in need. They were there to talk to for advice, and it was always candid and helpful. The same could be said of the administration. They were always involved deeply in our education. Principals and vice principals didn't just sit in their offices. They were out in the school community; they engaged with us.
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teacher was Mrs. LoPresti at LHS. She was one of those special teachers who always went above and beyond. I had her for Honors English and Yearbook. She was also my National Honor Society (NHS) advisor. She was a tough teacher, and she really pushed us to do our best. She was also caring and always willing to help a student in need. When I was serving as yearbook editor and president of NHS, she taught me great lessons on how to be a leader. She instilled in me to always consider the other person's side/motives/thoughts/background when in a situation of conflict or conversation, basically to always play the "devil's advocate" when approaching situations. I still use that lesson today in my career and in my life. Mrs. LoPresti still keeps in touch today, and she still gives great advice and life lessons. She was even a guest at my wedding!
Do you come back to visit?
Since leaving Lodi Public Schools, I have visited many times. I also served on the school board for a number of years, so that brought me into the schools many times. Today, I am the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lower Bergen County. We run programs in Lodi schools, so that also keeps me engaged in the school community.
Did you feel your years in Lodi inspired you to pursue your career?
Yes, absolutely! I was instilled with the importance of volunteerism and community service when I was a student in the Lodi Public Schools. We were always pushed to give back to the community!
What is your most proud accomplishment?
Certainly, my most proud personal accomplishment is my two children, Noelle (7) and Nico (3). Second to that would be my election three times to the Lodi Board of Education. It was an honor to be entrusted by the community where I was raised to serve and impact the school community that gave me so much. And, at my current job, I was able to secure $4.5 million in grant funds (over 10 years) to bring an after-school enrichment program to Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Lodi.
Where did you attend college/university?
I received a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of Public Administration from Seton Hall University in South Orange. I also have a certificate in accounting from Southern New Hampshire University.
Can you tell me something interesting about yourself?
Something interesting about me is that I have Cold Urticaria, which is a rare condition that causes an allergic reaction to cold temperatures. It usually triggers a rash or hives after exposure to cold air, water, food or drink. But symptoms can be more severe, such as hypotension.
I am also the son of Franche Coma, original and first lead guitarist for the Famous Punk Rock Band the MISFITS.
In addition, I am also the co-founder and president of Lodi Cares, Inc., a nonprofit educational foundation that provides college scholarships to Lodi students.
Where do you live now?
I live in North Haledon, New Jersey.
When did you serve on the Lodi Board of Education?
I served on the Lodi Board of Education from 2009-2016.
President 2011-2016
Vice President 2009-2011
Lodi High School may not be near the beach, but it has the only surf club in northern New Jersey.
The surf club is the result of a passionate educator and surfer, LHS Art Teacher Matthew Nicolosi, who wanted to share his love of surfing with his students. Many students told him they would love to learn to surf but living miles and miles away from the closest beach made that difficult.
Nicolosi, who learned to surf at 10 years old, started coming to the DreamWorks Water Park at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford where they have surfing school SkudinSurf, right after it opened.
So, three years ago, he decided to share his passion for his favorite hobby with his students and created a club that would give students a chance to experience what it is like to catch a wave and learn to surf.
Senior Emma Porter said she enjoys the independence of surfing and loved learning to surf through the club so much that she wants to surf for the rest of her life.
The club normally enjoys surfing outings at the water park three or more times per year. On a recent outing, the club met for an evening surf lesson at the water park. Nicolosi is a lifeguard and instructor at the park and arranged for the club members to come to the water park, take a lesson and then enjoy some time surfing in the indoor wave pool.
"The wave pool affords these students an opportunity to work on the basics and mechanics of surfing in a condensed and controlled environment," he said. "There are very few places in the world that offer that opportunity."
“It is a gift to be able to share this with them,” said Nicolosi, who noted that that the lessons and surfing are offered in the early mornings and evenings when the water park is closed to the public.
Click to read the full article here
