Dear MK Community,
As we close the chapter on another successful school year at Morris Knolls, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our entire school community. I am so proud of what we accomplished together at Morris Knolls. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or through everyday acts of kindness, our students and staff created meaningful Golden Moments that define who we are as a school community.
To the Class of 2025, congratulations! We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited to see where your journey takes you next. Your resilience, leadership, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting mark on our school.
This newsletter celebrates the remarkable achievements of our students, staff, and entire school community for our second semester. Our students continue to shine, excelling in academics, pushing boundaries in athletics, leading through clubs and activities, and giving back through meaningful service. Their passion and perseverance are the heartbeat of Morris Knolls, and I could not be prouder of their hard work and dedication.
To our parents and guardians, thank you. Your continued support, encouragement, and partnership are essential to our students’ success. We are deeply grateful for all that you do to help our Golden Eagles soar.
As we look ahead to the fall, please review the important summer dates and reminders below:
Summer Reminders
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Summer Office Hours
Monday–Thursday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
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Chromebook Distribution for 9th Graders
Thursday, August 14
Two distribution windows: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Families may arrive at any time during either shift. -
9th Grade Orientation
Wednesday, August 20 | 7:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Busing is provided for all in-district students.
Students will meet their counselors, tour the building, receive schedules and lockers, and participate in orientation activities. Arrival is between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM, with the program beginning in the Gymnasium at 7:30 AM. Dismissal will be at 11:15 AM via school buses.
Additional details, including bus pick-up/drop off information, will be shared in early August.
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Digital Summer Mailing
Look for our summer digital mailing in early August. It will include all the key information you will need for a smooth start to the school year.
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Student Schedules Available in Aspen - Friday, August 22 after 3:00 PM
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First Day of School for Students - Tuesday, August 26
I wish you and your families a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming everyone back this August for another exciting year at Morris Knolls!
GO KNOLLS!!
With Golden Eagle Pride,
Ryan MacNaughton
Principal
Congratulations to our Morris Knolls Speech and Debate Team for having most of our members make it to the final rounds of the NJSDL State Championship! Our Semi-finalists were Abril Rodriguez-Calle in both the impromptu and informational events, Nova Mahmoud and Claire Kroll in the Varsity Parliamentary Debate event. Our Quarter-Finalists in Junior Varsity Parliamentary Debate were Lucas Zablocki, Rachel Weissman, Ishitha Mantripragada and Cooper Johnson. A special shout-out goes to Peter Zablocki & Scott Johnson for helping make the State Championship possible for the Knolls team.
Shout out to Abril Rodriguez Calle (12) who organized our second annual TEDx event, bringing the spirit of TED’s mission of “ideas worth spreading” to our campus. This event featured inspiring talks celebrating the creativity, innovation, and diverse perspectives that make our school unique. We have awesome students at MK!!!!!
Lucia has been selected as one of 13 student-athletes in New Jersey to serve a two-year term as an Ambassador for the NJSIAA. The NJSIAA Student Ambassador Program promotes leadership both in the classroom and on the athletic field, as well as sportsmanship and the health and safety of student-athletes. Ambassadors work to foster positive relationships with coaches, officials, and fellow student-athletes. They also represent the views of all NJSIAA student-athletes by providing feedback to the NJSIAA Executive Committee to help improve the experience for all member schools.
Macey Hyatt Making a Difference in our Community!!
Senior Student, Macey Hyatt, raised $5,000 for Denville S.P.A.R.K at her Holiday Benefit Concert on December 20th, 2024! The night was hosted by Performing for Positivity, the 501c3 non-profit organization that Macey founded in early 2024! The Benefit Concert was a huge success, and even featured a performance by the Morris Knolls Chorale!
MK once again hosted the NJSMA Region I Choir Concert. Students and their families from all over North Jersey had a wonderful day of music making and the concert was amazing.
We had 18 MK Choir students perform this year, as part of the Treble Choir (under the direction of Dr. Dustin Cates, from Temple University) and the Mixed Choir (under the direction of Mr. Malcolm Couden, from Saddle Brook High School).
We are so proud of our Choral Staff and Students at MK!!
Olivia Lowell Competes in an International Culinary Event!
We are proud to recognize Olivia Lowell, a Morris Knolls senior in the Culinary Arts Share Time Program, for an extraordinary accomplishment. Olivia was one of only two students selected to participate in the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Jeunes Chefs competition—an international event that promotes culinary excellence among young chefs under the age of 27.
Olivia will be formally inducted into the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world’s oldest international gastronomic society. Founded in Paris in 1248, the organization is committed to preserving the traditions and camaraderie of fine dining while supporting the development of hospitality professionals.
This competition will provide Olivia with a unique opportunity to showcase her culinary talent and creativity in a highly respected professional forum. Her achievement reflects not only her skill and dedication but also the strong foundation she has built through her work in the Share Time Program.
This fall, Olivia will be continuing her culinary journey at Johnson & Wales University, where she will pursue a double major in Pastry Arts and Business. We are incredibly proud of her success and excited to see where her passion for the culinary arts will take her next.
Congratulations, Olivia!
We are delighted to share that Vivienne Berthelot has been selected for the highly competitive New Jersey Scholars Program!
The NJSP is a tuition‑free, five‑week residential experience held each summer at The Lawrenceville School. Only 39 rising seniors from across New Jersey are chosen to immerse themselves in an intensive, interdisciplinary academic seminar. During the program, Scholars attend college‑level lectures, engage in round‑table discussions, and complete an independent research paper, all while living and collaborating with equally motivated peers.
Congratulations Vivienne on this outstanding accomplishment!
MK Students Shine at HOSA State Competition!
The HOSA State Conference was March 30th. We had six students compete: Nala Patel and Vera Bachu competed in CPR & First Aid; Eesha Vanamala competed in Behavioral Health; Ashwika Manicka and Julia Jose and Raida Faiza competed in Researched Persuasive Writing and Speaking.Eesha Vanamala earned 3rd place in her event and qualified for the International Leadership Conference in Nashville in June!
One of the most powerful Golden Moments shared with me this year came from Amanda Doherty, a junior at Morris Knolls, who beautifully captured the spirit of our unified school community. Through her participation in our Unified PE program, Amanda has not only built lifelong friendships but has also gained a deeper appreciation for empathy, communication, and connection.
As Amanda shared:
“Though this PE class may seem like just another activity, I see it as so much more. Whether it’s a high five in the hallway or learning something new from my classmates in the special education program, these moments have given me a new perspective and a greater sense of connection.”
Amanda’s reflection reminds us that the most meaningful experiences often happen in the everyday moments of kindness, inclusion, and learning from one another.
Jamie Da Silva (11) Excelled in MK Fencing for the 2025-26 School Year!
Jamie Da Silva celebrated his 100th career win this season for the Morris Knolls boys fencing team. The wins were from a combination of dual meets and school tournaments. Jamie started for Varsity as a freshman and is currently a junior and captain of the boys foil squad.
Jamie also took third place in the Morris County Individual Championships this year. In addition, he qualified for the 2025 NJSIAA Individual State Championships
Outside of school, Jamie fences year round for two clubs, Masters Fencing Academy and Manchen Academy of Fencing. He is currently an "E" ranked fencer in USA Fencing and qualified for the 2025 USA Summer Nationals. Jamie will be travelling to Wisconsin this June to compete in the National Championship event.
Keep Creating Golden Moments Jamie!!
Coach Brunner amassed 209 victories with the Boys Basketball team, trailing only Bengal legends George Cella and Bill Foley. His teams averaged 16 wins a year, the most of any male cager coach at BHS. His career total of 320 wins places him among the elite in New Jersey history.
Coach Brunner led the Boys Basketball program to the 2017 NJSIAA Sectional Championship, Bloomfield’s first since the Kelly Tripucka led 1977 squad. A Coach of the Year on both the County and Statewide level, he saw three of his athletes, Jamil Goodwin, Jameel Patterson, and Michael Ramos pass the 1000-point plateau.
Pat also served as an assistant for the Boys Track & Field squad that captured a Sectional Team Title in 2009, their first since the celebrated 1969 contingent.
As an athlete Patrick was an All-Area hoopster in high school and All-NJAC while at Montclair State Pat lists his father as his most influential role model. He must certainly be looking down with pride at all his son has accomplished.
Alumni Spotlight: Kiersten Rock-Torcivia
We are proud to share that Morris Knolls alumna Kiersten Rock-Torcivia, Class of 2023, was recently featured by NewBridge Services for her outstanding community service. Through her nonprofit, Heartfelt Harmonies, Kiersten donated three AEDs to support NewBridge’s service centers—an incredible act of generosity and leadership.
We are always inspired to see our graduates making a meaningful impact in the world. Congratulations, Kiersten, and thank you for representing the Golden Eagle community so well.
Morris Knolls High School
Email: rmacnaughton@mhrd.org
Website: www.mhrd.org
Location: 50 Knoll Drive, Rockaway, NJ, USA
Phone: 9736642201
Twitter: @MKPrincipal