Athletics & Activities Newsletter

Providence Hall High School’s theater department delivered a truly unforgettable production this fall with its original adaptation of Frankenstein. A moving, haunting, and deeply thoughtful retelling crafted by our own director, Mr. Jason Purdie. Performed in early November, the show blended emotional performances with innovative technical work and a student-built set, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts eerie, dramatic, and profound.

Mr. Purdie’s inspiration for adapting Frankenstein has roots that go back years. From watching classic versions of the story to reading Mary Shelley’s novel, he was drawn to its tragic beauty and heavy, meaningful themes. As he searched for the right fall production, something fitting for the Halloween season, and realized it was the perfect time to share this story with his students.

But no existing script captured the version he envisioned. “I searched for scripts but didn’t find any I liked, so I turned to my own imagination,” Purdie shared. “This was my chance to create something magical with my students.”

He completed his script in September, and on the first day of rehearsal, he surprised the cast and crew: they would be performing the world premiere of an original play, written just for them. “They were overjoyed,” he said. “It meant a lot to them that I would trust them with my creation.”

The story of Frankenstein isn’t light, its emotions run deep, and the students stepped boldly into themes of rejection, betrayal, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. “They handled it like pros,” Mr. Purdie shared. “Some of them were on team Monster, others on team Victor. Their passion was incredible.”

That passion showed in the way the cast connected personally to their characters. Quinn Hanemann, who played Victor Frankenstein, described the role as “the most emotion I’ve ever put into a character.” He related to Victor’s social awkwardness and intense focus on the things he cares about, and said that hearing the audience gasp during emotional moments was “incredibly gratifying.”

For Miley Szczesny (Elizabeth Frankenstein), the joy came from portraying a character who evolves so much throughout the story. She learned how to switch emotions quickly and maintain her composure even when fellow cast member Halle Francis was trying to make her break character in the wings. Halle, who shared many scenes with Miley, said some of her favorite memories were the times they couldn’t stop laughing while rehearsing their dramatic scene. After weeks of practice, finally performing it flawlessly earned them a smile and clap from Mr. Purdie.

EmmaLee Blackett (Magician) reflected on the personal growth the production brought her. Nervous about having lines for the first time, she found confidence through the support of her fellow cast members. “It gave me back some confidence I had lost and the passion for acting again,” she shared.

For Eliza Shiek (Police 1), the show became a place of genuine connection and belonging. “I haven't felt more seen and heard ever until this show,” she said. She cherished the friendships, the rehearsal time, and watching the production grow from the inside. “The environment, the friends, the rehearsals it was all amazing. I already miss it.”

The technical crew played an essential role in creating the chilling, immersive world of Frankenstein. From props and set pieces to lighting, special effects, and even period-accurate notebooks and artifacts, the production was a massive collaborative effort.

The set, designed by student Landon Havican, was “a monster of a set in all the best ways,” according to Purdie. Students and parents worked together to build it, while the tech crew tackled numerous special effects with creativity and determination.

Jaycee Cooley, who worked on props, loved the variety of items they created. One of her favorites was a fake rusty can textured with sand paint. “Everyone was welcome,” she shared. “One challenge was getting all the props we needed, and once a lever split in half after a show, and we had to fix it in an hour!”

Taylor Hastings, prop master, said this was his favorite show he's worked on. He recalled the excitement the production class felt when they discovered the play was written by Mr. Purdie himself. He dove deep into research to make Victor’s notebooks and lab artifacts historically accurate, even spending a week learning how to make a moldy cheese prop that appeared onstage for only one scene.

Taylor also collaborated on lighting, set design, and yearbook photography. “This play is going to live with a great fondness in my memories,” he said. “Everything I learned, and the friends I’ve made, will follow me for years.”

From the intense performances to the ingenious technical work, Frankenstein was a testament to what students can achieve when given both opportunity and trust. They brought a brand-new script to life, tackled challenging themes, solved complex design problems, and supported one another through every rehearsal and performance.

“It is amazing what students can do when given the opportunity,” Purdie reflected.

We couldn’t agree more Mr. Purdie! Congratulations to the cast, crew, and Mr. Purdie for creating a meaningful, ambitious, and beautifully executed production. Your work has left a lasting impression on the Providence Hall community, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for the theater department.

Our school’s submission to the UHSAA Sportsmanship Video competition earned the top ranking in our classification, standing out among all entries this year. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, creativity, and teamwork to produce such an outstanding video, especially Will Trelease for his leadership and talent behind the lens.

UHSAA will be showcasing the video at several state events throughout the year. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and the way it represents the character of Providence Hall High School.

Providence Hall was recently awarded a one thousand dollar sportsmanship scholarship for our video submission showcasing what sportsmanship looks like at PHHS. We are excited to use this award to offer four Sportsmanship Scholarships of 250 dollars each to PHHS students who consistently demonstrate excellent sportsmanship on the field and strong character off the field. All applications are due December 12, and late applications will not be considered.

Providence Hall High School is excited to celebrate all the incredible students who represent our school through athletics and activities — both on the field and beyond it!

This year, we’re offering personalized PHHS yard signs so families can proudly show their support for their student’s hard work, dedication, and school spirit. Whether your student plays on the field, performs on stage, marches with the band, leads in Student Council, or serves in NJROTC — this is your chance to showcase their Patriot pride right at home!

For our fall athletes, the signs can be customized with sport, name, and jersey number, making each one uniquely theirs. Activities and programs without jersey numbers will have beautifully designed, general signs that still highlight their team or group.

Signs are just $20 each, and proceeds from this campaign go directly to benefit PHHS students and programs.

Pre-orders are open now.

Thank you for helping us celebrate every Patriot who contributes to the heart of Providence Hall — from the athletes who give their all on the field to the students who make our school community shine through leadership, service, and the arts.

Did you know any student participating in an official sport or activity can benefit from our Sponsorship Program? Sponsors help cover student participation fees, and once those are paid, extra funds go right back to support your team or activity. Plus, sponsors get community recognition with banners, shout-outs, and more.

Check out the full program below—this is a great way for families, friends, and local businesses to support our Patriots!

Student & Guardian Information

Information Flyer for Potential Sponsors

Student & Parent Agreement Form