WINTER 2026

As we move through the heart of winter, I want to thank our students, staff, families, and community for your continued support and flexibility during the incredibly cold weather and resulting delays—we truly appreciate it. Midterm exams have just concluded, and I’m proud of the focus and effort our students demonstrated. Winter sports are in full swing, bringing great energy and school spirit, and excitement is building as we prepare for our musical, premiering the first weekend of March. There are so many great happenings at Audubon High School each and every day, and we are proud of the work, dedication, and achievements of our entire school community.

Respectfully,

Jeffrey W. Lebb

Principal

We are happy to have Chick-fil-A sponsor the BE THE "I" IN KIND AWARD at Audubon High School. There are so many students that go out of their way to help other students and teachers. In conjunction with our Character Education programs, these students make a difference and are a huge part of what makes Audubon such a special place. We would like to recognize some of our KIND students. Chick-fil-A has graciously donated gift cards to support our program and the KIND initiative. The Chick-fil-A KIND AWARD winners from this month are:

Are you or your business interested in supporting "The Wave", Audubon Jr.-Sr. High School’s monthly digital newsletter? Shared with students, families, staff, board members, and the broader Audubon community, The Wave celebrates the exciting events, achievements, and stories happening in our school. Each edition is promoted on our school website and social media platforms (@ahsprincipal on Instagram and @VPCorley on X) and averages over 5,000 views each month—giving sponsors a strong presence in our community.

As a sponsor, your business will be featured in every edition throughout the 2025–2026 school year. Sponsorship opportunities include:

• Business card placement

• Section sponsorships (e.g., Student of the Month and KIND Awards)

• Visibility on school TVs and recognition boards

We welcome both monetary contributions and gift cards, which will be used for student recognition programs.

To learn more or become a sponsor, please contact Mr. Corley at 856-547-7695 ext. 4122. Additional information is available in the PDF below. We look forward to partnering with you to support our students and celebrate our community!

Our Counseling Department has put together the Counselor's Corner Newsletter — packed with important updates, helpful resources, and upcoming events for Audubon families. Stay informed about everything from academics and college planning to wellness tips and student highlights.

One of the reasons our HIB numbers are well below national averages is because we embrace diversity and focus on acceptance. Throughout our classes, teachers routinely incorporate lessons and activities that center on tolerance, respect, acceptance and inclusivity. Our Character Counts morning announcements each day center on these principles and set the tone for each day of learning.

Congratulations to sophomore Keira Ryan for being selected to the All-South Jersey Symphonic band for 2025-2026. Keira was selected after a rigorous audition on Saturday, December 13th at Absegami High School. The score she received earned her the first chair bass clarinet position for the symphonic band. She had the opportunity to perform with the other All-South Jersey band members in a concert at Rowan University in mid-January. We are proud of our Audubon musicians!

Digital Photography students with Mrs. Mueller needed a reset so they dove headfirst into printmaking with LEGO! Using large scale baseplates and LEGO Dot bricks, they each created a completely unique (reversed if necessary) LEGO build. The students then used ink to print from their builds over and over again. Total Success!

We are extremely excited to host our first ever Senior Class Career Day on February 13, 2026. Professionals have offered their time to speak to our Seniors about their careers. In the next issue, we will highlight these presenters.

JOB FAIR UPDATE: Due to a limited response from businesses, we will not be able to host the planned Job Fair. Instead of this venture the Counseling and Vice Principal's office will be emailing Junior and Senior students when job opportunities become available. Some of the most recent emails have been from DRPA/PATCO with positions available on their website at drpa.org/careers and the Shoprite Job Fair on January 31st at local stores where they conducted interviews on the spot for available positions. We are committed to sharing this important information to our students.

Peer to Peer - A Peer Mentor is there to help support you, build friendships, and help navigate challenges inside and outside of the classroom. This is a great chance to ease the transition to junior high and meet new people! Meetings are held during homeroom. Contact Ms. Warren with questions!

In December, the French Club hosted their annual "French Holiday Market." Our French Senior Committee set up an "authentic" market and gave the members "euros" to purchase yummy goods that everyone made!

S.T.A.R.S. (Students and Teachers Against Racism and Stereotypes) recently hosted a table in the school cafeteria during lunch periods and provided students and staff the opportunity to share favorite holiday traditions, as well as set intentions or hopes for 2026 (and throw it at 2025!).

Best Overall Stocking - The Maintenance Office

Best Holiday Stocking - The Bantles

Best School Spirit Stocking - Mrs. Costill

Best Sports Stocking - Child Study Team

Best Pop Culture Stocking - Mrs. Burton

Best Academic Stocking - Mrs. Wiltsey

**Please click on the document below to see photos of ALL decorated doors at AHS this past holiday season!

The Spark meets every Wednesday after school until 3:30.

The Spark is an after-school club focused on building a positive, welcoming space where students can be themselves, make meaningful connections, and find others who share their interests. The goal of The Spark is to ignite friendships that might have never formed and create a community where everyone feels welcome. The Spark aims to be the bridge that helps students feel that school is a place where they belong.

We do this by breaking down barriers through games, snacks, laughter, and great conversations each week. Respect is a must, and negativity is left at the door. Kindness and understanding are what keep the Spark alive.

My hope is for students to come and find their inner Spark!

~Mrs. Gifford

Room A130

Audubon High School hosted the 53rd Annual South Jersey High School Individual Chess Tournament Saturday January 17th. 88 students from east and south of Trenton converged on the Grace N. Cramer Memorial Library and battled on the board for seven rounds and six hours. Congrats to Audubon for their top 20% showing!

Media Tech students recently created letters and videos to their future selves as part of a "New Year's Resolutions" project. Students wrote and revised letters outlining goals, ambitions, hopes and dreams for the coming year (and in some cases, further into the future). Students then used teleprompter apps and web sites to read their letters to themselves while being recorded. Finally, students sent themselves their letters and videos via email to be received one year from now. Some students opted to send content to themselves on their day of graduation or even further.

Ms. Burton's art students and Mrs. Bantle's classes worked together to create amazing gingerbread houses that were put on display in the Media Center prior to Winter Break. Students' collaborative efforts paid off and visitors to the Media Center had the opportunity to enjoy a festive display!

The snow and ice have invaded the Media Center as a squall of Chinese snowflakes! Pairs of students in Mr. Webb's classes created digital displays of related Chinese ideograms and their English translations, and featured them in snowflake creations. This project underscores the Ming Dynasty's empire-wide focus on literacy as a means to an efficient bureaucracy.

Media Tech students worked on creating profile images and avatars that would play a part in telling a story about the students themselves -- including personal interests, future goals, how we present ourselves online while promoting online safety, and so on. Students used AI generators and websites to create profile images and presented themselves to the class for peer feedback and review.

Students in 8th grade cycle classes completed a design challenge project in the Media Center during mid-term week. Students were given specific supplies and parameters, and, using a combination of logic, creativity, and trial and error, had to design a system to carry a marble down a cardboard wall. The longer it took to get from start to finish, the better.This year, the winning time was over 15 seconds!

Class Advisors will be communicating with students and parents using a variety of methods during the school year about events, news, and other updates.

Advisors will use email and articles in our AHS Monthly Newsletter. Additionally, each grade level has a Google Doc of activities categorized by the month. To access the various grade-level activities, please click HERE.

Below is a QR-coded document if you would like to use your mobile device's camera to access the various grade-level activities.

Click on the link below to see the many clubs and activities that our school has to offer.

AHS is working with BSN Sports to offer custom Audubon apparel to staff and community. These items are not affiliated with any clubs or activities, we are simply providing the community with an opportunity to get general Audubon apparel.

Please continue to support our specific programs as they provide team stores and apparel sales. If interested in purchasing AHS gear, click on the image above and it will take you right to the store.

PLEASE CLICK THE BANNER ABOVE TO COMPLETE THE ALUMNI SURVEY

• Cindy Vanrell Spink graduated in 1992 and participated in Girls Basketball, Winter Track, Spring Track, AHS Concert Choir, Prom Committee, Winter Ball Committee, AHS Concert Choir Social Chairperson, Guidance Office Aid, Concessions. Cindy currently works as a Marketing Program Manager at The Vanguard Group
• Jennifer Wells graduated in 1992 and was a member of the Girls Basketball and Softball teams. Jennifer currently works as an Implementation Specialist at Nuvem.
• Amy Paratore graduated in 1993 and was a member of DECA. Currently, Amy works as a Sales Support Specialist.

• Erin Knoll MacMinn graduated in 1997 and was an active participant in Spring Track during her time in school. She achieved the honor of being named first-team all-conference in 1995, 1996, and 1997. Presently, Erin works as an Emissions Compliance Engineer.
• Sarah (Barry) White, a 1997 graduate, participated in Softball and Cheerleading, was recognized in the Colonial Conference and All-South Jersey Band, earned the Best Drum Major Award at the Chapter Championships in 1996-1997, and was a National Honor Society member. She is now an Officer in the United States Air Force Nurse Corps, currently serving in the NJ Air National Guard, a mother to three wonderful children, and serves as the school nurse at Audubon.

• Jeff Lebb graduated in 1999 after actively participating in multiple sports, including Football, Wrestling, and Baseball, throughout his high school years. Currently, Jeff serves as the Principal of Audubon High School.
• Nicole Piontkowski Stallard, a 1999 graduate, was actively involved in Girls Soccer, Spring Track, Cheerleading, Peer Mediation, and the Yearbook committee during her time in school. She now dedicates her career to education, working as a Math Teacher.

• Amanda Carelli Barbieri graduated in 2001, engaging in various activities during her school years, including participation in band, choir, peer mediation, and intergenerational programs. Currently, Amanda works as a behavioral therapist.

• Nichole Salamone Holt graduated in 2001 and was an active member of the Girls Basketball Program and (Motivating Young Minds Against Drunk Driving. Nicole worked 6 years of claims adjuster, 14 years in the real estate appraising field and office manager, and currently is a Police Dispatcher for the whole county of Camden.
• Lindsay Furman Quinn graduated in 2001 and was actively involved in Girls Soccer, Spring Track, Cheerleading, Student Council, STARS, and French Club during her time in school. She now serves as an Assistant Principal, continuing her dedication to education.
• Katie Ross graduated in 2002 and was actively involved in extracurricular activities during her school years. She participated in Girls Basketball and was a member of the Color Guard from 1997 to 2002. Currently, Katie works as a Patient Care Coordinator.

• Cara Low Gaehring graduated in 2004 and received notable recognition for her achievements. She was honored as a STARS Award recipient and was awarded the Martin Luther King Freedom Medal, showcasing her commitment to promoting equality and social justice. Currently, she works as a Substitute Teacher and Secretary in Audubon.
• Nicole Racite Lombardi, a 2006 graduate, was an active participant in Spring Track, Cheerleading, Band, Choir, the Spring Musical, and Marching Band during her time at school. She now works as a dedicated Special Education Teacher, continuing her passion for helping others.
• Desiree Booth Bisaga graduated in 2008 where she was a member of Girls Tennis, Swimming Choir, Spring Musicals, and Color Guard. Currently she works as the Center Administrative Director for Proud Moments ABA.

• Kieran Boland graduated in 2010, actively participating in various sports during his time in school, including Cross Country, Boys Basketball, Winter Track, and Spring Track. Currently, Kieran works as a Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
• Erica Paolucci Cavanaugh, a 2010 graduate, was highly involved in activities such as Color Guard, Choir, Student Council, National Honor Society, Spanish Honors Society, during her time at school. She also served as the Varsity Soccer and Swimming Manager, participated in musicals and one-act plays, and contributed to Project Memorial. Erica has been named Educator of the Year in the Mount Holly Township School District, has choreographed musicals at GCIT for the past nine years, and currently works a 5th-grade teacher at Mansion Avenue School.
• Joseph Gaspari graduated in 2023 and is currently in college. At Audubon he participated in Cross Country, Winter Track, Spring Track where he helped Audubon win a 2020 Boys XC sectional championship, 2021 Boys XC sectional championship and first Audubon's ever state championship in Cross Country and boys Spring Track State Championship.

https://ahs.audubonschools.org/