News From the Eagle's Nest
Principal's Newsletter - MacNaughton's Minutes
Dear MK Community,
It is hard to believe that we are almost done with the 3rd Marking Period. We had a successful first semester and I am so proud of our students for all of their accomplishments in both their academic and co-curricular endeavors.
Dedicated to the extraordinary achievements of our students, this newsletter serves as a testament to the hard work, passion, and perseverance that define the Morris Knolls experience. From academic milestones to artistic triumphs, athletic victories to community service initiatives, each story reflects the exceptional talents and dedication of our remarkable students. In addition to highlighting the many accomplishments of our students, I have also included some useful information and resources for our school community.
Our theme for this school year, "Ignite Excellence," has truly come to life through the outstanding performances, both inside and outside the classroom. As we reflect on the achievements of the first half of the year, let us not only celebrate our successes but also harness the momentum they provide. The second semester provides an opportunity for us to build upon our accomplishments, set new goals, and reach even greater heights. Together, as a united school community, we have the power to ignite excellence in every aspect of our lives.
I wish you all success in for the final marking period. May this newsletter inspire and motivate us for the journey ahead. Let's continue supporting one another and striving for excellence in all that we do. Please know that my door is always open and I welcome your involvement. Please feel free to reach out to discuss any concerns, suggestions, or ideas you have to finish the year strong.
With Golden Eagle Pride,
Ryan MacNaughton - Principal
Morris Knolls Student Government Leaders Attend Leadership Conference
Senior SGA Leaders, Julia Johnson, Sophia Rosso, Mikayla Doyle, Aarna Shah, and Sophia Vnenchak attend Leadership conference for the NJAC. The collaborated with student leaders across the state in meaningful workshops and were able to share what they learned with our general assembly and inspire our future student leaders.
We are so fortunate to have such motivated and dedicated student leaders!
Juliana Guglielmi (12) and Natalie Dreyer (12) Earn New Jersey School Boards Unsung Hero Award!
The honorees are 12th graders who have made outstanding contributions to their schools and communities, often overcoming personal or academic challenges, embodying exceptional citizenship, or inspiring others through their quiet strength.
Congratulations Juliana and Natalie!
Morris Knolls Hockey Wins State Championship! GO KNOLLS!!!!
MHRD hosted our first Careers in Aviation Event in January.
The career-fair event was open to the public and featured representation from a wide-range of aviation focused professions. We even had A live helicopter landing by the NJ State Police Aviation Bureau. Thank you to Mr. Bigora, Supervisor of CTE and our Aviation Program for organizing the event!
Kylie McDonald Selected for Girls' Career Institute at Rutgers University!
Girls' Career Institute (GCI) offers a "mini college and career exploration experience" at Douglass Residential College on the campus of Rutgers University. Delegates experience a sample of college life by living in a dorm, eating in a cafeteria, and attending lectures and workshops. They learn about career choices from volunteer professional speakers and how to network with other delegates from all over the state of New Jersey. Many establish lasting friendships with one another.
Academic Decathlon Team Achieves Excellence in Regional Competition
The MK Academic Decathlon Team recently took part in the Regional Competition in January at Woodrow Wilson School in Clifton. Congratulations to our place winners!
Andrew Udud (12)
-Earned the highest overall score on our team
-Won a Silver medal in the Science event
-Won a Bronze medal in the Interview event
Keilbey Danso (10)
-Earned Honorable Mention in the Science competition
Julie Tran (12)
-Earned highest score for our team in the Scholastic tier
Check out our latest News from Nest Episode!
Congratulations to our APA Dancers on an amazing showcase of talent at CCM!
Morris Knolls Thespian Society recently attended competitive events at Thespfest and STANJ, walking away with many successes!
STANJ is an organization focused on promoting speech and theatre arts in NJ, offering various Governor's awards in categories such as Monologues, Scenes, Improv, Musical Theatre, and more! AT STANJ, 3 of our students took home finalist rankings in their categories, with two numbers placing First Place in their categories!
Aidan Sales - 1st Place for Musical Solo
Macey Hyatt and Alex Vacchiano - 1st Place for Musical Duo
Alex Vacchiano - Finalist for Musical Solo
Thespfest is a statewide festival associated with the International Thespian Society! This year there were around 1200 attendees in total over the 2 days of the festival. Superior rankings are given to those who show exemplary talent in their categories!
Special Congratulations to Thespy Superior Winners:
Michelle Lee | Contrasting Monologues
Aidan Sales | Contrasting Monologues
Macey Hyatt | Musical Solo
Nolan Lardiere | Musical Solo
Rebecca Tillett | Musical Solo
Macey Hyatt and Nolan Lardiere | Musical Duet
In addition to superior rankings, scholarships are awarded every year to students! This year two talented seniors took home scholarships at varying amounts with Anna Staltari winning a Dramatic Arts Scholarship and Michelle Lee winning an Arts Advocacy Scholarship.
Michelle Lee also represented herself at the festival as a State Thespian Officer! She obtained the role early last year through a lengthy application process and she has spent the last 6 months participating in theatre outreach, advocacy, and festival planning. Her role was integral in ensuring that the weekend ran smoothly and will continue to uphold her duties later this year by helping conduct interviews for next year's state officers!
Congratulations to the Morris Knolls High School 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year; Educational Specialist of the Year and Support Staff Member of the Year!
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Timothy David Earns Outstanding CTE Student of the Year
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) month. The Morris Hills Regional District has a tradition of honoring one of our outstanding CTE students at Morris Knolls and Morris Hills. Nominations for this distinction come directly from members of the Technology and Engineering Education Department and are based on a variety of indicators.
Timothy David was selected as our honoree for the 2023-2024 school year! His resume and dedication to our hands-on CTE classes is evident through his extensive involvement in Television Production, Woodworking, Personal Finance, Social Media Marketing, Sports/Entertainment Marketing, and his current Gifted and Talented Programs in Woods and Broadcasting.
Congratulations to our Band and Chorus members who have auditioned and been accepted into various National, State, Regional and County bands and choirs.
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Morris Knolls Hosted the North Jersey School Music Association Region Choir Event!
MK hosted the North Jersey Region Treble and Mixed Choir over the past few weeks for rehearsals, culminating in a wonderful concert on February 3rd. Over 300 students from Northern Jersey participated and we had 11 students from MK in the choir! Check out one of their performances below.
Please join me in welcoming Officer Anthony Castellani to Morris Knolls.
We are excited to announce that Officer Castellani will be taking on the role of our new School Resource Officer. He comes with many years experience in the Denville Township Police Department and we are looking forward to him joining our team. Officer Gorman will be transitioning back to patrol and we thank him for his years of service to our school and community.
Mia Byrdak, Grade 9, received the Reserve Grand Champion Award after completing her first season with the Smoke Rise Riding Club Photo below of Mia and her horse, Lilly.
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Boys Basketball Wins Conference Title!
Our APA students had an incredible opportunity to attend a performance of Romeo and Juliet at the iconic Metropolitan Opera House!
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APA Dancers Visit Montclair State University!
On 3/8, the Class of 2027 visited MSU for a day of dance education & inspiration. The students participated in master classes taught by Montclair faculty, expanding their skills & learning new techniques. They also watched college-level dancers showcase their talents on stage.
MK Boys Track & Field Win State Title!
Congratulations to the following students who have earned perfect scores on the PSAT, SAT and ACT, or have been named by the National Merit Scholarship Program.
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Madame Hansen and our French Students Created a French Tour of MK. Check it out!
Patrick Butler Earns Gold at Special Olympics Regional Skiing Competition!
Morris Knolls Student Government Association Hosts Annual Dodgeball Tournament!
Morris Knolls, [January 2024] – The Student Government Association (SGA) at Morris Knolls High School is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its Volleyball Tournament held in January. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over fifty students, competing in a spirited showcase of talent, teamwork, and school spirit. The tournament not only served as an exciting sports event but also as a significant fundraiser for the SGA, supporting various student-led initiatives throughout the school year.
Congratulations to Coach Tim Kepler for earning his 100th win for MK/MH Hockey!
MK Has Talent! Congrats to the Cast and Crew of Legally Blonde!
MK Earns 3 Finalist Spots in Recent FBLA Competion!
Lillian Pacconi (11) , Michelle Lee (12) , and Cayla Feingold (11) Earn Medals in Public Speaking, Public Policy and Advocacy, and Business Leadership.
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Members of our Teen Leadership Council attended a Regional Healthy Relationships Summit at Drew University in January. Thank you for representing MK!
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Morris Knolls Students Earn Medals in HOSA Conference
Congratulations to Brooke Ogilvie who placed in Prepared Speaking and Raida Faiza who earned 4th place in Human Growth and Development.
MK DECA Students Qualify for State Competition!!
Morris Knolls DECA competed in Northern NJ DECA Districts at Ramapo College on January 12th, 2024. DECA is a club that prepares emerging leaders in business careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. This competition challenged the students on their business acumen and professionalism!
MK DECA proudly walked away with six state qualifiers: Eli Pikus in Accounting, Michelle Lee for Apparel and Accessories Marketing, Avni Maheshwari for Human Resource Management, Samantha DeFranco for Principles of Business Management, Aaryan Sharma in Principles of Business Management, and Cayla Feingold in Restaurant and Service Management! We can't wait to see what you all will do at SCDC!
MK Relay Team WIns National Title in Boston! Simply Amazing!!!!!
Morris Knolls Boys sprint medley relay brings home the title with 3:28.38 at the New Balance National Championship in Boston, Massachusetts. The relay team was comprised of Elijah Bastos, Greg Palma, Tyler Spillane, and Luke Schagelin and they have now earned All American status. What an amazing accomplishment!
Congratulations to Morris Knolls Student Kaden Montoya -- 2nd Place Winner in the 2024 Morris County Manual Contest.
Out of over 88 entries among the County's 39 municipalities, Kaden's digital design was the runner up and he was awarded $200 for his creative design. Pictured below are Kaden's grandfather Edward, mom Carrie, and Kaden
ALL- Academic/Athletic Team Announced for 2024 Winter Season!
IB Students Stuti Desai (12) and Serena Lombardi (12) organize TEDx Event at MK!
Congratulations to all of our Student-Athletes signing their National Letter of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the D1 and D2 collegiate level.
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MK Recognized as one of the best athletic programs in NJ!!
MK Art Students Inducted into National Art Honor Society
On Thursday March 7th, we held the annual National Art Honor Society Induction Ceremony. New inductees were honored for their creativity and commitment to the art community, and current members were recognized for their service to our program and awarded with their cords for graduation!
Congratulations to all new and graduating NAHS representatives!
Senior Brooke Ogilvie Organizes Medical Supply Drive
Brooke Ogilvie partnered with Denville Rotary and the Interact Club to organzie a medical supply drive. Donations from local EMS Squads/Fire Departments (Denville, Morris County Squads) and community residents were donated to local and international communities in need and to doctors going on international service missions. She collected over 500 pieces of equipment (wheelchairs, post-op boots/braces, surplus infusion sets, bandages and dressings, PPE, etc). Way to make a difference Brooke!
MK Students Earn Prestigious Summa Award!
Congratulations to the cast and crew of the fall production of "A Midsummer Nights Dream!" What an outstanding display of talent!!
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Adam Goldstein, grade 10, won the golf Club Championship for Peace Pipe Country Club for the 2023 season. He is now the club champ!
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Tyler Brookes Recognized with the Young Man of the Year Award!
Congratulations to Tyler Brookes who received the Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Award for Morris Knolls. This award is presented to one football player from each member school who demonstrates a selfless commitment to their community, school, teammates and peers. Tyler was honored at a NY Jets game, recognized at the Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Press Conference at MetLife Stadium and will have the opportunity to be selected as the 2023 Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year for the entire Super Football Conference
MK students and staff members run food drive and assemble Thanksgiving Bags to donate to our school Community.
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Interact Club Members Volunteer at Feed the Children!
Coach Christina Hobson honored by NJSIAA!
MK Students attend Shakespeare Theater of NJ
Theater Arts students visit the Shakespeare Theater of NJ to see A Midwinter Night's Dream. They participated in a Talkback with the actors and received a Backstage Tour from the director.
MK teams up with the Special Olympics and creates a new Unified Soccer Team!
MK Wrestlers Make it to Atlantic City!
Emelly Diaz Santos with a pin to take 3rd in the State at 100 lb!
Emily (9) had a 32-2 record. She was 1st in the NJAC, 3rd in the Region, and 3rd in the State!
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Congratulations to Gavin Gomes for his place finish at Region 2! punching his ticket to Atlantic City Also congratulations to our Region 2 place finishers on a great tournament! 5th place- Ryder Stambach 6th place- Elijah Frix
Sean McKeever 2024 was selected by the NJAC for the First Team All Conference Fencing team for Saber.
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MK Chorale Outperforms at Roxbury Choral Invitational
- Gracie Nagle competed in the Solo Division for Classical repertoire and not only received a high enough score to perform in the evening showcase (2 of 16 students were selected), she then scored high enough during that performance to take home the title of "Grand Champion"!
- Louise Miniter and Aidan Sales both received honorable mentions for their performances in the solo competitions.
- Michael Cali, Gaby Couto, Karson Moscola, and Megna Wadher received an honorable mention for their solo performances in "City Called Heaven".
Congratulations to our Bowling Team for another great season!
FINAL RECORD:13-8
Season Highlights:
Finished Top 10 in NJAC Championship
Finished Final 5 in Morris County Championship
Qualified as #4 seed for the NJSIAA State Tournament
All Conference selections include: 1st Team: Sevrin Marquez; 2nd Team: Joseph Agodini, Nathaniel Bord, Kyler Krasjovics; Hon Mention Eric Gelfand, Michael Safkin
Boys Basketball - NJAC National Division Champions!
FINAL RECORD: 18-9
Season Highlights:
NJAC National Division Champions Finished a perfect 10-0
Earned #6 seed in MCT Advanced to MCT Quarterfinals
Qualified for NJSIAA State Tournament as #7 seed
All Conference Selections include: 1st Team Sam Fallon, Justin Hanson; 2nd Team: Kieran Durkin; Hon. Mention: Brody Hallik
All County Selections: 2nd Team: Justin Hanson
Girls Basketball finish with an impressive 17 - 10 Record!
FINAL RECORD: 17-10
Season Highlights:
Advanced to MCT Quarterfinals
Qualified for NJSIAA State Tournament as # 8 seed. Won 1st Round game vs Pascack Valley before falling to eventual section champions Teaneck in the Quarterfinals
Finished 2nd place in NJAC National Division
All Conference selections include: 1st Team: Charlee Perna, Denay Jones; 2nd Team: Jayda Brock: Hon Mention: Mikayla Doyle,
All County Selections include: Honorable Mention: Charlee Perna
MK Hockey Wins State Championship
FINAL RECORD: 10-12-1
Season Highlights:
Semifinalist for Mennen Cup
Ranked # 19 in www.nj.com Final State rankings here
Public Co-op State Champions
All Conference Selections include: 1st Team: Luke Dickerson; 2nd Team: Jake McCloud
Honorable Mention: Tommy Ryerson; Harry Shatel Unsung Hero Award Winner- Mike Simone
Boys and Girls Track Teams Make History. Congrats on an amazing season!!
BOYS INDOOR TRACK
Season Highlights:
North 1 Group 3 State Sectional Champions.
Finished 2nd in Group 3
Individual Sectional Champions:
Morris County Winter Track Relay Champions
2nd place Group 3 relays
3rd Place overall in Morris County Championships
Individual Group 3 State Champs: Luke Schagelin 800M
Meet of Champions winner 800 M Luke Schagelin
GIRLS INDOOR TRACK
Season Highlights:
Sophomore/Novice Morris County Indoor Champs
Morris County Relay Champions
Finished 7th in Morris County Relay Championships
Shuttle Hurdle Relay County Champs
Finished 3rd in State Sectionals- Olivia Capela 400 Mand Alicia Ramos 55 M Hurdle 5th Place; Emily O’Dell 3rd Place HJ
Fencers Qualify for Sweet 16 State tournament!
BOYS FENCING
Final Record: 7-3
Season Highlights:
NJAC Sportsmanship Award winner
Qualified for Sweet 16 in NJSIAA State Tournament
Individuals Qualified for State Tournament: Jamie DaSilva and Mihir Shetty
Jamie DaSilva placed 15th in the state.
Mihir Shetty placed 20th in the state.
Thomas Deegan placed 41st in Foil
All Conference selections include: 1st Team: Sean McKeever; 2nd Team: Jamie DaSilva; Hon Mention: Thomas Keegan
Girls Fencing Finishes strong in District Championship and Wins NJAC Sportsmanship Award!
GIRLS FENCING
FINAL RECORD: 4-6
Season Highlights:
NJAC Sportsmanship Award Winner
Finished 8th in District 2 State Championships
All Conference Selections include: 2nd Team: Trisha Patel
Honorable Mention Alysa Frio
Started season 3 game win streak over Morristown, Mendham, Kinnelon
Congrats to our Boys Swim Team on another successful season!
BOYS SWIMMING
FINAL RECORD: 3-5
Season Highlights:
Big wins over Mount Olive and Pequannock as well as Senior Night victory over Montville
Teamed up with Roxbury to raise over $1100 for Cancer Awareness and Treatment
Spearheaded by swimmers Liam Kelleher, Nick Tecchio, Andrew Leahy, Calvin Chen and Jake Danish
All Conference selections include: 2nd Team Liam Kelleher; Honorable Mention: Calvin Chen
Girls Swim Team wins State Sectional Title!
GIRLS SWIMMING
FINAL RECORD:
Season Highlights:
North 1 Public B State Sectional Champions
Back to Back State Sectional Finalist
Finished 3rd Place Morris County Championships
Sophia Yousuf - Morris County Champion 200 Individual Medley (2peat)
Sophia Yousuf new school records 200 IM and 100 Butterfly
All Conference Selections include; 1st Team: Bridget Rynkiewicz, Sophia Yousuf, Cassie Furman and Emma Hayes; 2nd Team:, Kari Mindrebo; Bridget Rynkiewicz, Eva Critchley, Sophia Yousuf;
Honorable Mention: Lily DiScala
Wrestling Performs Big in County and State Tournaments!
WRESTLING
FINAL RECORD: 6-12
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS:
Placed 5th in County Championships
Advanced to State Sectional Semifinals
Finished 2nd Place in NJAC National Division
Individual District Champions: Gavin Gomes
State Qualifiers: Gavin Gomes
All Conference Selections include: 1st Team: Ryder Stambach, Luke Shivas, Kaden Montoya, Gavin Gomes; 2nd Team: Tommy Wiedman; Honorable Mention: Elijah Frix
Congratulations to our Unified Bowlers!!
Unified Bowling:
Season Highlights: Had big wins over Mount Olive, Bloomfield and Morristown. Nearly 40 bowlers participated in this year's team led by Coach Escobar!
Click Below to View Information Regarding Senior Scholarships
Don't forget to Check out the great articles in our school newspaper: The MK Quill
MHRD 2024 - 2025 School Year Calendar
April A/B Day Calendar
MK Offers over 62 clubs and activities. Be sure to get involved!!!
Morris Knolls runs a 4:00 PM Bus Monday - Thursday and a 6:00 PM late bus run Monday - Friday. Click below to view the routes.
Click Below to Join the Morris Knolls Home and School Association!
MK Continues to Offer 24/7 Tutoring for Students through Princeton Review!
Don't Forget to Download the Morris Knolls Mobile App!
Morris Knolls Live Streams School Events!!
NFHS Athletic Streaming
Morris Knolls High School is proud to announce our continued partnership with the NFHS Network to broadcast our Golden Eagle athletic contests and school wide events LIVE. We have invested in new technology that will bring you every game or event from Caruso Stadium and the Gene Kelly Gymnasium LIVE online. That means that if you or family members can’t make it to the game or school event, the live action can be watched from anywhere on your phone, tablet, computer or smart TV.
The NFHS Network will help showcase our primary mission of expanding participation and opportunities for involvement in education-based interscholastic sports and activities. The Morris Hills Regional School district has paid for memberships for all of our families and joining the NFHS Network and subscribing for unlimited access is a simple process.
Just follow these simple steps!
1. Go to NFHSnetwork.com
2. Enter Morris Knolls in the search box. This will bring you the free site for your Golden Eagle broadcasts.
3. Click “Follow” so you can stay up to date on all upcoming Morris Knolls broadcasted events.
Thank you for your continued support of Morris Knolls High School. We look forward to bringing you top notch broadcasts of our events!
District Transporation Center Information
Handicap Accessibility Map - Morris Knolls High School
Morris Knolls High School
Email: rmacnaughton@mhrd.org
Website: www.mhrd.org
Location: 50 Knoll Drive, Rockaway, NJ, USA
Phone: 9736642201
Twitter: @MKPrincipal