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We are the official student-run publication of Holmdel High School, providing coverage of school and community news, opinions, arts, sports, and student life.

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VOLUME 50, ISSUE 5 – APRIL/MAY ANNIVERSARY – 2025-26

Dear Readers,

This year marks an incredibly important milestone for our school’s history. Many years ago, Holmdel High School students came together to form what would eventually become The Sting, our high school’s one and only student newspaper. For many decades, this paper has served as a voice, a record, and a reflection of student life across generations. To celebrate our 50th volume, our staff have been hard at work crafting an anniversary edition — and with that, we welcome you to the April/May Anniversary edition of The Sting.

As we close out two months of classic Jersey bipolar weather and welcome spring with open arms, The Sting has been working tirelessly to not only bring you the latest news (See: Connor and Hans’ article on the Holmdel Theatre Guild’s production of Cinderella), but also the stories of Holmdel’s notable alumni. These Holmdellians each have shared important messages with us as students — whether that’s pursuing your life’s work (See: Andrew’s feature with Pulitzer Prize winner Jodi Kantor ‘92), figuring out your passions (See: Kim’s feature with USC student actor and director Tiffany Ho ‘22), or chasing your dreams (See: Brian’s feature with six-time Daytime Emmy winner Michael Pomarico ‘74).

This issue also includes features of longtime Holmdel teachers — and their thoughts of us students! Whether you are currently taking their classes (See: Akshara, Amishi, Cheryl, Elia, and Hans’s articles on our notable History, English, and Math/Science teachers) or have had them before (See: Akshara’s article on former English teacher Ms. Margaret McDonald), each of these teachers have something special to share with the students of Holmdel. 

As a student publication, we fulfill the responsibilities to capture and share the moments that matter, to present our thoughts and perspectives as students, and to preserve our shared history. Reaching 50 volumes is no small achievement. It is the result of the dedication of countless student journalists, editors, photographers, artists, and advisors who poured their time and passion into telling meaningful stories. We honor their work and thank them for building the foundation of this paper that we continue today.

We would also like to extend our appreciation to the following individuals:

• Our advisors, Mr. Gurney and Mrs. Blustein, for always supporting us;

• Our staff writers and section editors, for pouring so much time and effort into making this publication the best it can be;

• Mr. Baronowsky, for being incredibly helpful to the publication of this anniversary edition by providing archival resources and information that we otherwise would not have access to;

• HHS Junior & The Sting’s Staff Artist Neo Lin, for creating a brand new logo in honor of our 50th anniversary;

• Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Contributors, who have given their time up for The Sting to help us share their stories with the student body and memorialize them for future generations;

• And most importantly, we would like to thank our readers, whose engagement gives this publication purpose.

Here’s to five decades of storytelling, and to many more ahead!

Happy Reading!

Andrew, Andy, Kim, & Vivi

The Sting Co-Editors-in-Chief