MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown High School opened its doors on December 13, 1869 on Maple Avenue. The first graduates were the class of 1874, consisting of eight students: five girls and three boys.
“The Heritage Club loves celebrating cultural history, especially that of our school, because we are so diverse and have been around for so long,” Natalie Verga, president of the Heritage Club, told CBS News New York.
The school’s Heritage Club is modeled after a tour of the university, and students enjoy talking about the school’s rich history.
“I never knew so many people were doing so many great things. And we even had alumni who fought in World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War,” Verga said. “So just learning about the contributions that people have made is really interesting.”
“Here in the middle is the 1948 Morristown High School state champion trophy. It was found by a janitor in the dumpster behind Morristown High School and was passed on to Hennessey’s Bar, which used to be an establishment here in Morristown. Then it was later returned to Morristown High School, and that’s how we started our Heritage Club here today,” said Christian Vandergroff, Secretary of the Heritage Club.
Morristown played its first football game in 1901, just a small footnote to a special place.
“We have sports, we have diversity, we have great academics. I think there are a lot of great people here, and everyone can do their own thing and they can be whatever they want to be here at Morristown High School,” Vandergroff said.
“There’s no pressure to fit in, be a certain type of person or change yourself because everyone here is still a Morristown student, we’re all settlers, so that’s what makes it so important,” Verga said.
Rotary Club is still active
Morristown also has a vibrant and thriving Rotarian club.
“I’m actually shocked. Debbie is such a fantastic advisor, and the club has grown every year since I’ve been here,” said Meryl Johnson, president of the Rotary Club of Morristown.
“I’m really proud of all my students. They go out, they work hard, they really have a sense of community. We have the motto, ‘Service before self,’ and I really feel like that’s really what they possess,” said consultant Deborah Petrucci.
“Honestly, I just love everyone and I love being able to volunteer with them and make the community a better place,” said student Jazzmine Walker.
“I am absolutely inspired by our amazing club leaders. They do an amazing job of bringing people together and providing us with the opportunities that we get because we are in such a unique space,” said student Ainsley Avers.
Gallery of Honor showcases athletic history
We can’t talk about Morristown High School without mentioning its incredible athletic programs – from state champions in lacrosse and girls basketball to a historically great football program. Thanks to alumni like Joe Goryeb, class of 1975, the entire history of athletics is now on display in the halls.
“I was embraced by this school district, was on the football team and was immediately welcomed into this town and community. And I was very fortunate to be on two state championship teams in 1974 and 1975,” he said. “So when they approached us about a Hall of Fame here, I knew it would be a sense of pride for the school, and we thought it was a phenomenal idea because it was such an important part of my life.”
Morristown High School was built for a diverse community with diverse interests – from students who love and excel in pottery, to a student named Emily Bongo who beat the drum for a therapy dog program to help students in need, to the community coming together to parade the state champion lacrosse team through town.
