As we embark on summer and the school year comes to a close with graduation season approaching, we are thrilled to bring you a special June issue. This issue will honor the achievements of the talented students in our community. We have chosen stunning artwork created by students from our very own local school district on the cover. Their artwork serves as a visual representation of the creativity and potential that exists within our local young adults.
In addition to highlighting these remarkable students, we want to make your graduation celebrations even more memorable. We have curated a selection of local restaurants that are perfect for hosting graduation dinners, parties, and other celebratory gatherings.
The businesses in our community are the heart and soul of our neighborhoods, offering unique products, services and experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. We encourage you to support these local gems and discover the hidden treasures they have to offer.
In keeping with student achievement and graduation as this issue’s theme, we have chosen student-writer Maxwell Silver’s article as our Teen Voice column. It is
apropos for the June issue as he discusses the highs and lows of transitioning from middle school to high school. All rising freshmen will benefit from and relate to his reflections and anticipations.
Our Cover Art:
Warren-Watchung edition
This issue’s cover was painted by Maddie Archbold, a senior at Watchung Hills Regional High School. Looking at this lovely house makes me want to move right in! Maddie was inspired to paint this piece from a trip to New Orleans. She says, “Walking around the streets of uptown, I was able to admire a lot of the Greek revival and Italianate style architecture.” The southern live oak trees lining the streets there were her motivation for including greenery in her painting-titled, White Italianate House.
Bernards-Ridge edition
The beautiful corals on our cover remind me of sunny days spent at the beach. The oceanic cover was painted by Ava Antogiovanni, a student at Basking Ridge High School. She has titled her piece, Bleached Coral and was inspired “to depict an exquisite coral reef undergoing the process of coral bleaching.” She explains that coral “becomes starkly white as it falls victim to climate change.”
Bridgewater-Somerville edition
The vibrantly colored artwork on our cover is titled Girl’s Night Out. It is an acrylic painting by Bridgewater-Raritan High School student, Amelia Ludwig. She says her inspiration for the piece is what her belongings usually look like after a fun night out with friends! Amelia explains, “I wanted to capture the staple feeling of girlhood with vivid colors, dreamlike shadows, extreme highlights, and a skewed composition.”
When you visit any of our featured businesses, please let them know that you discovered them through our magazine. By doing so, you not only support these local establishments, but also help us continue to spread the word about their exceptional products and services.
Trust us to be your go-to resource for all things local and small business-related. Please join us in celebrating the beginning of summer and the remarkable local businesses that make our neighborhood shine.
Wishing you a summer filled with warmth, joy and countless memories.
Sincerely,
Anna Petro