On a magnificent sun drenched day, under a canopy of trees with their leaves ablaze with autumn color, students, staff and parents met at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange to officially adopt two American Bald Eagles, as the school’s mascots.

The ceremony began with Mr. Dan Salvante, the Essex County Parks Director, welcoming the attendees and telling them what a privilege it was for him to be in a position to preside over so many positive events as Director of Parks. Mr. Salvante then introduced Dr. Jeremy Goodman, the Director of Turtle Back Zoo.

Dr. Goodman gave a brief biography of the Eagles, named Woody (the male) and Adak (the female) who are injured and can no longer fend for themselves in the wild. He stressed the importance of community support and affiliations such as ours to the exhibits and programs at the zoo.

Dr. Goodman, Director of Turtle Back Zoo

Mr. Valickas, Assistant Principal, who initiated and coordinated the adoption process, thanked all of the people that made the adoption possible, and outlined the process that made the day such a success.

Mr. Valickas addresses the audience

Mr. “V” then introduced Mr. Mark Beckett, Performing Arts Instructor, who sang an inspiring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Mr. Beckett sings the National Anthem

Dr. Michael Pennella, our Superintendent of Schools, spoke next, explaining the importance of the articulation between the school and community agencies such as the zoo and the parks to educate and inform.

Dr. Pennella, our Superintendent of Schools

As the ceremony progressed, Marshall Paulson, a Junior at the school, delivered this stirring essay on Eagle Pride:

Marshall Paulson on “Eagle Pride”

“Eagle Pride... What does this mean to you?

What does this mean to me?

To me, Eagle Pride means many different things.

Eagle Pride means you do the right thing even when no one is watching.

It’s offering a helping hand when seeing someone struggling.

It’s knowing deep down you tried your very best at something no matter how well you really did.

Eagle Pride is when you step outside of your comfort zone to go and help someone you usually would not even bother with.

When people don’t have to think twice about whether they can trust you or not; when you can be proud to say, “I go to Essex County Vocational-Technical High School”.

When you get the opportunity to say “we have the honor to adopt two beautiful eagle mascots from the Turtle Back Zoo and receive them into our already amazing school family”.

All of this along with words like honest, kind, energetic, friendly and welcoming.

This is what Eagle Pride means to me... what does it mean to you?

"Eagle Pride, Every Day and Every Way!”

After the applause for Marshall subsided, students from our Performing Arts sang “When You Believe”, a song that fit the theme of the day’s events perfectly. As the melody filled the air, Woody and Adak also began to sing, as if on cue.

Samantha, Tara, and Arianna

Mr. Salvante then introduced our Essex County Executive, Mr. Joseph DiVincenzo. Mr. DiVincenzo began by welcoming the attendees and pointed out the vital educational value that comes from the type of commitment that the students demonstrated by taking on the project. He went on to remind the students that the adoption is an ongoing commitment and that their continued support of the eagles is their responsibility.

Joseph DiVincenzo, Essex County Executive

After the ceremony, the attendees were invited to sample cookies baked by our Culinary Arts students. The cookies were shaped and decorated like eagles, and everyone thought that was a fun way to tie it in to the event.

Eagle Cookies

The Eagle Adoption Day was a tremendous success and marked a milestone in the history of our excellent school. Woody and Adak are now members of our family and a sign, erected on their habitat will remind the thousands of visitors to the zoo what West Caldwell and “Eagle Pride” are all about!