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Funeral Arrangements for Jim Hague, ’79

Proud Prep alumnus and legendary Hudson County sportswriter Jim Hague, ’79, passed away on Sunday at age 62. Jim was an unforgettable character and a great friend of Prep Athletics—and high school athletics in North Jersey in general. Please read on for details on funeral arrangements.
Prep’s VP for Planning and Principal Giving, Jim Horan, ’70, was Jim Hague’s journalism teacher at Prep. He offered the following tribute to his former student:
Very few graduates of Saint Peter’s have been as passionately proud of their Prep diploma as Jim was, and through both his infectious personality and his prolific sports writing career he was both well known and admired by fellow alumni of many generations. As we all know, Jim ‘lived’ in the world of sports, and he was as enthusiastic about a local freshman team’s winning season as he was about a stunning state championship game at MetLife Stadium. That said, especially in Hudson County, he was both a pundit and an everyman, seemingly always on the scene and quickly churning out compelling copy. His passing is not only a loss for Saint Peter’s Prep, but also for Hudson County’s many athletes who have lost their most reliable chronicler.
Jim Horan, ’70Funeral Arrangements
A wake will be held in Prep’s O’Keefe Commons on Wednesday, June 14, from 3-7 p.m.
The entrance to the Commons is found at 236 Van Vorst Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302.
As always, please note that parking in downtown Jersey City is limited on weekdays. Prep recommends arriving via PATH at Grove Street or Exchange Place, or the Hudson Bergen Light Rail at Marin Boulevard or Exchange Place, which are all less than a 10-minute walk from campus. If you will be driving, there are numerous pay parking options nearby. For your convenience, here is a map of several nearby locations. Prep does not have a relationship with these facilities; please contact them directly for further information.A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Paul the Apostle Church on Thursday, June 15, at 10:30 a.m.
Saint Paul’s is located at 14 Greenville Avenue (at Old Bergen Road), Jersey City, NJ 07305.
Jim most recently wrote for the Observer of Kearny, where a fellow Prep alumnus, Kevin Canessa, ’92, is the editor. The Observer published this obituary over the weekend, which also includes tributes from a number of his many friends and colleagues.
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Funeral Arrangements for Rev. Tony Azzarto, S.J.

As we continue to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Tony Azzarto, S.J., we can now share the details of Fr. Azzarto’s funeral arrangements:
Visitation and Vigil Service: Thursday, April 20
A wake will take place in the O’Keefe Commons at Saint Peter’s Prep, located at the corner of Grand and Van Vorst Streets in Jersey City, from 1-7 p.m.
The wake will conclude with a brief vigil service, beginning at 7 pm. The service will include a reflection by Prep President Michael Gomez, Ed.D., ’91, a Gospel reading with a homily by Rev. John Mullin, S.J., prayers of the faithful, music by Prep Vox, and a eulogy by John T.M. Chester, ’74, P’03,’05.
Please Note:
- Access to the Commons will be through the doors on Van Vorst Street only.
- In order to accommodate as many guests as possible, we respectfully request that you limit your time in the Commons.
- Parking on campus is extremely limited, a condition exacerbated by ongoing utility work on York Street. Permit and alternate-side restrictions also apply for street parking. Therefore, we strongly suggest you plan to arrive via public transit. PATH at Grove Street or Exchange Place, or the Hudson Bergen Light Rail at Marin Boulevard or Exchange place, are all less than a 10-minute walk from campus. If you will be driving, there are numerous pay parking options nearby. For your convenience, here is a map of several nearby locations. Prep does not have a relationship with these facilities; please contact them directly for further information.
Funeral Mass: Friday, April 21
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Aedan’s, the Saint Peter’s University Church (800 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City) at 7 p.m.
Please note:
- Parking will be available in the Saint Aedan’s parking lot (entry on Tuers Avenue between Mercer and Vroom Streets), and in Saint Peter’s University Lot #1 (entry on Montgomery Street between Jordan and Tuers Avenues).
- Parking in these lots is also limited. We appreciate your understanding.
- The doors to the church will open at 6 p.m.
Live streams
Live streams will be available for both the Thursday vigil service and the Friday funeral Mass. Full details here.
Gifts in memory of Fr. Azzarto
Per Fr. Azzarto’s wishes, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Saint Peter’s Prep (online at spprep.org/give or by mail at 144 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302). When donating, please indicate your gift is in memory of Fr. Azzarto. You can note this on your check, or check the “tribute gift” box on the online form.
Share your memories of Fr. Azzarto
As Dr. Gomez noted in his message Saturday, everyone with a connection to Saint Peter’s Prep has an “Azzarto story.” As a tribute to Fr. Azzarto, we have created a place to share memories, in words and pictures, of this Prep Legend. We welcome you to add yours as we celebrate a life well-lived, giving glory to God through tireless service to others.
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Rev. Anthony Azzarto, S.J. | 1938-2023


Dear Saint Peter’s Prep Family,
I write this brief letter with profound sadness and profound gratitude.
I am sorry to share that our friend, our colleague, our Prep brother, Rev. Tony Azzarto, S.J., passed away peacefully earlier today. He was 84. I had the opportunity to visit with Tony a few times over the past couple of weeks, and I reminded him, on behalf of the entire Prep community, how much we loved him and how transformative his time with us has been. Over a span of 60 years, Tony served Saint Peter’s Prep as teacher, counselor, chaplain, and retreat director. This is only scratching the surface of this extraordinary life, and does not include countless baptisms, weddings, funerals, handwritten notes, pictures, and so much more.
I can say, quite simply, that Tony walked the road with all of us. He walked with us on the road to Emmaus, he walked with us on the dark and lonely roads, and he walked with us on the roads to our greatest heights. And right now our hearts break at the thought of walking on without him. But our faith tells us Tony will walk on forever, in all the lives he shaped, and the lives we will go on to shape through all he has taught us. And what he has taught us is the very best of what it means to be Saint Peter’s Prep.
When we know the dates and times of Fr. Azzarto’s funeral arrangements, we will be sure to let you know.
I know that all of us have an “Azzarto story.” Most of us have many. I know we will be sharing them with much love and gratitude for years to come. While no one gesture can begin to capture what Tony has meant to Prep and to each of us, below is a link to a brief video tribute. There will be many more opportunities to celebrate his life and legacy in the days ahead.
Prep for Life. Prep Forever.
Michael Gomez, Ed.D, ’91
President
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Prep Students Save Lives at Annual Blood Drive

Prep hosted its annual blood drive in the gym on March 10 through Vitalant, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, which provides hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply.
Students aged 16 and older, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents were welcomed to take part in this important effort, which was organized, in part, by a student-led committee through the Office of Student Life.
Committee members rallied their classmates and handed out permission slips at last week’s Performing Arts Assembly.



Upon gathering in the English Building that morning, students, who were instructed to eat a hearty breakfast that day, checked in before proceeding to the donation site set up beneath the watchful eye of one of the Marauders adorning the walls of our gymnasium. Bottled water and an assortment of snacks were on-hand to keep donors’ energy up.
We thank everyone who participated and made an impact.
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Ebony Club Celebrates Black History Month with Panel Discussion on the Divine Nine

Prep’s Ebony Club invited freshmen and seniors to celebrate Black History Month with a student-led panel discussion exploring the Divine Nine in Prep’s gymnasium on February 25.
The Divine Nine, formally known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council, is composed of historically African American fraternities and sororities and was founded at a time when African American students were largely excluded from existing fraternities and sororities in the early part of the 20th century.
“Beyond social connection, the Divine Nine organizations were established with a shared commitment to scholarship, civic engagement, and uplifting the Black community,” Ebony Club President Bryce Mays, ’26, said in his introductory remarks. “Members played significant roles in major moments of American history, including the Civil Rights Movement, voter registration efforts, educational advancement, and social justice initiatives. Each organization maintains its own unique mission, history, and traditions, but all are united by a dedication to service, academic excellence, and leadership.”
We are thankful to the members of our Prep community who joined us as panelists to share their experiences.









Mr. Johnnie Brooker III, ’21 is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., having pledged and crossed in Fall 2022 through the Epsilon Tau Chapter at Marquette University.
After completing his studies, Johnnie returned to the East Coast, where he currently works at Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A.—the largest minority—and women-owned law firm in the country. His professional journey reflects his strong commitment to leadership, service, and excellence. Johnnie now prepares to take the next step in his career as he plans to attend law school this fall.
Mr. Stanley Dennis II, ’20 joined the Mu Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in Spring 2021 at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. During his time in the undergraduate chapter, he was voted President of the Year, received the Outstanding Leadership Award, and earned the Pillars Award—presented to the most outstanding member among all Greek organizations on campus. He also established the first official National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) on the Rutgers University campus.
He graduated from Rutgers University in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Organizational Leadership. In August 2025, he earned his Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
Currently, Stanley serves as the Defensive Line Coach at Saint Peter’s Prep. He is also a Teaching Assistant and Mentorship Program Lead at Dr. Lena Edwards’ Academic Charter School. In addition, he is the founder of an event curation business that has hosted events with over 1,500 attendees.
Mr. Charles Mays Jr., P’25,’26 joined the Gamma Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in the fall of 1988 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. During his undergraduate years, he served on the Pan-Hellenic Council and was the Student-Athlete/Greek representative to the University’s Student Activities Board. He also served the fraternity as Dean of Pledgees and Coordinator of Membership Intake.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and, in 2017, completed a Master of Science in Management from Walden University. Mr. Mays is a track coach at Saint Peter’s Prep, where he previously coached from 1998 to 2001. He currently serves as the Director of Environmental Health for the Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services. He resides in Springfield, New Jersey, with his wife, Anna, and their sons, Chas, ’25 and Bryce, ’26
Mr. Keith Cummings, ’10 is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. by way of the Illustrious Nu Lambda Lambda Chapter (Initiated 2019). He is currently Basileus of the Chapter, Scholarship Chair, Co Fundraising Chair & Co Social Action Chair. Keith is Nu Lambda Lambda Chapter’s 2025-26 Omega Man of the Year; for his extraordinary contributions to his chapter, district, and the international fraternity, as well as to their community. He received the Nu Lambda Lambda Chapter’s 2021-22 Darren K. Willoughby Superior Service Award; for his outstanding contributions to the forward progress and sustainability of the chapter. Keith was also a chartering Officer of the NPHC of Hudson County (chartered 2022), where he served as the Secretary.
Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Keith attended Saint Peter’s Prep, where he was a 3 sport student athlete (Football, Track & Field and Bowling). Keith was a proud member of the Ebony Club. He went on to pursue his education at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina in Charleston, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science (Class of 2014). Keith was a student athlete, participating in Track & Field. He was a Gold Star recipient (the highest academic honor at The Citadel) and also a Dean’s List student. He was a recipient of The Class of 1973 Scholarship and Class of 2014 recipient of the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges.
Keith still resides in New Jersey and is a proud father to his daughter, Tatum.Mr. Byron Anderson, P’23,’28 is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the first Black fraternity, founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, on December 4, 1906, by seven men whom members honor as the “Jewels.” He crossed the burning sands and became a member in the Spring of 1992 at Florida A&M University alongside 17 line brothers, collectively known as the “Nomarchs of the Nu Umoja.” In the Spring of 2025, he welcomed his son, Bryce Anderson, ’23, into Alpha Phi Alpha when Bryce joined the Beta Chapter at Howard University.
Byron L. Anderson serves as Managing Partner at BDL Partners (BDLP), where he oversees operations and leads client relationships. With more than 25 years of experience in retail design and branded environments, he helps brands connect with shoppers through insight-driven, commercially grounded programs.
Prior to BDLP, Byron held senior leadership roles at CBX Design Agency and Miller Zell, partnering with major retail and consumer brands across North America and internationally. He earned an MBA in International Marketing from the University of Miami and a BS in Graphic Arts Technology (Cum Laude) from Florida A&M University.
Byron resides in Jersey City, New Jersey, with his wife and three sons. He remains active in community initiatives, including supporting the development of the Alpha Community Center in Newark.
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COLLEGES THAT CHANGE LIVES

Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) are known for close faculty-student interaction, strong mentoring, engaged learning, and supportive campus communities. The organization hosts college fairs, provides counseling resources, and advocates for a holistic approach to college admissions that focuses on student growth and fit rather than test scores alone.
You have the opportunity to learn more about these institutions on SUNDAY, MARCH 8.
Sunday, March 8, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
New York Hilton Midtown
Murray Hill Suite
1335 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019The program opens with a 30-minute presentation on the student-centered college search, the value of the liberal arts, and an overview of what makes this collection of schools distinctly different.
After the opening presentation, attendees are invited to attend a 90-minute college fair. The fair provides students, families, and college access professionals with an opportunity to connect directly with admission officers from the CTCL member schools.
Attendees are encouraged to pre-register in advance of the program.
CTCL programs are open to the public and free of charge. Register here.
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American Legion Jersey Boys State

ALJBS is the premier youth leadership program for top NJ high school seniors boys. It’s a week-long, college-level seminar that educates and motivates New Jersey’s young men to become citizen leaders in their community, dedicated to service, respect, and Americanism.
Boys State educates youth in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. Boys State endeavors to provide a foundation for understanding self-government, a rational approach toward the solution of public questions, and a live faith in the ideals and processes of democracy. The program of training and instruction consists of extending the boy-citizen’s acquaintance with the background of American ideals, expanding his knowledge of the underlying principles of government organization, and by means of active participation in the government of Boys State helps him to set up constructive ideals toward all phases of representative government.
Apply directly to Boys State through their CampSite portal. Then, if accepted, complete registration and pay program tuition.
Scholarships may be available if you qualify.
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STUDY ABROAD WITH BROWN PRE-COLLEGE IN BARCELONA!

Barcelona, Spain is your classroom with Brown Experiential Education: Barcelona! Improve your Spanish language skills as you discover this city’s vibrant history through ten iconic buildings. Make this an unforgettable summer!
Rigorous Ivy League courses that engage and inspire.
ACADEMIC FOCUS: INTERMEDIATE SPANISH LANGUAGE, HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
We must receive all applications for Brown Experiential Education: Barcelona no later than March 6, 2026 to allow sufficient time to confirm the program. If you remain interested in exploring Barcelona with Brown Pre-College, please be sure you submit a completed application by March 6!
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WPI PRE-COLLEGIATE OUTREACH PROGRAMS & INFORMATION SESSIONS

his year, we are offering three distinct programs.
- Ignite (July 6 – 10; July 13 – 17; July 20 – 24; July 27 – 31):
- A series of weeklong commuter programs for rising 6, 7 & 8th graders.
- Launch (June 22 – 26):
- A week long commuter program for rising 9, 10 & 11th graders.
- Frontiers (July 5 – 17 & July 19 – 31):
- Two-week residential programs for rising 10, 11 & 12th graders.
- Ignite (July 6 – 10; July 13 – 17; July 20 – 24; July 27 – 31):
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$1,000 “No One Has Your Algorithm” Scholarship

Your music taste is uniquely yours — shaped by what you stream, skip, and put on repeat. Take a quick survey about your listening habits for a chance to win $1,000 for school. It’s fast, easy, and your input matters more than you think.
DEADLINE MARCH 14, 2026
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$1,000 “Bring Winnie to Life”Creative Scholarship

Time to get artsy! 🎨 Bring our mascot Winnie to life however you want and you could score $1,000 for school. — silly, wild, cute, sassy, chaotic… the more personality, the better! No essays. No rules. Just you, Winnie, and your imagination running wild! 🐻✨
The Ask
- Create an original artistic piece featuring our owl mascot, Winnie!
- You can submit a hand-crafted drawing, painting, craft, or mixed media piece OR you can submit an original digital art piece using creative tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, etc.
- Your piece must be entirely original, created by you. No AI use allowed.
- After you create your artwork, share it on one of your social channels and include a brief description of how you created your artwork / the materials and tools used.
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$1500 Black History Month Scholarship!

In honor of Black History Month, ScholarshipOwl is proud to launch a special $1,500 scholarship dedicated to celebrating the leaders, icons, and activists who have shaped our world. History isn’t just about the past—it’s about the people who inspire us to build a better future today.
We want to know who has made an impact on your life. Whether it’s a civil rights pioneer, a modern-day trailblazer in tech or art, or a community leader making a difference right now, we want to hear their name and why their story resonates with you.
How to Apply:
We’ve kept this simple so you can focus on the message.
In just 3 to 5 sentences, tell us which Black leader inspires you most and why?That’s it! No long essays or complex requirements—just a short, meaningful tribute to a leader you admire.
Your voice matters, and your inspiration deserves to be shared. Apply now and take a step toward funding your future while honoring the legacy of those who paved the way!
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The Scholarship for Journalism Diversity Honoring Julie Schoo

Student journalists, like their professional colleagues, dedicate themselves to covering their communities across platforms. Juggling classwork, part-time work, and journalism activities can often go without reward. The National Press Club and NPC Journalism Institute are proud to administer four scholarships honoring promising future journalists serving their communities. The National Press Club and the Journalism Institute are currently accepting applications.
Scholarship Details
- One year award of $5,000
- Renewable for up to three additional years
- Total potential award of up to $20,000
- Supports students pursuing a career in journalism
- Must be a high school senior applying for admission to an accredited college or university in the United States
- Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Must plan to pursue a career in journalism
- U.S. citizenship is not required
