District News

Andalora “Lola” Parente, a senior at Bernards High School, has been recognized by the school as the “Everyday Hero” for November.

Nominees for the monthly Everyday Hero Program are students who have a positive influence on the student body through exemplary qualities. Selected students inspire others, are responsible and respectable and have a commitment to peers and the school community. Students are nominated by one or more teachers, selected by the Everyday Hero committee, and announced schoolwide by either Principal Scott Neigel or Assistant Principal Mike Corbett.

Lola’s kindness is evident in daily interactions. She always greets others with a warm smile, never allows classmates to feel left out, and shows empathy towards those having a tough day. She is the type of person who is known for using encouraging words and celebrating others' successes.

Lola can always be counted on to help her peers in class, whether it's explaining a difficult concept or leading group projects. She’s often seen offering support to peers who are struggling, both academically and emotionally.

Perhaps she is most influential outside of the classroom.  She is the president of the Campbell’s Flutterflies Club, an organization whose mission is to raise awareness and money to fund childhood cancer research. Lola recently spearheaded an extraordinary school-wide fundraiser, in honor of her classmate Campbell Hoyt who lost her cancer battle. Through her tireless efforts, she managed to raise over $24,000 for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a feat that has left our entire school community in awe.  She not only organized and executed the fundraiser for the entire school, but she solicited donations from local businesses, recruited community members to be involved and convinced 20 of her classmates to shave their heads for those battling cancer. This event was so successful that Lola has vowed to run it again this year and is hoping to double the amount raised. 

Overall, Lola creates a positive atmosphere in the school community, inspiring others through their actions and attitude. She, as well as her peers who will be recognized monthly during the 2024-2025 school year, will receive a generous gift certificate from Nicoletta Pizzeria, the sponsor of the Everyday Hero Program.