MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Vocational School District student Duncan Felch, a member of the Academy for Education and Learning at the Morris County School of Technology, has been selected as a New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Student Ambassador.

Felch is one of only eight students statewide chosen for the prestigious program, which brings together student-athletes from across New Jersey to collaborate, share ideas, and promote sportsmanship and leadership throughout high school athletics.

“It is an honor to have a student from the Morris County Vocational School District, specifically Morris County School of Technology, selected as an NJSIAA Student Ambassador,” said Dr. Anita Champagne, superintendent of the Morris County Vocational School District. “This is an incredible responsibility for Duncan, as he will serve as the voice of many young athletes across the State of New Jersey. I have no doubt that he will excel in this leadership role, reflecting MCVSD’s mission to inspire and prepare students to succeed. Congratulations to Duncan Felch on this esteemed accomplishment.”

In addition to his academic studies, Felch serves as president of the Class of 2027 and is active in athletics and student leadership. He competes on the varsity boys basketball team, serves as captain of the varsity boys cross-country team, and is secretary of the school’s Morris County Council.

“Being selected as an NJSIAA Student Ambassador is an incredible honor,” Felch said. “I’m excited to represent my school and peers while promoting the values of sportsmanship, leadership, and inclusion that high school athletics stand for. My role is to serve as a voice for student-athletes across New Jersey, helping to foster positive experiences on and off the court. This opportunity motivates me to lead by example and help create a lasting impact in our athletic community.”

Conor Devine, assistant principal at Morris County School of Technology, said Felch’s selection highlights both his leadership abilities and academic accomplishments.

“Duncan is a great representative of all that it takes to be a successful student-athlete in an academically rigorous environment like Morris County School of Technology,” Devine said. “It is also important to note that he is the only representative in this year’s cohort from a New Jersey Athletic Conference school, as well as the only representative selected statewide from a county vocational-technical school.”

The NJSIAA Student Ambassador Program promotes leadership in the classroom and on athletic fields, sportsmanship, health and safety awareness, and positive relationships among student-athletes, coaches, and officials. Student ambassadors provide feedback and perspectives to the NJSIAA Executive Committee and staff, helping guide future initiatives that benefit student-athletes throughout the state.

The Morris County Vocational School District offers a wide range of career and technical education programs designed to prepare students for success in college, careers, and beyond. Programs include automotive technology, construction trades, healthcare sciences, cybersecurity, global commerce, performing arts, and many other career-focused fields. The district operates full-time academies and share-time programs at its Denville campus and satellite locations throughout Morris County.

MORRIS COUNTY — Debbie Watts-Szymanek is asking for support for her son, Travis, following a devastating bicycle accident that has left him facing a lengthy recovery and mounting medical expenses.

On May 30, Travis was training for an upcoming triathlon when he was involved in a serious accident. An avid athlete dedicated to fitness and competition, Travis was riding approximately 22 miles per hour when he struck a loose patch of gravel and was thrown from his bicycle onto the pavement.

Despite the severity of the crash, Travis was able to call his wife, Kenzie, who is pregnant with their first child. As an athletic trainer, Kenzie immediately rushed to his side, stabilized his injuries, and ensured he received prompt medical care.

Travis suffered extensive injuries, including a compound fracture of both the radius and ulna in his left forearm, fractures to his orbital bone, maxilla, and sinus cavity on the left side of his face, along with multiple facial lacerations requiring nine stitches.

His family is incredibly grateful that he was wearing a helmet, which likely prevented even more catastrophic injuries. However, Travis now faces a long road to recovery that will include rehabilitation, time away from work, and the possibility of additional surgery to address his facial fractures.

As Travis and Kenzie prepare to welcome their first child, the financial burden of medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and potential future treatments adds another layer of stress during an already challenging time.

Debbie created this fundraiser in hopes of easing some of that burden and allowing her son and daughter-in-law to focus on healing and preparing for their growing family. Any contribution, regardless of size, will make a meaningful difference and will be deeply appreciated.

Those who are unable to donate are asked to keep Travis, Kenzie, and their baby in their thoughts and prayers.

“We are thankful beyond words that this accident was not even more tragic,” Debbie said. “Your support, encouragement, kindness, and prayers mean more than we can express.”

A special thank you goes to Aunt Andrea for helping establish the fundraiser and to everyone who offers support during this difficult time.

Click here to donate.

MORRIS COUNTY — A group of Morris County high school students has achieved a remarkable academic milestone, walking across a college graduation stage before receiving their high school diplomas.

The Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) is celebrating the first graduating class of its Academy for Business Administration, an innovative early college program developed in partnership with Randolph High School and the County College of Morris (CCM). This spring, the program’s inaugural cohort earned Associate of Science degrees in Business Administration from CCM after completing 60 college credits while simultaneously finishing their high school education.

Launched in 2022, the Academy for Business Administration was designed to provide ambitious students with an accelerated pathway to higher education and career readiness. Beginning in ninth grade, students engage in rigorous college-level business coursework while also preparing for industry-recognized certifications in Microsoft Office and QuickBooks. By their senior year, students attend CCM full-time, immersing themselves in a true college experience before graduating high school.

“This milestone represents an exciting evolution of traditional Career and Technical Education,” said Scott Shaw, Director of Career and Technical Education for MCVSD. “While we remain deeply committed to our essential trade programs, pathways like this show that CTE is for everyone, offering diverse routes to career readiness. Earning an associate degree in high school requires immense dedication, and our students worked incredibly hard.”

Shaw also acknowledged the many partners who contributed to the program’s success, including Randolph High School administrators and staff, CCM deans and department chairs, families, and educators Kris Piirimae and Alyssa Sedlak.

“This achievement reflects what is possible when students are challenged, supported, and given access to innovative opportunities,” said MCVSD Superintendent Dr. Anita Champagne. “We are incredibly proud of this pioneering group and the path they have created for future students.”

The graduates have already secured placements at some of the nation’s most respected colleges and universities, including Rutgers University, Drexel University, The College of New Jersey, Bucknell University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, the University of Miami, Indiana University, Penn State University, and Michigan State University.

The accomplishment marks a significant milestone for the Morris County Vocational School District and demonstrates the growing role of career and technical education in providing students with flexible pathways to academic and professional success.

Additional information about the Academy for Business Administration and the application process is available through the Morris County Vocational School District.

MORRIS COUNTY — Officers from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office proudly participated in the Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey, helping carry the “Flame of Hope” across Morris County in support of Special Olympics athletes.

Officers from both the Bureau of Corrections and the Bureau of Law Enforcement took part in the event, receiving the torch from the Denville Township Police Department before continuing the run and passing it on to the Morris Plains Police Department.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is one of the largest public awareness and fundraising events for Special Olympics New Jersey, bringing together law enforcement agencies from across the state to support athletes with intellectual disabilities. Participants carry the torch through communities, symbolizing courage, inclusion, and the spirit of competition that defines the Special Olympics movement.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office was honored to be part of this annual tradition and remains committed to supporting Special Olympics New Jersey and the inspiring athletes it serves. The event also highlighted the strong partnership among Morris County law enforcement agencies as they worked together to carry the torch on its journey across the state.