By Max Shadow | 9.24.2023
In a remarkable moment of community spirit and generosity, the West Orange High School campus unveiled its brand new video scoreboard at Suriano Stadium. This impressive addition, made possible by a generous contribution from Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health, promises to revolutionize the game-day and special event experiences for students, families, and the entire West Orange community.
Health and Wellness Partnership
As part of this partnership, RWJBarnabas Health and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center became the official healthcare provider of the West Orange School District. Committed to the mission of building healthier communities, this collaboration offers a direct avenue to introduce comprehensive health and wellness programs to students and schools. RWJBarnabas Health will oversee the coordination of clinical care and services within the district. During the special event, Dr. Peter DeLuca, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon, was present on the sidelines. Dr. DeLuca holds the esteemed position of Team Physician for the New Jersey Devils and has previously served as the Team Physician for the Philadelphia Eagles, showcasing their dedication to providing top-tier medical support to the community.
Community-Focused Facilities
In addition to the incredible access to top-tier healthcare specialists, the partnership will also see the construction of a brand new futsal court at Hazel Ave. Elementary School. This initiative reflects the commitment of both RWJBarnabas Health and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center to improving the overall health and well-being of the community, not just through medical care but also through physical activity and recreation.
Celebrating the Class of 2024
During the unveiling ceremony, the West Orange community came together to celebrate, not only the state-of-the-art video scoreboard, but also the achievements and talents of their brightest rising stars. The event was especially significant as it coincided with the "senior night" celebration, where Class of 2024 athletes, cheerleaders, and marching band members were recognized, announced, and celebrated. It was a heartwarming display of community support for the next generation. Adding to the festivities, the award-winning Marching Mountaineers took center stage during halftime, debuting their highly anticipated new program for the season, titled "The Beating Heart." This performance added an extra layer of excitement and pride to the event, showcasing the remarkable talent within the West Orange community.
Credit: WOHS Music & Arts
Credit: WOHS Sports Media
Credit: Tyler Laniyan
Distinguished Attendees
The event, attended by notable figures from both the school district and RWJBarnabas Health, underscored the significance of this milestone for the West Orange community. Key attendees included Oscar Guerrero, Principal of West Orange High School, Brian Rock, President of the Board of Education, Melinda Huerta, Vice President of the Board of Education, Robert Parisi, Former Mayor of West Orange, and representatives from the West Orange Recreation Department, Bill Kehoe and Edwin Johnson.
Credit: Cynthia Cumming
Credit: Cynthia Cumming
RWJBarnabas Health was also well-represented by its top leadership, including Rick Davis, President and CEO of Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Margie Heller, Senior Vice President of Community Health & Global Strategic Partnerships at RWJBarnabas Health/Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Justin Edelman, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at RWJBarnabas Health, Dr. Peter Deluca, Chief of Orthopedic Sports Medicine at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Diana Toto, Administrative Director of Sports and Rehab Medicine at MJM Center for Athletes, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Jessica Springstead, Athletic Training Manager at MJM Center for Athletes, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, and Mustafa Naematullah, Manager at MJM Center for Athletes, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
A Bright Future for West Orange
RWJBarnabas Health is a dynamic network of independent healthcare providers that includes academic centers, acute care facilities, and research hospitals. Their collaborative approach to healthcare extends to educational and research programs, emphasizing their commitment to advancing the well-being of the community. The West Orange High School video scoreboard, a symbol of cooperation and dedication to the community's youth, will undoubtedly become a focal point for excitement and pride for years to come. Thanks to the visionary support of Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health, the future is brighter than ever for West Orange, where sports, community, and education come together in harmony.
