MONTVALE—Under the leadership of John Asselta and the campus ministers, SJR in 2010 became the first school to participate in the Covenant House Sleep Out Student Edition, offering students the opportunity to sleep out. SJR is the recipient of the Covenant House New Jersey Beacon of Hope Award for 2023. Left to right: Thomas Snyder ’23, Covenant House New Jersey director Jim White, St. Joe’s director of the performing arts John T. Asselta, Liam Fahey ’24, and Jack Laux ’24.
Saint Joseph Regional High School (SJR) in Montvale is thrilled to announce that it has been named the recipient of the Covenant House New Jersey Beacon of Hope Award for 2023.
The award was presented to the school at the esteemed Night of Broadway Stars event at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark on Wednesday, May 31.
The Covenant House Beacon of Hope Award is bestowed upon individuals and community members “who exhibit extraordinary service to Covenant House young people and its mission.”
This year, the award acknowledges the deep commitment of the SJR community and its students to Covenant House New Jersey and its mission.
One of the initiatives that propelled SJR to receive this award is its involvement in the Covenant House Student Sleep Out. Since 2010, under the leadership of John Asselta and the campus ministers, SJR became the first school to participate in the Covenant House Sleep Out Student Edition, offering students the opportunity to sleep out.
“Receiving this award is a wonderful recognition of the thousands of St. Joe’s students who have slept out over the last 11 years,” Asselta said in a statement shared with Pascack Press.
He added, “It is heartwarming to know that what was started at St. Joe’s is now a national movement of teens helping homeless teens across America.”
As co-creators of this ground-breaking initiative, SJR sparked a movement that allowed students to embrace their faith, cultivate empathy and understanding, and become advocates for young people facing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking.
Through their unwavering dedication, over 1,000 SJR young men have participated in the Sleep Out Student Edition, raising close to $1 million to support Covenant House New Jersey. This influential movement has inspired public and private schools across the state, with thousands of students joining the cause.
SJR can proudly claim to be the creators and pioneers of the Sleep Out Student Edition movement, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening faith and modeling the importance of service to others.
Principal Michael Bruno added, “Accepting the Covenant House New Jersey Beacon of Hope Award is a moment of immense pride for St. Joseph Regional. This accolade not only recognizes the extraordinary efforts and leadership of the students and staff but also highlights their remarkable contribution to the Covenant House mission. St. Joseph Regional remains dedicated to engaging our boys in opportunities that promote our vision of Vir Fidelis (Faithful Man) and will continue to make a difference in the lives of those in need.”
St. Joseph Regional High School is a renowned educational institution dedicated to nurturing young men academically, spiritually, and personally. SJR offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum, a vibrant extracurricular program, and a commitment to community service.
With a focus on faith, character development, and leadership, St. Joseph Regional empowers its students to become compassionate, responsible, and successful members of society.
Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter, support, and comprehensive services to homeless, runaway, and trafficked youth. They offer a safe-haven and a pathway for young people facing homelessness, providing a range of services including housing, healthcare, job training, education, and counseling. CHNJ helps vulnerable youth rebuild their lives and create a brighter future.