Brick Memorial High School (also known as Brick Township Memorial High School) is a four-year comprehensive public high school serving students in ninth through twelfth grades in Brick Township in Ocean County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, operating as a part of the Brick Public Schools. The school opened in 1980 as the second of two secondary schools in the district, the other being Brick Township High School.[4]
| Brick Memorial High School | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
 | |
2001 Lanes Mill Road , , 08724 United States | |
| Coordinates | 40°06′15″N 74°07′56″W / 40.104049°N 74.132333°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Public high school |
| Established | 1980 |
| School district | Brick Public Schools |
| NCES School ID | 340222005896[1] |
| Principal | Jonathan Barresi |
| Faculty | 94.8 FTEs[1] |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | 1,297 (as of 2023–24)[1] |
| Student to teacher ratio | 13.7:1[1] |
| Color(s) | Forest Green White and Gold[2][4] |
| Athletics conference | Shore Conference[2][3] |
| Team name | Mustangs[2] |
| Website | www |
History
editBrick Township Memorial High School opened in September 1980 by sharing the building of Brick Township High School, with separate morning and afternoon sessions. The building, constructed at a cost of $11.4 million (equivalent to $42.2 million in 2023), opened in January 1981 for more than 1,000 students in grades 9 to 11.[5]
Student statistics
editAs of the 2023–24 school year, the school had an enrollment of 1,297 students and 94.8 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 13.7:1. There were 301 students (23.2% of enrollment) eligible for free lunch and 106 (8.2% of students) eligible for reduced-cost lunch.[1]
- Test scores
Student test scores for the Class of 2014 were:[6]
- HSPA Mathematics: 29% Partial, 56% Proficient, 14.9% Advanced (vs. statewide averages of 25%/50.7%/24.3%)
- HSPA Language Arts Literacy: 7.9% Partial, 79.5% Proficient, 12.7% Advanced (vs. 15.5%/70.9%/13.6% statewide)
- SAT: 502 Math, 482 Verbal, 487 Essay (vs. NJ averages of 520/496/499)
- Advanced Placement (AP): 74% scored 3 or higher, with 8.8% of students participating vs. 19.9% statewide
- Graduation and post-graduation
Brick Memorial has a 91% graduation rate (vs. 87.5% statewide). A survey of the Class of 2010 reported that post-graduation plans were:
- 38.0% attend a four-year college/university
- 48.6% attend a two-year college (plus 0.2% other college and 2.5% other post-secondary)
- 1.4% join the military
- 8.2% enter full-time employment
Awards, recognition and rankings
editThe school was the 188th-ranked public high school in New Jersey out of 339 schools statewide in New Jersey Monthly magazine's September 2014 cover story on the state's "Top Public High Schools", using a new ranking methodology.[7] The school had been ranked 269th in the state of 328 schools in 2012, after being ranked 251st in 2010 out of 322 schools listed.[8] The magazine ranked the school 261st in 2008 out of 316 schools.[9] The school was ranked 239th in the magazine's September 2006 issue, which surveyed 316 schools across the state.[10]
Schooldigger.com ranked the school 182nd out of 381 public high schools statewide in its 2011 rankings (an increase of 47 positions from the 2010 ranking) which were based on the combined percentage of students classified as proficient or above proficient on the mathematics (80.1%) and language arts literacy (92.4%) components of the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA).[11]
Chemistry teacher Maria DeBruin was one of 45 teachers in the country selected as a Milken Educator of the Year in 2017.[12]
History
editThe school was constructed and opened in 1980 due to the large number of students enrolled at Brick Township High School.[4] It was uncertain that the school would ever built because some community members felt that a new school would divide the town.[4]
In addition to the required course work in English, history, math, science, and physical education, there are numerous selections in fine arts, foreign language, business and Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFJROTC). The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses in English, history, math, and science as well as in many elective courses within all subject areas. The academic program aims to prepare students not only for a competitive college career, but also for a vocational career.
Brick Memorial provides the opportunity to attend the Ocean County Vocational Technical School system. This program of study offers students training in transportation technologies, building trades, electronics, allied health services, and specialized trades in keeping with the industrial and employment opportunities available in the school's area. Brick Memorial includes technology as an integral part of every department and subject area. It also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that appeals to the varied interests of the student population.
Extracurricular activities
editAthletics
editThe Brick Memorial High School Mustangs[2] compete in Division A South of the Shore Conference, an athletic conference comprised of public and private high schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties along the Jersey Shore.[3][13] The league operates under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA).[14] With 1,104 students in grades 10-12, the school was classified by the NJSIAA for the 2019–20 school year as Group IV for most athletic competition purposes, which included schools with an enrollment of 1,060 to 5,049 students in that grade range.[15] The school was classified by the NJSIAA as Group IV South for football for 2024–2026, which included schools with 890 to 1,298 students.[16]
Brick Memorial offers 20 interscholastic sports programs, including baseball, basketball, bowling, cheering, cross country, dance, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball, marching band and wrestling.[2]
The boys soccer team finished the 1983 season with a record of 22-3-1, including 17 shutouts, after winning the Group III state title by defeating Wayne Valley High School by a score of 3-0 in the finals of the playoff tournament.[17][18]
The wrestling team won the South Jersey Group III state sectional title in 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1994-1996, 1998 and 1999, won the Central Jersey Group IV title in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2020, and won in South Jersey Group V in 2015. The team won the Group III state championship in 1986, 1988, 1994, 1998, 1999, won the Group IV title in 2008, 2009, 2013, and the Group V title in 2015. The program's nine state championships are tied for the sixth-most in the state[19][20][21] The team was Group IV state champions in 2013, defeating Southern Regional High School.[22]
The girls bowling team was state champions in 1990 and was Group IV champion in 2007, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017, and won the Group III title in 2020; the six state group titles are the fourth most of any team in the state. The team won the Tournament of Champions in 2013 and 2020.[23][24]
The girls soccer team won the Group IV state championship in 1999 (with a win in the tournament final against Wayne Valley High School), 2002 (vs. Westfield High School), 2003 (vs. Bridgewater-Raritan High School) and 2004 (vs. Roxbury High School).[25] In 1999, the team finished the season with a 24-1 record after winning the Group IV state title by defeating Wayne Valley by a score of 2-0 in the tournament final.[26] The team won the South Jersey Group IV state sectional champions in 2002,[27] 2003 [28] and 2004.[29]
The ice hockey team won the Handchen Cup in 2001 and 2003.[30]
The football team won the in Central Jersey Group IV state sectional champions in 2003 (defeating Manalapan High School 29-6)[31] and 2008 (with a 24-0 win over Sayreville War Memorial High School).[32][33]
Men's bowling won the overall team title in 2004, won the Group IV championship in 2009, and won both Group IV title and the Tournament of Champions in 2014, defeating Immaculata High School to win the title.[34][35]
The women's gymnastics Shore Conference champions and sectional champions, 2013.[citation needed]
Marching band
editThe Brick Memorial Marching Mustang Band, under the direction of Andrew Penrod, placed first in the 36th annual Tournament of Bands Group II Atlantic Coast Championship in 2008. The band's show, "A Knight's Pledge: The story of a Knight's Journey through Commencement, Adversity, and Triumph," earned a score of 97.4, placing them above the 110 other bands at the championship. This was the first time the Marching Mustangs won the Atlantic Coast Championships. The Marching Mustangs also broke the school record for most trophies won and highest score.[36]
In 2009, the band placed first in the 37th annual Tournament of Bands Group II Atlantic Coast Champions. Their show, "The Gallery: Modern Art at the Speed of Life," won best music and was given a score of 96.85. This score was above the scores of 26 other bands in their group.[36]
In 2010, the band placed first for their third consecutive year in the 38th annual Tournament of Bands II Atlantic Coast Champions. Their show. "Greetings From The Jersey Shore," won high music and high visual. They also broke their record set in 2008 and scored a 97.85.[36]
In 2015, the band placed first after four years in the 43rd annual Tournament of Bands Group III Open Atlantic Coast Champions. With their show entitled, "Orchestrated," it featured the music of Benjamin Britten (The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra) and Edward Elgar (Nimrod). Their score of 97.85 tied their highest score record from 2010.[36]
In 2016, the band placed first again in the 44th annual Tournament of Bands Group III Open Atlantic Coast Champions. With their show entitled, "In Our Hands," it featured the musical arrangements of Pharrell's "Happy," and Danny Elfman's "Ice Dance" by composer Ben Lee. The band broke their record highest score from 2010 with a 98.10.[36]
In 2017, the band placed first again in the 45th annual Tournament of Bands Group IV Open Atlantic Coast Champions. With their show entitled, "Bloom," it featured the musical arrangements of Celine Dion's "Prayer", Eric Whitacres "Fly to Paradise" and John Rudder's "Gloria" They won the captions "Best Brass", "Best Auxiliary" and "Best Music". The band broke the schools' record for highest score from 2016 with a 98.25. The band repeated as Group IV champion in 2018 and 2019.[36]
Clubs
editThere are 44 clubs at Brick Memorial, including the American Sign Language Club, Animal Advocacy Club, Art Club, Bible Club, Brick Memorial Studios (Film Club), Chess Club, Chorus, Creative Writing, DECA, Drama Club, Equestrian Club, French National Honor Society, Garden Club, Gay Straight Alliance, Go Club, Graphic Novel Club, Habitat For Humanity, Holistic Health & Wellness Club, Honors Club, Italian Club, Italian National Honor Society, Interact Club, Junior State of America, Key Club, Knitting/Crocheting Club, Literary Magazine, Math Team, Mock Trial, National Honor Society, PALS Club, Paranormal Society Club, Recreation, Robotics Club, AFJROTC (Unit NJ-822), School Newspaper, Sirens of Reading, Society of Influences & Game Changers, Spanish Honor Society, STRONG, Student Government Association, SURF, VOICES, Yearbook Club, and Yoga Club.[37]
Administration
editThe school's principal is Jonathan Barresi. His administration team includes three assistant principals and the athletic director.[38]
Notable alumni
edit- Nick Catone (born 1981, class of 1999), retired professional mixed martial artist who fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship[39]
- Dana Eskelson, actress who has performed on television, film and theater[40]
- Garrett Graham (born 1986, class of 2005), NFL tight end who has played for the Houston Texans[41]
- Tom McCarthy (born 1968), television play-by-play announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies[42]
- John Sadak (born 1979, class of 1996), television play-by-play announcer for the Cincinnati Reds, national TV/radio sports announcer for CBS Sports and Westwood One[43]
- Leah Scarpelli (born 2001), soccer player who plays as a defender or midfielder for Brisbane Roar[44]
- Joseph Zalinsky (born 2003), soccer player who plays as a defender for Rutgers Scarlet Knights and for New York Red Bulls II[45]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e School data for Brick Township Memorial High School, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 15, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Brick Memorial High School, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed October 20, 2020.
- ^ a b Shore Conference Realignment for 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, Shore Conference. Accessed November 15, 2020.
- ^ a b c d Our School, Brick Memorial High School. Accessed October 17, 2018. "In 1980, Brick Township Memorial High School opened its doors to the commitment and pursuit of knowledge with Mr. Brouillette serving as its first principal.... It was at that time they added the gold to Memorial’s colors. The Gold would differentiate the two high schools (BTHS, Green and White, BTMHS, Green, Gold and White.)"
- ^ "First day of school a success", Asbury Park Press, January 6, 1981. Accessed April 25, 2021, via Newspapers.com. "Students of Brick Township Memorial High School attended classes in their own building for the first time yesterday.... The school district has been waiting four years for the $11.4 million building on Lanes Mill Road to be constructed. The two-story structure was built to eliminate split sessions in Brick Township High School. This year, 1,069 students in grades 9 through 11 were separated from the Brick Township High School student body to enter Memorial.... Although Memorial students and staff had been attending afternoon classes this year while they shared space at Brick Township High School, yesterday they found themselves getting up early enough to start classes at 7:35 a.m."
- ^ Brick Township Memorial High School, NJ School Performance Report. Accessed November 22, 2014.
- ^ Staff. "Top Schools Alphabetical List 2014", New Jersey Monthly, September 2, 2014. Accessed September 5, 2014.
- ^ Staff. "The Top New Jersey High Schools: Alphabetical", New Jersey Monthly, August 16, 2012. Accessed December 1, 2012.
- ^ Staff. "2010 Top High Schools", New Jersey Monthly, August 16, 2010. Accessed April 12, 2011.
- ^ "Top New Jersey High Schools 2008: By Rank", New Jersey Monthly, September 2008, posted August 7, 2008. Accessed August 19, 2008.
- ^ School Overview; Click on "Rankings" for 2003-11 HSPA results, Schooldigger.com. Accessed March 7, 2012.
- ^ "Brick teacher awarded ‘Oscar of teachers’ alongside $25,000"
- ^ Member Schools, Shore Conference. Accessed November 15, 2020.
- ^ League & Conference Officers/Affiliated Schools 2020-2021, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed October 20, 2020.
- ^ NJSIAA General Public School Classifications 2019–2020, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed November 20, 2020.
- ^ NJSIAA Football Public School Classifications 2024–2026, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, updated September 2024. Accessed September 1, 2024.
- ^ NJSIAA History of Boys Soccer, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed January 1, 2022.
- ^ LoGiudice, Daniel. "NJ boys soccer: 30 greatest Jersey Shore teams ever", Asbury Park Press, June 16, 2020. Accessed December 8, 2020. "1983 Brick Memorial (22-3-1) - After winning three straight sectional titles after opening its doors in 1980, Brick Memorial captured its first group title in its fourth ever season with a 3-0 victory against Wayne Hills [sic].... Brick Memorial posted a program record 17 shutouts, and senior back Craig Liberatore was the general in front of the net."
- ^ NJSIAA Wrestling Team Championship History, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed May 1, 2021.
- ^ Brick Memorial Wrestling Team Championships, Shore Conference. Accessed December 2, 2015.
- ^ 2008 Wrestling Finals, Group IV, accessed February 18, 2008.
- ^ Kania, Joe. "Wrestling: Brick Memorial beats Southern to win Group 4 title", The Star-Ledger, February 17, 2013. Accessed December 2, 2015. "Brick Memorial took down Southern Regional, 34-27, to claim the NJSIAA Group 4 title Sunday at the Pine Belt Arena in Toms River."
- ^ History of NJSIAA Girls Bowling Championships, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed November 20, 2020.
- ^ Kratch, James. "Girls Bowling: Brick Memorial takes first state champion title in school history", NJ.com, February 12, 2013. Accessed September 28, 2014.
- ^ NJSIAA History of Girls Soccer, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed January 1, 2022.
- ^ Schuman, Meil. "Celebrating 'Memorial' day; Senior Harney scores two goals to lead 24-1 Brick Memorial to Group IV title", Asbury Park Press, November 21, 1999. Accessed March 4, 2021, via Newspapers.com. "Brick Memorial's girls soccer team took the field with a sense of urgency and it left it with a championship trophy. After defeating Wayne Valley 2-0 yesterday at The College of New Jersey, on a pair of goals from Katie Harney, the Mustangs were crowned the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Group IV champions.... The Mustangs (24-1) peppered Wayne Valley goalkeeper Tracy Rabcow with shots throughout the first half, registering a 15-1 shooting advantage."
- ^ 2002 Girls Soccer - South, Group IV, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed April 22, 2007.
- ^ 2003 Girls Soccer - South, Group IV, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed April 22, 2007.
- ^ 2004 Girls Soccer - South, Group IV, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed April 22, 2007.
- ^ NJSIAA Ice Hockey State Championship History, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed November 20, 2020.
- ^ 2003 Football Tournament - Central, Group IV, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed April 22, 2007.
- ^ Lerner, Gregg. "Brick Memorial blanks Sayreville, 24-0", The Star-Ledger, December 6, 2008. Accessed December 2, 2015. "Brick Memorial defeated Sayreville 24-0 to win the Central Jersey Group 4 championship game at Rutgers Stadium."
- ^ NJSIAA Football History, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed January 1, 2022.
- ^ History of NJSIAA Boys Bowling Championships, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed August 1, 2022.
- ^ Lanni, Patrick. "Boys bowling: Brick Memorial captures team Tournament of Champions title", The Star-Ledger, February 27, 2014. Accessed December 2, 2015. "The junior struck time and time again and provided the critical push to help Brick Memorial, No. 9 in The Star-Ledger Top 20, capture its first Tournament of Champions title in school history by defeating No. 3 Immaculata, 3-1, in a best-of-five, Baker-format final."
- ^ a b c d e f Atlantic Coast Champions by Year, Tournament of Bands. Accessed September 25, 2020.
- ^ Clubs, Brick Memorial High School. Accessed September 29, 2015.
- ^ Our School, Brick Memorial High School. Accessed April 21, 2023.
- ^ Christopher, Chris. "Unstoppable force: Catone set to make UFC debut" Archived November 7, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, Asbury Park Press, October 16, 2008. Accessed June 9, 2011. "The former Brick Memorial and Rider University wrestling standout has signed a four-fight contract and will make his debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, a mixed martial arts event, in Las Vegas on Nov. 15."
- ^ "High schools win honors in I drama contest", Asbury Park Press, March 18, 1983. Accessed February 20, 2024, via Newspapers.com. "Dana Eskelson, Brick Memorial High School, Brick Township, won first place in the comedy monologue category."
- ^ Edelson, Stephen. "Brick Memorial product Garrett Graham ready to audition for NFL teams", Asbury Park Press, February 20, 2010. Accessed June 9, 2011.
- ^ Caldwell, Dave. "In Person; He's a Hit, And So Far No Errors", The New York Times, May 7, 2006. Accessed June 9, 2011. "McCarthy graduated from the College of New Jersey and Brick Memorial High School."
- ^ Adelizzi, Joe. "'Voice' of Rowan gets word out", Asbury Park Press, February 8, 2003. Accessed November 6, 2017. "John Sadak of Brick, who has won numerous awards during his tenure at Rowan University, is hoping to make broadcasting his career.... Sadak, who graduated from Brick Memorial High School in 1996, describes himself as a lifelong fan."
- ^ Wall, Karen. "Brick Memorial Grad Living Soccer Dream After Signing Pro Contract", Brick, NJ Patch, February 14, 2023. Accessed December 20, 2023. "Scarpelli, a Brick Memorial graduate, was signed to a contract in late January after finishing her studies at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she played as a defender for three years after transferring from Penn State."
- ^ Joseph Zalinsky, TopDrawerSoccer.com. Accessed January 25, 2022. "High School: Brick Memorial"