Barnegat School's 'Fresh Princ(ipal)' Music Video Wins Award

BARNEGAT, NJ — It may feel like the coronavirus pandemic began years ago. But it was only March when Principal Shannon E. Smith introduced Russell O. Brackman Middle School to remote learning with a "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" theme song parody.

The "Fresh Prince(ipal) of Barnegat" music video took home second place in the video category for the annual School Communications Awards. The Barnegat Township School District also earned third place in the media relations category for news coverage on their secret mission to surprise Barnegat High School seniors with lawn signs and t-shirts.

The New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) gives out the awards to recognize New Jersey educational programs for outstanding print and electronic marketing and public relations materials.

“We are so proud to be recognized for communications, especially at a time when it’s more important than ever,” said Barnegat Township Superintendent, Dr. Brian Latwis. “We know these are untraditional times and that means we need to think outside of the box to be sure we can continue to provide a well-balanced educational experience for all of our students.”

Brackman administrators, teachers and staff made the music video to give students a fun way to kick off remote learning. Smith — the principal and now award-winning emcee — asked chorus teacher Erich Wald if he could record her rapping in his studio, and he agreed to the collaboration.

Read more: Barnegat Principal Raps 'Fresh Prince' Parody On Virtual Learning

Later in the spring, it became clear that graduation activities for seniors wouldn't occur in their usual manner. So teachers, administrators and a group of parents worked together to show seniors some appreciation. The covert operation gained the interest of local and regional news outlets.

Barnegat schools returned this fall with a hybrid learning model. They plan to return to five in-person half-days per week Nov. 16. Read more: Barnegat Schools Moving To 5 Days In-Person Next Month

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